Follicular conjunctivitis in cats. How to treat conjunctivitis in cats

In this article I will discuss the disease conjunctivitis in cats. I’ll tell you why a cat’s eyes water and the causes of conjunctivitis. I will list the types of conjunctiva. I will tell you about the symptoms of the disease, what to do and how to treat it. I will list prevention methods and tell you how to wipe a kitten’s eye

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye. Viral disease often found in cats.

Can humans get feline conjunctivitis?

Can a person get conjunctivitis from an animal? Currently transfer feline conjunctivitis not recorded for humans. But precautions will not be superfluous. Because viral conjunctivitis can be transmitted by airborne droplets.

Reasons why cats' eyes often water

If a pet scratches its eyes constantly and they become watery, this does not always indicate conjunctivitis. Causes of lacrimation:

Tearing is a natural process.

It is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of your pet's eyes.

When you notice that your cat is constantly scratching them, large quantities of accumulations regularly accumulate in the corners and, even more so, purulent discharge, then this indicates one or another eye disease. One of the common diseases is conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis in a kitten.

What is conjunctiva and conjunctivitis

The conjunctiva is the mucous membrane that covers the eyeball and inner side century It is on it that additional lacrimal glands, which prevent the eye from drying out.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which protects the eye and lines it from the inside.

Types of conjunctivitis

There are several types of disease:

Catarrhal

Profuse lacrimation, the eyelids swell and the mucous membrane is inflamed. The fur next to the eyelids is wet. Possible increase in temperature.

This type of disease has an initial stage and is the mildest.

If you start treatment right away, you can quickly rid your pet of the disease at home.

Purulent

The symptoms are the same as those of catarrhal disease. Only purulent discharge is added. Yellow crusts may appear on the eyelids. Eyelids stick together large quantity discharge.

This stage of the disease is dangerous and it is necessary to consult a doctor, otherwise the pet may even go blind.

Phlegmonous

Severe stage of the disease. Purulent discharge is not only outside, but also penetrates inside eyeball, into the subepithelial layer of the conjunctiva.

This form of the disease is difficult to cure and requires qualified help.

Follicular

With follicular conjunctiva, not only the mucous membrane of the eyelids is inflamed, but also the lymphatic follicles. They are located in the third eyelid and, when diseased, protrude outward.

This stage of the conjunctiva requires long-term treatment because the disease is chronic.

Viral

May be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. The symptoms are the same - profuse lacrimation. Viruses are located on the conjunctiva and infect it.

The disease can have two forms:

• Acute - the animal experiences pain and itching, the eyelids are swollen and the cat constantly scratches. Copious discharge from the eyes. The pet has no appetite and may experience problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
• Chronic - occurs as a result of an untreated acute form. Tears constantly flow from the eyes and the eyelids swell.

Causes

Conjunctivitis can occur for various reasons:

For proper treatment, it is necessary to identify the cause of the disease, for proper treatment.

The causes of inflammation of the internal mucous membrane can be anything.

Moreover, sometimes conjunctivitis is not a separate disease, but accompanies many systemic viral or microbial infections.

Symptoms and signs

Symptoms of the disease:

• Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes.
• Profuse lacrimation.
• Copious discharge ranging from clear to purulent.
• The cat is constantly scratching its eyes.
• The eyelids stick together.
• There may be a cloudy film on the cornea.
• The cat squints or does not open its eyelids at all.

Discharges can be:

• Purulent - infection caused by bacteria.
• Cloudy gray - caused by viruses.
• Transparent mucous membranes - allergic reaction.

Treatment at home

If you have symptoms, you can do some treatments at home:

• Rinsing can be done using a decoction of chamomile or calendula. These herbs will help relieve inflammation. The broth must be warm! Never hot or cold. For rinsing, you can use strong black tea without sugar. You can use furacillin solution according to the instructions. To wash your cat's eyes, use a moistened cotton pad to gently wipe them and remove any discharge or crusts. It is necessary to rinse every 3 – 4 hours! To eliminate painful sensations After washing your pet, you can drip a couple of drops of 2% novocaine. This drug will also help relieve swelling. The washing technique is the same for both adult cats and kittens.
• Use a special ointment after rinsing thoroughly. Suitable for these purposes: tetracycline, erythromycin ointments. The ointment must be placed under upper eyelid specially glass rod. Before each procedure, pour boiling water over the stick. If the cat has strong resistance, you can apply the ointment to the lower eyelid. Blinking, the pet will distribute it himself.
• Special drops must be instilled into clean, washed eyes 2–3 times a day. To alleviate the cat's condition: after washing and removing the crusts, contact your veterinarian. It is necessary to find out the cause of the disease. Prevention of lacrimation and conjunctivitis.

Prevention

To prevent illness, take the following measures:

• Monitor your cat's health carefully. Very often, conjunctivitis becomes a consequence of some disease.
• Support your pet's immunity.
• Proper and balanced nutrition.
• Make sure your cat does not come into contact with sick or stray animals.
• Take care of your pet's hygiene.

Pay attention to your pet and monitor its health.

After all, cats, like people, are prone to illness.

Owners have to deal with conjunctivitis different breeds cats, and cats and kittens also suffer from this problem. Do not forget that any information, including that presented in this article and relating to feline conjunctivitis, will be for informational purposes only, because correct treatment is prescribed only by a veterinarian experienced in this matter and after a preliminary examination of the animal and delivery necessary tests to determine the degree of development of eye disease in a cat.

Don't be careless about for a pet, because he will need your support in treating this problem, therefore, after reading the information collected in this and other articles on this site, you need to visit a veterinarian.

Conjunctivitis in cats: causes, symptoms, how long it lasts, what it looks like, how it manifests itself

Everyone knows what conjunctivitis is, but not everyone knows that inflammation of the conjunctiva (simply sour eyes) is most often accompanying symptom other diseases than an independent disease.
The causes of conjunctivitis in a cat can be:
- injuries, bruises or foreign bodies;
- irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes chemicals or in pairs;
— infectious diseases or invasion;
— pathogenic microorganisms;
- inflammation of the skin areas adjacent to the eyes.

Conjunctivitis can occur in acute, chronic, purulent or follicular form. In the acute stage, mucous secretions collect in the corners of the animal’s eyes, which, when dry, stick the eyelids together and the cat cannot open the affected eye. If no action is taken, acute stage conjunctivitis will become chronic. The eyes of cats at this stage of the disease are constantly watery, the skin of the eyelids looks inflamed, and often, due to purulent crusts, it is devoid of hair.

Purulent conjunctivitis usually affects not one, but both eyes. The animal looks depressed, its temperature rises, inflammatory process makes the eyes puffy, the eyeball becomes red, and the purulent discharge is yellow and foul-smelling.

Follicular conjunctivitis causes a cloudy film of a dirty grayish color to appear on the eyes and the animal is at risk of blindness.

How to treat conjunctivitis in a cat, it can be transmitted to other cats

You can begin to treat conjunctivitis in a cat only after identifying the cause of its occurrence, and this can only be done in a veterinary laboratory.
Based on the identified type of microorganisms, the most optimal drug will be selected - ointment, drops or antibiotic injections.
In all cases, it is additionally required to rinse with antiseptic solutions.

Some types of conjunctivitis are transmitted from a sick cat not only to other cats, but also pose a danger to humans.

Conjunctivitis in a pregnant British cat, what to do?

Conjunctivitis from a pregnant woman british cat can be transmitted to kittens, so it is advisable to get rid of the disease before birth. Since conjunctivitis may have different origins(viral or bacterial), then the approaches to its treatment will also differ. Therefore, it is better not to self-medicate, but to consult with professionals in veterinary clinic.

How to treat conjunctivitis in a cat: medicine, drops, folk remedies, albucid, antibiotics

The most common folk remedy for treating conjunctivitis is washing the eyes with chamomile infusion or brewing black tea.

Veterinarians' opinions about albucid are divided - some consider it contraindicated for animals, others confirm its effectiveness. If this drug was prescribed by a doctor, you should rely on his professionalism, strictly observing the recommended dosage, since the concentration of albucid intended for humans will be too high for cats.

Treating conjunctivitis in a cat at home with tea

In folk medicine, it is recommended to treat conjunctivitis in a cat at home with tea. To do this, pour 1 tablespoon of black tea into a glass of boiling water and let the solution brew well. Then, in the tea leaves cooled to room temperature, moisten a cotton swab and wipe the sour eye with it (to prevent the infection from spreading, you need to take a new swab each time). If the inflammation affects only one eye, both eyes still need such treatment.

Is conjunctivitis in a cat contagious to people? Is it dangerous for humans?

Conjunctivitis in a cat poses a threat to humans, so when treating an animal you must strictly observe sanitary standards– treat your pet’s eyes with gloves, or wash your hands both before and after contact with the patient.

Conjunctivitis in a cat with calcivirosis, consequences

Conjunctivitis can be a symptom of calcivirus in a cat. Calcivirosis is a disease transmitted virally when a healthy animal comes into contact with a sick one, it does not spare all age categories - from a kitten to an adult or elderly cat.
The disease is considered quite serious, and if measures are not taken in time, there is a high probability of the animal’s death.

Allergic conjunctivitis in a cat

Allergic conjunctivitis in a cat it occurs after contact with an allergen. At the same time, at the beginning of the disease, the animal begins to experience intense lacrimation, which over time develops into inflammation of the conjunctiva with the release of pus. For successful treatment, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the allergen that caused this reaction in the body and treat the animal antihistamines and eye drops.

Viral conjunctivitis in a cat

Viral conjunctivitis in animals occurs in many diseases caused by bacteria or viruses. In this case, the cat’s eyes have a swollen appearance, become very watery, and then, instead of tears, pus begins to ooze from the conjunctiva. Presumably at viral conjunctivitis cats are prescribed immunostimulants, antibiotics and antiseptic drugs - ointments or eye drops.

Treatment of purulent conjunctivitis in cats

Purulent conjunctivitis in cats occurs with an increase in body temperature, the mucous membrane of the eyes becomes red and swollen, and the purulent discharge itself has a dirty yellow tint and a foul odor.

Treatment of purulent conjunctivitis is prescribed by a doctor based on the laboratory research. Before visiting the clinic, you can alleviate your cat’s condition the folk way– washing her eyes with warm strong tea or chamomile infusion.

Infectious conjunctivitis in a cat

Infectious conjunctivitis accompanies many different diseases, so getting rid of one of the symptoms will not lead to a cure for the animal as a whole. Self-medicating can only worsen your cat’s already weakened health. Leave it to professional veterinarians to treat your animal. Before going to the clinic, a sick cat can wash its eyes with special lotions such as “Rosinka” or “Diamond Eyes”.

Chronic conjunctivitis in a cat

Conjunctivitis in a cat can be an independent disease or a symptom of another disease. Only veterinarians can understand these nuances. Therefore, the disease has not yet taken over chronic nature need to be delivered correct diagnosis and direct all efforts to cure the identified illness.

In case of chronic conjunctivitis, especially during an exacerbation, it is usually recommended to wash the eyes with chamomile decoction 2-3 times a day and apply eye ointment behind the eyelid.

How can you treat conjunctivitis in cats and Persian cats, how long to treat

For the treatment of conjunctivitis in cats, in each specific case, completely various drugs, since there is no single panacea for this disease. One animal may benefit from drops and ointments, while another will require injections.
Cats and cats Persian breed, due to the peculiarities of the structure of the muzzle, they need eye care more than others, so they need to wipe their eyes with special means every day, or even several times a day.

If you suspect conjunctivitis, it is advisable to immediately contact a specialist and not self-medicate.

A pet is 100% dependent on its owner. He does not know how to get his own food and cannot use natural “medicines” if he gets sick. That is why it is necessary to closely monitor his well-being and respond in a timely manner even to minor symptoms. Cat lovers often notice that their pets' eyes begin to water. This is not a small thing at all. The disease is called conjunctivitis. In cats it occurs quite often and can cause irreversible consequences.

Description of the conjunctiva

On the surface of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids there is a thin mucous membrane. This is what is called the conjunctiva. The membrane secretes a liquid mucous substance, in addition, several lacrimal glands emerge here. All this allows you to protect your cat’s eyes from drying out and microtrauma. On upper eyelid The conjunctiva is thickened, which makes it possible to distribute tear fluid during blinking. The cat's third eyelid is also part of the conjunctiva. IN healthy condition This is an inconspicuous fold. During illness, it increases sharply and can close the pet’s eye.

What is conjunctivitis called?

Doctors view conjunctivitis as a symptom of more complex diseases. Therefore, treatment is always taken very seriously. Having discovered conjunctivitis of the eyes in cats, the veterinarian always conducts an examination to understand what problem needs to be dealt with. Most often, it is possible to get rid of conjunctivitis only when the underlying disease is cured. This requires time and effort from the doctor and the animal owner.

How is the diagnosis made?

First of all, the veterinarian will examine the animal and prescribe tests. This is the only way to determine the reasons why conjunctivitis occurred in a cat. Most likely, a blood biochemistry test will be taken, and a sample of discharge from the eye will also be sent for analysis.

When making a diagnosis, the doctor can visually determine the nature of the discharge; this also helps to identify the original cause of the disease. Discharges from under the conjunctiva are:

• purulent appearance, which means probable cause- bacterial infection;
• serous type (cloudy liquid) - accompany a viral infection;
• mucous type - appear during allergic reactions.

It is especially important to analyze secretions for chlamydial conjunctivitis. Since chlamydia can only be cured with specific antimicrobial drugs.

Form of conjunctivitis in cats

Eye conjunctivitis in cats, the treatment of which we are considering, differs in the form of the disease:

• acute form - symptoms appear suddenly, Clinical signs bright inflammations, copious discharge;
• subacute form - clinical signs of conjunctivitis are noticeable, but they are somewhat weaker than in the acute form;
• chronic form - the development of the disease is slow, the clinical manifestations are poorly expressed over a long period of time.

Having diagnosed conjunctivitis in cats, treatment is correlated with the form of the disease.

Symptoms of the disease

There are a number common symptoms, characteristic of conjunctivitis of all types:

• The mucous membranes of the cat's eyes are inflamed and red.
• The lacrimation increased.
• Discharge observed different types(depending on the type of conjunctivitis).
• The cat often washes itself, trying to clean its eyes, or rubs them with its paws.
• After sleep, the eyes become sour.
• The animal squints and is afraid of bright light.
• In some cases, the cornea is covered with a cloudy film.

Types of conjunctivitis in cats. Catarrhal acute

Depending on the clinical manifestations Veterinarians distinguish several types of conjunctivitis. To understand how to treat conjunctivitis in cats, you need to understand the difference between the types. Let's start with the catarrhal form, which occurs in an acute form. One or both eyes of the cat will be swollen, with profuse lacrimation. Gradually, lacrimation will be replaced by a thick and cloudy exudate, which will begin to accumulate in the corners of the eyes. Lumps will appear that will begin to dry out during sleep and stick together the eyelids.

Catarrhal chronic conjunctivitis

Advanced catarrhal conjunctivitis in a cat goes from acute to chronic. Eye discharge becomes less abundant, but constant. They often accumulate in the corners of the eyes in dried lumps. Swelling and inflammation of the eye are clearly visible, which due to prolonged discharge can spread to the eyelid. Sometimes hair falls out around the eye.

Purulent conjunctivitis

Purulent conjunctivitis in cats always affects both eyes. Clinical picture classical, but additionally there is a lack of appetite, a sluggish state of the animal’s muscles, and rare blinking, since this process becomes painful. The cat may have a fever and severe swelling of the eye sockets, the conjunctiva and eyeball become red. Pus with an unpleasant odor is released.

Follicular conjunctivitis

The most complex look The disease is follicular conjunctivitis. In this case, the eye narrows and severe swelling century The mucous membrane and eyeball become red. Purulent discharge flows from all sides of the eyeball and accumulates under the lower eyelid. The animal's eye area is very painful, causing muscle spasm century

Parenchymal inflammation

The process covers the entire eye socket. Swelling, redness and conjunctival bleeding are observed. Parenchymal conjunctivitis in cats can lead to vision loss. The animal must be shown to a doctor as quickly as possible.

Allergic conjunctivitis

The clinical picture of allergic conjunctivitis is somewhat different from other types of the disease. The swelling is almost invisible or completely absent. But the lacrimation is profuse, but the discharge is completely transparent. If the animal is not prescribed antihistamine therapy in a timely manner, allergic conjunctivitis can develop into any of the above types of diseases.

Drug treatment

Drug treatment can only be prescribed by a veterinarian after examination. Both eyes need to be treated at once. General principle Treatment of all types of conjunctivitis is similar:

• washing;
• anesthesia;
• corticosteroids;
• local antimicrobials in drops or ointment;
• antibiotic;
• Auror's retrobulbar block.

However, chlamydia, purulent and follicular conjunctivitis require additional antimicrobial drugs.

If it is determined that conjunctivitis is a symptom of another disease, then the main problem is first eliminated.

Helping your pet at home

It is unlikely that the owner will agree to leave the pet for a long time in a veterinary clinic to cure conjunctivitis. In cats, treatment at home should be carried out with medications prescribed by a doctor.

The condition of the animal greatly facilitates eye rinsing, but the procedure must be performed as carefully as possible. The clinic will prescribe washing with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, a solution of furatsilin or boric acid. ethnoscience suggests rinsing with a decoction of chamomile or calendula. In any case, the animal must be held in your arms, first soften the dried crusts with a swab or cotton pad, then rinse the eye with a new swab, removing discharge.

Some owners use an eyebright decoction for rinsing and compresses, which is prepared from three teaspoons of herbs and 0.5 liters of water. The product is simmered over low heat and infused for half an hour.

It is important to understand that conjunctivitis is a complex problem. You cannot change the prescribed treatment without permission. It is only permissible to supplement it folk remedies, and it is advisable to consult a specialist. And if the animal is not treated, it may lose its vision.

Pedigree cats

Both a purebred animal and an ordinary “noble cat” (a yard cat taken into the house) can get conjunctivitis. But there are several breeds that suffer from this inflammation most often. These are the Persians, sphinxes and british cats. Animals of these breeds must be monitored with special care and contact a veterinarian at the first signs of inflammation.

Can a cat infect its owner?

Conjunctivitis is contagious. The owner, other household members, guests, and other pets are all at risk of infection. Therefore, the animal should be temporarily isolated, and all healing procedures perform with gloves. After contact with a sick cat, be sure to wash your hands with soap.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eye covering the eyeball. This common occurrence found in cats and dogs. Conjunctivitis is accompanied by redness of the eyes, exudate, purulent discharge, swelling and closure of the eyes, and in some cases there is a lack of tear fluid. General lethargy and weakness of dogs and cats, loss of appetite.

Read in this article

Causes

Reasons conjunctivitis in dogs and cats are an allergic reaction to dust, wool, plants, insects, smoke, medications, eye injuries, cleaning products, fungal diseases and infectious or viral diseases.

Forms of conjunctivitis

1. Catarrhal

Tearfulness, blepharospasm, photophobia, mucosal hyperemia. From the eyes of cats and dogs, there is an outflow of mucous exudate, which accumulates in the corner of the eye and sticks the eyelashes together. The conjunctiva of the eye is swollen, the eyelids lose contact with the eye, and the eyeball sinks inward. Occurs in acute or chronic form.

Treatment

How to treat conjunctivitis in dogs and cats will tell you In a veterinary clinic, they will most likely recommend various astringents and cauterizing agents, as well as drops; in case of a severe form of the disease, they will add Dicaine. At home, you can wash your eyes with tea leaves or chamomile. In any case, you should consult your veterinarian.

2. Purulent

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes of dogs and cats is caused by staphylococci and streptococci, as well as infectious diseases, such as the plague. very similar to catarrhal, only the symptoms are more pronounced and wear purulent character, can lead to blindness. There is clouding of the eye and swelling of the conjunctiva can reach such a size that the eye protrudes from the palpebral fissure and is pinched by the eyelids. In some places, the mucous membrane is necrotic, the submucosal tissue is exposed (ulcers, erosions); in this case, fusion of the eyelids with the eyeball is observed. The disease occurs over a long period of time. Purulent conjunctivitis in dogs and cats is quite common.

Treatment

At home, you can wash your eyes with tea leaves to remove purulent discharge. You should immediately contact your veterinarian, who will most likely advise you to rinse the animal's eyes with a 3% boric acid solution. After rinsing, apply an ointment of antibiotics and sulfonamides to the corner of the eye, which must be used frequently and for a long time, such as Protorgol and Collargol. Before use, consult a veterinarian. You can also use pain relieving ointments. At acute forms antibiotics are administered intramuscularly ( sulfa drugs). With timely treatment, the prognosis is favorable.

3. Follicular

Follicular conjunctivitis in dogs and cats is chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye and hyperplasia (increase in the number of structural elements of tissues) of lymphatic follicles, which resembles a bunch of small dark red grapes on inner surface third century. The main inflammation occurs in this area. When the follicles blink, the animal's cornea is injured, which causes discomfort. There is photophobia, redness on the conjunctiva of the eye, mucous purulent discharge, itching, a swollen third eyelid, and blepharospasm. This disease is seen mainly in purebred cats and dogs. Occurs due to intoxication infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, allergic reactions. After illness, relapses occur.

Treatment

First aid that you can provide at home before your visit veterinarian- This is to wash your eyes with strong tea or chamomile decoction. This will remove purulent discharge and relieve inflammation of the eye. The veterinary clinic will carry out a number of procedures, using bactericidal agents, ointments, drops, antibiotics, solutions with novocaine, sulfonamides, and corticosteroids. Good results with novocaine blockade of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion. Preparations according to V.P. Filatov are especially effective.

Diagnosis should primarily be aimed at identifying primary cause, since conjunctivitis is mainly secondary disease. Therefore, it is best to make a general clinical analysis blood, virological and bacteriological studies. Using this, you can determine whether this disease occurs from bacteria, infections, viral origin, or is it an allergic reaction to exposure external factors such as pollen, scratch, dust and more.

Prevention

All rules for keeping cats and dogs must be followed. Balanced diet, high quality feed, timely treatment diseases causing eye diseases and timely vaccinations (vaccinations).

Before using any medications, you should consult a specialist doctor. There are contraindications.

How to understand what the cat got conjunctivitis? Causes, signs of eye inflammation, types of conjunctivitis, photos and treatment at home with folk remedies and veterinary drugs- read all this in the article.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes. Why is it called that? Because the mucous membrane of the eye is the conjunctiva. It is located throughout the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids, as well as on the third eyelid. When inflamed, the eyelids usually turn outward, because... the mucous membrane swells. This inflammation of the eye mucosa has the same causes, symptoms and treatment as in humans.

Inflammation of the eyes in cats is also common. various diseases eyes are characteristic of certain breeds (British, Persian, Sphynx, exotic). Therefore, it is recommended to vaccinate the animal in a timely manner.

Common symptoms of conjunctivitis in cats

1. Conjunctivitis in a cat begins with lacrimation.

2. Later, redness of the eyelids appears.

3. The cat squints in bright light.

4. Enlargement of the eyelids, they may turn outward.

5. Possible clouding of the eye.

Types of conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis in cats has several types or forms, depending on the severity of the inflammatory process.

1. Catarrhal conjunctivitis

It is characterized by redness of the eyelids, swelling - slight or up to ectropion of the eyelids. Lacrimation profusely. The consistency of the “tears” may change - the shade becomes cloudy-white, the consistency is stretchy. Discharge collects in the corners of the eyes. The fur around the eyelids becomes very wet. With chronic inflammation of the eyelids, hair may fall out on them.

2. Purulent conjunctivitis in cats

This is far from a harmless form of eye disease. It can even be diagnosed visually: purulent drops flow from the cat’s eyes. They can be observed in the corners of the eyes, moisten the fur under the eyes, and stick together the eyelids. initial stage- yellow crusts in the corners of the eyes after waking up. The progressive form is quite abundant yellow or green discharge. Purulent conjunctivitis in cats can develop into keratitis and cause blindness if not properly treated. Therefore, do not delay visiting the veterinarian.

3. Phlegmonous conjunctivitis

A long-curable form of conjunctivitis. A sign is copious discharge of pus. But the danger is that pus accumulates under the mucosal epithelium.

4. Follicular conjunctivitis

Accumulation of pus behind the eyelid, in the corners of the eyes, severe tugging pain. The follicle of the third eyelid becomes inflamed. Severe redness of the eyelids and sclera, narrowing of the eye.

What causes conjunctivitis in a cat: the main reasons

1. Infection and fungi

Often, when a dog becomes infected with any infection, conjunctivitis develops. The causative agent can also be a fungus that has settled in the eye. Progression occurs due to decreased immunity. Fungal conjunctivitis takes a long time to cure.

2. Allergies. It happens to cats too. Provocateurs are very different - from an allergy to a product to an allergy to a product household chemicals, your cosmetics. Allergic conjunctivitis manifests itself copious discharge clear tears, redness of the eyelids and slight swelling.

3. Damage integrity of the eyelid skin or eye injury. Even a light scratch is a path for microbes to a new habitat. If any injury occurs in the eye area, immediately treat the area with chlorhexidine and do this until complete healing.

5. Cold. If a cat has a cold and is “sick,” most likely, conjunctivitis will not bypass it.

6. Ultraviolet light from aquariums or manicure lamps negatively affects the eyes of pets. This is a kind of radiation that dries out the eye and causes inflammation.

Treating conjunctivitis at home

In cats, treatment at home is possible using folk remedies (acceptable if mild form diseases) and drugs prescribed by veterinarians when diagnosing conjunctivitis.

For cats, treatment with folk remedies includes:

1. Regularly wiping the eyes with a cotton pad soaked in chlorhexidine. The drug does not cause any sensations, prevents the spread of pus, disinfects and kills some fungi.

2. Instillation of chamomile decoction into the eyes. Pour boiling water (half a glass) over a teaspoon (or bag) of chamomile, leave, cool and drop 2 drops into both eyes 5 times a day. The broth should be at room temperature.

3. Instillation of willow (willow) decoction. This tree is a natural antibiotic. It is necessary to cut off the tips of the branches (about 15 cm long) without leaves. Dry. Break the branches into 3-4 parts, throw 2 tablespoons of the raw material into boiling water (a glass is enough), boil for 5 minutes, then leave for 20 minutes, strain and cool. Try the decoction. If your tongue gets tongue-tied, add a little boiled water. Apply 2 drops min. 3 times a day. You can also wipe your eyes. Willow will relieve inflammation from the eyelids, kill germs - as a result, swelling will subside and pain will significantly decrease.

Treatment of conjunctivitis in cats with drugs

Suitable for washing “Diamond Eyes” drops. The composition of the drug: chlorhexedine, taurine (vitamin for vision) and succinic acid.

1. Ointments: Tetracycline / Erythromycin / Levomycetin / Sofradex- antibiotics. You can buy it at a regular pharmacy. Place the size of a match head behind the eyelid 2 times a day.

- Dexamethasone. Soothe itching, relieve swelling from the eyelids. Follow the dosage strictly. Exceeding the dose can lead to corneal destruction. The cost of the drops is about 60-70 rubles; 1-2 drops in both eyes.

-Leopard. The course of treatment is a week. Price - up to 150 rubles. Drip up to 3 times a day. If your cat has chronic conjunctivitis, repeat the course after a week's break.

- Conjunctivin (drops) - course - 3 days. Drip 3 times a day. The ointment has a slower effect, is half the price, the course is a week.

- Lacrimin aseptic. Course - 5 days. Usually this time is enough for recovery.

- Tsiprovet. Course - 7 days.

- Dekta- 2. Course - up to 10 days.

- Barrier. Anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial agent.

3. For chlamydial conjunctivitis (diagnosed only by laboratory tests) - Tsiptovet, intramuscularly. From 2 mg. If taken orally, the dosage is multiplied by two.

4. If the eyeball is directly affected - novocaine.

IMPORTANT! Maintain personal hygiene! Conjunctivitis is also easy for other animals. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water after cleaning your pet's eyes. It is advisable to carry out all procedures wearing medical gloves. Disinfect your hands before touching your cat's eyelids.

For prevention

Be sure to include vitamins and herbs in your diet. must be balanced.

Regularly clean your cat's bedding and do wet cleaning of the house.

Protect your pet from dampness, drafts, and hypothermia.

For mild, insignificant pinking of the eyelids, wipe the eyes with chlorhexidine.

Avoid contact with stray animals.

Give an anthelmintic every three months.

Get vaccinated.