Why a cat's eye is pusy

The reasons why this occurs are various. Conventionally, they can be divided into several groups.

Pus from the eyes of a cat

As soon as the owner of the pet notices the following signs, it is necessary to seek help from a veterinarian:

If there is no possibility to go urgently to the vet, you can try to rinse the pet's eyes at home, alleviating the symptoms. For this purpose, folk remedies are used to reduce inflammation, relieve itching and remove pus:

• Infusion of chamomile. Prepare the infusion at home. Take dried chamomile flowers – 1 tbsp. and pour 200 ml of boiling water. Allow to infuse for 15 minutes. Soaked in the infusion of a cotton pad gently rubbed the affected area.
• Brewing strong tea. Infuse 2 sachets or 1 tbsp. of black tea in 200 ml of boiling water. Let stand for 15 minutes and then moisten a cotton pad with this infusion, squeeze a little and wipe the corners of the eyes from the accumulated exudate.
• Saline solution. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 500 ml of hot water. The solution is then cooled down to a comfortable temperature, moisten a gauze (recommended) or cotton pad and cleanse the animal's eyes.

Treatment in a veterinary clinic

Noticing the characteristic pathological changes in the eye area of the cat, it is not recommended to delay a visit to a veterinarian. The specialist will conduct a general clinical examination and prescribe a number of tests. Mandatory for diagnosis are:

Based on the findings, the doctor will develop a therapeutic regimen. Depending on the factors that contributed to the development of the disease, the treatment regimen will differ.

If the cause of the purulent exudate is mechanical trauma, the affected area must be thoroughly cleaned using an antiseptic. Then the eye is washed with a solution of manganese solution and special drops with an antimicrobial effect are put into the eye.

In the case of diagnosed blepharitis, it is necessary to identify the factor that provoked the inflammation. First of all, the cat is prescribed a balanced diet, since quite often the cause of blepharitis is a lack of vitamins in the body. In addition to eye drops, the animal is recommended to put a special ointment with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory action. Severe pain in the animal is eliminated by performing a novocaine blockade.

A special place is occupied by conjunctivitis of purulent and phlegmonous type. When they develop, the veterinarian develops a comprehensive treatment. In addition to obligatory eye washings several times a day, antimicrobial ointments are prescribed. The affected area is anesthetized with a novocaine block.

Drops used by veterinary ophthalmologists come in the following types:

1. Antiseptic. Well cope with suppuration of the eyes in the earliest stages of the pathology. Lakrikan and Oftalmosan means are prescribed. In addition to antiseptic action, the drugs have a mild analgesic effect.
2. Antimicrobials. Obligatory when diagnosed with serious bacterial infections. Drops that allow you to fight diseases of the chronic type in the eye area – Lacrimin and Dekta-2. They are used to relieve inflammation and signs of allergies.
3. Immunomodulatory. Drops used in veterinary ophthalmology to combat viral infection and inflammation should have an immunomodulatory effect. Maxidin and Anandin drops have proven to be excellent. They allow not only to strengthen the body's response to the introduction of viruses, but also have anti-inflammatory properties.

Reasons why a cat's eyes are pusy

Eye discharge is not always a symptom of a disease. There are many reasons why a cat's eyes may be pusy: from mechanical damage to the eyeball to anatomical features due to genetics.

Conventionally we can distinguish 4 categories of causes of purulent eyes: primary (ophthalmic) diseases, secondary, breed peculiarities, infectious diseases.

Primary diseases

The most common eye diseases that cause pus include conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, eyelid screw-ups and eversions.

Conjunctivitis – A condition that causes inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye. Food allergies in catsThe disease requires timely diagnosis and surgical treatment, which should take place under the supervision of a veterinarian. The disease requires timely diagnosis and prompt treatment, which must take place under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Blepharitis – Inflammation of the margins of the eyelids – accompanied by discharge and itching, inflammation of the eyes and changes in the pet's behavior. The disease can be caused by mechanical trauma to the eye, infections, or fungus. Blepharitis can also accompany other diseases, such as kidney failure, so the first symptoms of blepharitis should be taken seriously.

Keratitis – A disease that affects the cornea of the eye – can be triggered by trauma, infection or fungus, and can also be due to the breed of the animal. For example, brachycephals – flat-faced cats – and sphinxes are more susceptible to keratitis.

Eyelid eversion and dislocation is characterized by lacrimation, purulent discharge, redness of the conjunctiva and other symptoms. When the disease occurs, the eyelashes and the edges of the pet's eyelid are in an unnatural position and wrapped inward or turned outward.

Secondary diseases

Secondary diseases of the eye are associated with various chemical and physical factors: bruises, mechanical injuries, foreign objects.

Symptoms of cat eye disease

Each disease of the visual apparatus has its own set of symptoms, and without consulting a veterinarian, it will not be possible to accurately diagnose. But there are some signs that can be used to understand that the health of the cat is at risk:

• The cat does not open its eye or keeps it half-covered, blinking and squinting frequently;
• Tear production increases and pus discharge from the eye appears;
• The cat won't let the owner near him or her and won't let him or her touch his or her muzzle;
• The eye changes shape or enlarges, becomes inflamed and red;
• The surface of the eye shows damage or other changes that are not normal;
• There is photophobia or lack of pupil response to light;
• The pet is not spatially oriented.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact a veterinarian. Timely and accurate diagnosis of the disease will help get your pet back to normal and avoid possible complications.

Symptoms

It is impossible not to notice that a cat's eyes are pusy. As a rule, festering is accompanied by other signs. Cats are very clean, so the oozing gives them a lot of discomfort. The animal often blinks, constantly rubs its muzzle, trying to get rid of dried crusts.

Their eyes become red, swollen, watery, and they secrete yellow, green or brown pus. The hair near the eyelids darkens, and a thick crust forms around it, preventing the cat from opening them completely.

Previously active and cheerful pet becomes lethargic, apathetic, refuses to eat, tries to hide in a dark place, away from light. In some cases, the temperature rises.

Noticing purulent discharge from your four-legged pet, you should immediately contact the veterinarian. If this is not possible, you need to wash the eyes, but after all, show the pet to a specialist.

Diagnosis

First, the doctor examines the animal for injuries, collects information about its state of health, finds out what chronic diseases exist. Next, to make a diagnosis, the veterinarian needs to perform a number of diagnostic tests, including examining the frequency and consistency of discharge.

In some cases, an ultrasound of the affected eye and skull x-rays are necessary.

Diagnosis

If primary suppuration occurs, the owner should immediately consult a qualified specialist, preferably an ophthalmologist. Time and strict adherence to the doctor's instructions play an important role in the favorable outcome of treatment.

Eye disease in newborn kittens should be taken particularly seriously, since complications later on will pose even greater danger.

Without laboratory tests and a comprehensive approach one cannot be sure that the diagnosis is correct. Unfortunately, not all owners remember this, preferring an experienced veterinarian – self-treatment at home.

Treatment methods

It is important to remember that the success of recovery depends directly on the correctness of the diagnosis and the willingness of the person to fully comply with the appointment.

• For a complete diagnosis, the doctor needs an anamnesis, i.e. information about the cat: the conditions in which the cat lives, its diet, past diseases, behavioral traits, neighborhood with other animals.
• It is advisable to wash the cat's eyes with warm chamomile solution even before visiting the veterinary clinic.
• Depending on the causes of festering, the doctor may use several approaches to treatment. If the discharge from the eyes and nose is prolonged and profuse, a novocaine blockade is usually prescribed with the introduction of an antibiotic. If the ocular discharge is the result of mechanical damage, Levomycetin drops for adult cats or Albucid for monthly kittens are used.

Injuries

The danger is not the primary injuries, but the secondary infection of the affected surfaces with pathogens. Festering occurs, which is preceded by inflammation, hyperemia, swelling, and heavy tearing.

Injury to an animal, if not treated in time, is complicated by infection, as evidenced by purulent discharge. A veterinary specialist will be able to help you cope with the disease. He will conduct a series of tests and develop an adequate treatment regimen.

Parasitic diseases

Helminths, during their life activity, poison the entire body. Inflammation of the conjunctiva, cornea or eyelids may be evidence of a parasitic infestation. In addition, specific helminths may be the cause of purulent discharge from the eyes, which is caused by teliathiasis. Parasite larvae enter the eyes with insects or are carried by the wind. The parasites are localized in the space between the eyelid and the eyeball. Complications of thelaziosis occur rarely in cats, but the parasites provoke irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, opening the gates for other infections.

A large volume of mucous secretion is the first alarm bell for the cat owner. Over time, the pathological process worsens and pus begins to appear from the eyes.

Due to the high volume of questions received, free veterinary consultations have been temporarily suspended.

Pus in a cat's eyes – how to treat?

If a cat's eyes have been pus for a long time, and the owner does not carry out any treatment, the condition of the pet may worsen. In addition to the fact that pus gives a lot of discomfort, depending on the cause, complications will develop.

In order to make a diagnosis, the pet should be taken to a veterinary clinic or call the doctor at home. You will need to tell the specialist how long ago the problem arose and about all the symptoms you noticed. You will also need to recall if the pet has suffered from any eye disease, chronic ailments, and if the pet has any allergies.

The doctor, in turn, will examine the frequency and consistency of the discharge, visually identify injuries and possible foreign objects in the mucosa. Based on the interview and examination, the veterinarian will determine the cause that caused the pus from the cat's eyes, make a diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. In cases where the doctor has difficulty making an exact diagnosis, an x-ray of the skull and ultrasound of the affected eye will be prescribed.

Treatment of purulent eyes in a cat

When a cat's eyes are pusy, treatment will be prescribed depending on the cause. There are a number of ophthalmologic drugs that will help combat the ailment. Most often, veterinarians prescribe eye drops for cats.

1. Bactericidal or antiseptic. They help with pus only in the initial stages of the disease. This may be Lacrican or Ophthalmosan. The former have polysept as an active ingredient. In addition, the composition includes menthol and anesthesin, which reduces the discomfort.
2. Antibacterial. They are prescribed in cases of bacterial infection. Effective antibacterial drops are considered: Lacrimin aseptic (treats chronic eye disease), Ciprovet (effectively treats chlamydia), Dekta-2 (relieves inflammation and eliminates allergy symptoms).
3. Immunomodulatory. Ophthalmic drops, which have an immunomodulatory effect, are prescribed for viral infections and inflammatory reactions. In veterinary medicine, Maxidin and Anandin are used. Maxidin strengthens the immune system and suppresses the development of viruses, while Anandin, in addition to boosting the immune system, relieves inflammation and accelerates wound healing.

It is important to use the drops according to the instructions. The dose should never be exceeded. The liquid must get into the eye sack. Before using the drug, the eye should be rinsed and cleaned of crusts.

Flushing fluid can be purchased at any veterinary pharmacy (e.g. Medkinos or Lacrimin) or you can make your own at home.

1. Chamomile Decoction. Add 1 tbsp of chamomile to a glass of boiling water and boil for 3-4 minutes. After letting stand for 15 minutes, soak a cotton pad in the warmed liquid and gently rub the animal's eyes.
2. Strong tea infusion. Boil 2 sachets of black or green tea in a glass of boiling water. If you don't have tea bags, you can substitute 1 tbsp. leaf tea. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes, then soak a cotton pad or cotton tourniquet, squeeze out and rub into the eye corners.
3. Saline solution. Dissolve 1 tsp. of salt in 0.5 ml of hot water. Let cool down to room temperature and repeat the procedure.

Preventative measures

There are several useful tips to help prevent festering eyes in a cat.

• Inspect the pet regularly, visit the veterinarian's office with the cat in order to prevent it.
• Control the behavior of the pet during walks to prevent eye trauma.
• If he has a temper, walk him on a harness so he doesn't get into fights with other cats. If the cat does get into a fight with its kin, examine it carefully and treat the affected areas around its eye and on the rest of its body with hydrogen peroxide. If after a fight the cat's eye is furred, flush it with common water or camomile broth.
• Carry out deworming procedure in time. Worms not only harm the cat, but also poison his body with the products of their own life. And one of the signs of helminth parasitism in the cat's body is festering of one or both eyes at once.
• In long-haired cats, you need to cut the hair around the eyes as a preventive measure. This will avoid unwanted discharge and is a good preventive measure against the formation of crusts.
• If the pet's eye area is injured and this has caused festering of the visual organ, the owner should supervise the pet's behavior so that the pet does not scratch the affected area with its paws. It is better to put an Elizabethan collar on the pet, which is sold in a pet store (you can make it yourself if you want).

Constant care of the pet, timely treatment of eye injuries will help to avoid serious consequences of festering eyes.

How to apply the drops

Before applying the drops, it is necessary to rinse the cat's or kitten's eyes with a sterile bandage, a cotton pad. After rinsing:

• Lay the kitty on its side, hold its head with one hand and lift it slightly. Wrap it in a sheet or blanket to prevent the cat from tearing out.
• Gently ajar the sore eye and put the medicine in it. Hold the pet's muzzle during the procedure.
• Make sure the drops are distributed evenly over the surface of the eye. Excess product can be blotted with a sterile napkin.

The duration of use of the drops depends on the type and severity of the disease. Usually they are put into drops from 2 to 6 times a day, and the full course of treatment may take up to three weeks.

Use of therapeutic ointments

Antibacterial ointments such as tetracycline (1%) are used to treat inflammatory eye conditions. The ointment is applied to the affected eye, most often under the lower eyelid. The technique of application is similar to the injection of eye drops.

It is important to fix the pet well, apply the ointment carefully and gently massage the eyelid area so that the preparation is well distributed.

It is best to apply the ointment not by hand, but with a special glass wand with a round tip. Such a device can be purchased at a pet store or veterinary drugstore.

Treatment of conjunctival inflammation in pets

It is possible to treat this disease in cats at home. An animal with such a disease is hospitalized in rare cases.

Flushing

Initially the eyes are freed from mucous and pus secretions, the crusts are removed. Washing with a decoction of calendula or chamomile or you should use a solution of furacilin (1 tablet diluted in a glass of water) will help. Absorbent cotton provokes irritation of the mucosa, so it is better to use a bandage. Each eye is rinsed with a separate tampon.

The solution should be brought to body temperature before the procedure. Use of manganitsa and boric acid is risky. It will provoke a burn if the dose is wrong or if the particles of the substance do not fully dissolve.

Eye ointments

In the early stage, preparations for external use are prescribed. An ointment containing an antibiotic is applied behind the lower eyelid 4 times during the day.

The medicine is applied by means of a glass stick with a rounded tip, before starting the procedure, it is necessary to hold it in hot water.

Drops

Eye drops for the treatment of conjunctivitis are used up to 8 times a day. Usually the application is prescribed:

Both ointment and drops are applied to two eyes, even when the inflammation occurs in only one. Before starting the procedure, get rid of any discharge and crusts by treating the eyes with an antiseptic fluid.

Intramuscular injection of antibiotics

If a severe form of conjunctivitis is diagnosed, antibiotics are prescribed for injection into the muscle. Such treatment is prescribed for purulent, parenchymatous and follicular inflammation of the conjunctiva. Since antibiotics have adverse reactions, they are administered under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Mr. Cat advises: preventive actions

Conjunctival inflammation is a common ailment. It can affect both a small kitten and an adult pet. For this reason, each owner must comply with some requirements to prevent the occurrence of the ailment:

• Eliminate drafts and temperature changes. Especially if the pet has been bathed.
• Support the pet's immune system.
• Visit your veterinarian regularly for routine checkups.
• Treat any illnesses that occur.
• Vaccinate and deworm your pet promptly.
• Keep household chemicals out of the reach of cats.
• Limit your cat's contact with stray cats.
• When coming back from the street, wash your hands thoroughly before saying hello to your pet.

Conjunctival inflammation in cats is a serious contagious disease that needs attention. The disease must not only learn how to recognize and treat it, but also how to prevent it. The main goal of timely therapy is to prevent the development of blindness in the pet.