What Is Blepharitis And What Are The Signs
Blepharitis means inflammation of the eyelid.
Blepharitis can affect one or both eyes. The affected eyelid will usually be red, swollen, and itchy. The cat may squint or blink spasmodically . Often the cat will scratch or rub at its face or eyelids leading to secondary trauma to the surrounding tissues. There may also be a discharge from the eye that may be clear, mucoid, or purulent . If the inflammation has been present for a significant amount of time, there may also be loss of pigment or hair.
The skin covering the eyelids may have dry crusts or flakes on its surface and small papules or pustules may develop on the surface. The papules, pustules, and crusts may be single or multiple. One or more meibomian glands along the margin of the eyelid may become swollen. In more severe cases, the inflammation may spread and include conjunctivitis or keratitis .
Symptoms Of Swollen Eyes In Cats
One of the most frequent symptoms of swollen eyes in cats is the appearance of redness.
This can be due to irritation, and it might also cause your cat to blink a lot more than usual or try to rub their eye. These behaviors may cause your cat to accidentally injure themselves or worsen the issue, so seek treatment quickly if you see these problems.
Some of the most comment symptoms of swollen eyes in cats are:
- A watery or mucus-like discharge from the eye
- A third eyelid that looks swollen
- Eyes that have a cloudy look to them
- Attempting to keep one or both eyes closed for most of the time
Recovery Of Red Eye In Cats
The prognosis for red eye in cats depends on the dominant cause of the ocular reddening in your cat. Your cat may need to wear an Elizabethan collar at home to prevent scratching the eyes and causing additional damage. The veterinarian may also ask that an air humidifier be placed in the home to remove irritants that may be affecting the feline.
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Symptoms Of Stomatitis In Cats
The beginning of stomatitis is inflammation of the gums, something which it has in common with other types of gingivitis. The inflammation can be focal or diffuse, i.e. in one part of the mouth or all over, respectively. From these early symptoms, it will progress to develop these other issues:
- Ulcerative lesions in the oral cavity and tongue
- Bleeding gums
- Tooth loss
Since the cat has pain and sensitivity in their mouth, it can make eating difficult. This is especially the case if the majority of their diet is based on hard kibble. The discomfort the cat experiences may be sufficient to prevent them eating at all. This discomfort can also result in the cat not grooming as much as before. If their mouth hurts, they are less likely to want to lick themselves. Since cats are such hygienic animals, if they stop
If the cat stops eating, they will lose weight, lack energy and generally feel run down. However, since the problem is believed to be related to immunodeficiency diseases, we need to be aware of other symptoms. We also need to be aware that the cat is likely more vulnerable to disease in general thanks to a compromised immune system. Feline stomatitis can affect cats of any age and it can help promote other dental problems in cats such as periodontal disease in cats.
Vet Advice: 9 Surprising Reasons Your Cats Lip Is Swollen
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The tissues around a cats mouth are exquisitely sensitive and contain complex structures to help your kitty navigate his world. There are multiple kinds of hair, glands, and skin not to mention the teeth and tongue. Its not always easy to see an abnormality inside the mouth but youll usually notice right away when your cats lip is swollen.
The most common cause of lip inflammation in cats is eosinophilic granuloma related to allergies. However, there are many other problems that can show up in the area. Parasites, auto-immune disease, dental problems, and toxins can also cause a cat to have a swollen lip.
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Treatment Of Stomatitis In Cats
If your cat has red and swollen gums, the veterinarian will suspect stomatitis. They will need to carry out various tests to diagnose the problem. These tests will usually begin with a physical examination of the oral cavity. They will need to run histological tests, meaning they will need to take a sample of the tissue and look at it under a microscope. They may also carry out a blood test to confirm the specific problem.
Treatment will depend on the individual cat and the degree to which the infection presents. However, it is very important to note that stomatitis is chronic and has not cure. Treatment of feline stomatitis involves managing symptoms and alleviating any related pain. It will also be helped by continuing treatment for any underlying conditions which may be exacerbating the stomatitis.
Since the causes of feline estomatitis are multifaceted, the treatment method also needs to be involved. Animal dentists refer to the treatment approach as COHAT which stands for Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment. This may include:
- Pain medication
- Interferon therapy if there is a viral disease
- Tooth extraction
Tooth extraction will occur in advanced and severe cases of stomatitis in cats. For this reason, it is likely they will need a dietary change and will only be able to eat wet food. When the condition is too progressed and the prognosis is bad, the cat may not respond to treatment. In these cases, the cat may be euthanized.
What Is A Cat Stye
Also referred to as a hordeolum, a stye is a red, painful lump either near the edge of the eyelid or on the inner part of the eyelid. It often looks like a boil or a pimple, and may be filled with pus.
Styes result from an acute infection of the oil glands of the eyelid, and they occur after glands have become clogged. The eye may feel irritated and itchy as a result. Other symptoms can include swelling, discomfort when blinking, light sensitivity, and watering of the eye.
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Treatment Of Red Eye In Cats
The treatment of red eye in cats depends on the condition that is causing your cats eye to turn a reddish color. If allergies or irritants are to blame for your cats red eye, the doctor may advise a few simple changes at home and prescribe an antihistamine. However, if the cause of your cats red eye is caused by a structural abnormality, foreign obstruction, trauma or growth, a surgical procedure may need to be completed to restore your felines eyes to their original state. Chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy could also be a part of your cats treatment plan if cancer is the source of your cats red eyes.
Remedies For A Swollen Cat Eye
If your cat has a swollen eye, depending on the cause there are a number of things you may do:
- A warm compress: Sometimes a warm compress held gently on the eye will reduce swelling and discomfort. Only do this if there is no foreign object lodged in the eye.
- Ointments and eye drops: If the cause of the swollen eye is Conjunctivitis, you may be able to treat it with ointments or eye drops. Eye Easy is an ointment highly recommended for cats with pink eye.
- Antibiotics: If the swelling is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be necessary to treat it.
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A Cat Scratched Me And My Hand Is Red And Swollen
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Tears Or Discharge From The Eye
When a cat has an eye infection, you’re likely to notice that they seem to be crying or that they have some sticky discharge coming from their eyes. The discharge can be a variety of colors, including clear and green. One of the most common causes of discharge from the eyes is conjunctivitis, which can develop as a result of feline herpesvirus or because of a bacterial or viral infection.
Some cats will blink or wink more to clear the discharge away from their eyes. If you notice anything coming from their eyes or seem them blinking or winking, bring them in for a vet check-up right away.
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Complications From Ingrown Toenails And Declawing
Occasionally a cats paw will be swollen due to ingrown claws that grow and curl into your cats paw pad. It pierces the tender skin of the pad, causing feline pain, inflammation, and in many cases, infection. Though this problem is more prevalent in senior cats, it can happen with any feline of any age if you dont keep an eye on their claws and trim them when needed.
Usually, if they have scratching posts, a cats claws stay at a healthy length. But sometimes there may be an underlying health condition that is causing their nail overgrowth. Its best to see your vet if this happens frequently to rule out anything more serious.
In other cases, if youve recently had your cat declawed, they could suffer from complications related to the declawing procedure. Having a cat declawed causes severe trauma to their feet and can be a significant source of pain, swelling, and general misery for your kitty.
What About Herbal Remedies For Cat Eye Infections
Unfortunately, you will read a great deal of information about DIY home remedies for cat eye infections. Eye infections are no joking matter. Permanent damage and vision loss can occur if treatment is delayed. In addition, scar tissue may develop and clog tear ducts or scar mucous membranes. That’s why it is important to do your research.
Some of these remedies have been misapplied and are extremely dangerous. In the rare instance that such a remedy is recommended, only follow the advice of a veterinarian. DO NOT use the following unless advised otherwise:
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Home Care: Tips For Keeping Your Cats Eyes Healthy
You can help avoid eye problems in your cat by keeping up with yearly vaccinations, avoiding kitty overcrowding, and checking your cats eyes frequently for redness, cloudiness, a change in color or shape, discharge, or sensitivity to light.
To safely remove your cats eye discharge and make them more comfortable while waiting for their vet appointment, arm yourself with a bag of cotton balls and these simple tips from the ASPCA:
- Dip a cotton ball in water. Wipe away the eye discharge, always from the corner of the eye outward. Use a fresh cotton ball for each eye.
- Steer clear of any over-the-counter drops or washes unless your vet has prescribed them.
Because correct treatment can be so critical to the health and well-being of your cat, always talk to a veterinarian to be sure kitty is getting just the right care needed.
Selecting The Right Treatment
Although you may have to learn how to hold your feline friend in order to administer the medication, ophthalmic antibiotic drops and gels are commonly used to treat bacterial infections in cats eyes. Your veterinarian can show you how to do this.
Oral treatments are often unnecessary unless there is a systemic infection involved. Viral infections require the consistent use of an anti-viral medication. However, some vets will suggest letting a viral infection run its course. An antibiotic may be prescribed, as some viral infections are found alongside bacterial eye infections.
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Recognizing The Symptoms Of Eye Infection In Cats
While people often wink at each other to show affection or camaraderie, if you notice that your cat seems to be winking, blinking, or squinting at you, it could be a sign that something’s wrong with one or both of their eyes. Cat eye infections are common and can be caused by viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Feline herpes is one very common cause of eye problems in cats. If you think something’s going with your cat’s eyes, the first thing to do is bring them to a veterinary doctor in Orlando, FL, for a checkup and exam.
Not sure how to tell if your cat has an eye infection? Keep a lookout for the following signs.
Cat Swollen Lip Causes And Remedies
Unusual injuries and changes on your cats face can be worrying. Like me, you may be wondering whats causing your cats lips to start swelling. So, I went digging for information and I found out common possible causes of this condition.
Swollen lips in cats are usually caused by a condition called eosinophilic granuloma complex. You cant rule out other reasons such as allergic reactions, feline acne, injuries or even dental problems. Remedies and treatment options will depend on the root cause.
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Tips To Care For Your Cats Eyes
There are things you can do to help keep your cats eyes bright, shiny, and healthy. For instance:
- Check their eyes Look into your cats eyes on a regular basis. If you notice issues like redness, cloudiness, black spots on the colored portion of the eye, or discharge, you should contact your veterinarian.
- Schedule wellness exams Routine veterinary visits are important for our feline friends. They can help keep your cats overall health on track and give your veterinarian the opportunity to detect eye issues and other problems in the early stages.
- Clean their eyes gently Cats generally take care of their own grooming, but if you notice gunk around the eye, you can clean it carefully with a damp cotton ball. Take care not to touch the eye itself, or you could damage the cornea. If you give your cat a bath, you can use that time to clean around the eyes.
- Keep your cat inside All cats should be kept indoors to help them stay safe and healthy. If your cat goes outdoors, they could injure their eyes while running through the bushes or fighting with another cat or animal. They could also catch a contagious disease, which can cause issues like pink eye or uveitis.
If your cat ends up with an eye condition, a pet health insurance plan can help you manage your veterinary bills. Get a personalized quote for your cat.
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What An Eye Opener: Feline Eye Disorders
Theres something so entrancing about cat eyes the color and depth just draws us in every time. This month, well take a look at different eye issues and how to help keep your kittys eyes healthy. Cats can suffer from many of the same eye issues that affect us like bacterial infections or viruses. Simple eye problems can worsen quickly and cause potentially permanent damage to the eye. In this blog, well talk about how to recognize the signs early so you can get your cat treatment and pain relief right away.
How can you tell if your cat has an eye problem?
Just as weve discussed for other issues, always do a tail to nose visual inspection of your cat every so often. This allows you to catch small issues before they turn in to BIG problems! For your cats eyes, they should appear clear and bright with no puffiness or swelling. There should be no red or irritated areas and your cats pupils should be the same size. If one appears bigger than the other, contact your veterinarian for appointment. The eye should be free of discharge and crust, especially at the corners. If you see any discharge, note the color so you can let your vet know.
What are the most common eye issues in cats?
Just like with people, conjunctivitis is a common problem. The eye will appear red or swollen and typically youll see discharge. Your cat may paw at the eye or squint. Treatment typically involves eye drops or ointment, but depends on the cause.
What can you do to prevent eye issues?
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