Treatment of conjunctivitis in kittens. General signs, characteristic symptoms of conjunctivitis in kittens. What to do if a kitten has conjunctivitis: rules and methods of treatment. The reasons for the development of conjunctivitis in fluffy

Conjunctivitis in domestic cats can appear as a consequence of another disease, after trauma, and as a symptom allergic reaction... Sometimes animals suffer from eye contact foreign objects, common house dust, sand or earth from broken flower pots.

Very often conjunctivitis in young cats develops after a fight, when the hierarchy between representatives of the "cat tribe" is clarified. Scratches can occur on the eye area, and inflamed wounds on the face become a source of infection when washing with paws in the eyes.

First you need to show the cat to the veterinarian and get accurate diagnosis, as well as a list of recommended medications. After that, at easy course inflammation can be treated at home.

Conjunctivitis occurs not only in a kitten, but also in adults, regardless of immunity, as it is spread by a virus. But the course of the disease and its intensive treatment lasts longer in malnourished and elderly pets. Sour eyes in cats are usually caused by irritants:

mechanical - bodies in the eyeball of foreign origin, dust, debris;
beam - irradiation of the retina with ultraviolet rays;
chemical - the penetration of poisonous vapors into the eye of an animal;
allergens - peculiar to each pet individually (possible when infected with worms).

Irritants are not the only factors leading to the development of conjunctivitis, they also include infectious diseases:

As etiological (causal) factors leading to the development of conjunctivitis in a cat, stimuli are of paramount importance:

mechanical - getting into the eye of foreign objects, dust, debris, etc.;
radiation - irradiation of the retina, as a source of radiation can serve ultra-violet rays, including solar, X-ray, radiation;
chemical - irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye with vapors of toxic substances, accidental ingestion of the conjunctival sac household chemicals etc.;
allergens - they will be different for each animal.

In addition, eye inflammation appears when pyogenic microflora gets into the eyes and in some infectious diseases:

Secondary conjunctivitis occurs as a result of the transition to the eye of inflammatory processes from the surrounding tissues, for example, with injuries.

Despite the variety of reasons, causing inflammation the connective membrane of the eye, the clinical picture of the disease in all types of conjunctivitis has common features:

persistent closure of the eyelids caused by involuntary contraction eye muscles (bleferospasm);
redness and swelling of the conjunctiva;
lacrimation, discharge from the eye.

If at least one of the listed signs is found in the pet, the owner must show the cat to the veterinarian.

Most often, cats are registered the following types diseases:

Catarrhal - occurs due to trauma, infectious diseases ( viral conjunctivitis). With this form, lacrimation, discharge, redness, swelling of the mucous membrane of the eye are noted, with severe damage, it can protrude from under the eyelids (chemosis). Starting in acute, often turns into chronic stage difficult to treat. Outflows from the eye become viscous and thick.
Purulent conjunctivitis in cats is usually caused by an infection associated with penetration pathogenic microbes into the body. Predisposing reasons: metabolic disorders, decrease in the protective properties of the animal's body. More often it is acute, both eyes are affected. Often occurs with the development of bacterial diseases in an animal ( chlamydial conjunctivitis in cats). Swelling and an increase in the local temperature of the eyelids, photophobia, depression are noted. The discharge from the eyes is at first liquid, then it becomes purulent, of a thick consistency, accumulating on the eyelids, forming gray-yellow crusts.
Follicular conjunctivitis in cats is chronic. The reason is most often a mechanical effect on the organs of vision, a complication after previous infections, dry food cat food... There is evidence of viral nature conjunctivitis of this type. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, an increase in lymphatic follicles in the third eyelid are noted.
Fibrinous conjunctivitis occurs with such acute viral diseases like rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia. V conjunctival sac there is an accumulation of mucopurulent masses, which, being allocated, form films on the surface of the connective membrane of the eye. Ulceration of the cornea is possible, and if untreated, complete or partial fusion of the eyelids with the eyeball (simblefaron). With such a complicated condition, only a specialist decides what to do.

Many owners, having discovered discharge from the eyes in a kitten, are in no hurry to show the pet to a specialist, thinking that the disease will go away on its own. This is erroneous, since any signs of a deviation from the norm in the body can be a harbinger of a dangerous infection.

Types of disease, clinical picture

Conjunctivitis in cats is classified into the following types:

Conjunctivitis occurs in two forms:

Acute - this form of the disease is characterized by well-pronounced symptoms: pain and itching in the eyes, swelling of the eyelids, attempts to scratch the eyes with a paw, discharge (first transparent, and then purulent), refusal to eat, apathy, even attacks of gastrointestinal upset;
Chronic - in fact, untreated or untreated acute conjunctivitis. With this form, the cat looks practically healthy: transparent tears sometimes flow from its eye, there may be slight swelling in the eyelid area.

There are the following types of the disease, depending on the degree of complication of symptoms:

Catarrhal.
Purulent.
Phlegmonous.
Follicular.
Allergic.
Bacterial.
Purulent.
Parenchymal.

There are the following types of the course of the disease: acute, subacute and chronic.

The acute form of eye disease in pets manifests itself with sudden redness and lacrimation.

The subacute form is characterized by less noticeable redness of the eyes and mild lacrimation.

The most dangerous and invisible is the chronic form, since there is no clear signs, the disease goes unnoticed.

The forms of conjunctivitis are diverse. They differ with the flow and clinical manifestation inflammatory process.

Acute conjunctivitis

With this form, mainly the superficial cells of the cornea of the eye are affected. Typical symptoms: lacrimation, the consistency of the mucous outflows, they are cloudy, there is also a moderate redness of the mucous membrane of the eye.

Chronic form

Symptoms of the disease are mild. Of the most common signs, they note:

slight redness of the shell,
swelling (thickening) of the mucous membrane,
discharge from the eyes is cloudy, stringy, accumulates in the form of dried crusts,
the fur in the area of the inner corner of the eye falls out, forming paths, the skin turns red.

Purulent form

Purulent conjunctivitis in cats is characterized by bilateral eye involvement. It is characterized by:

oppression,
soreness in the eye area
increase in local body temperature,
the animal prefers not to go out into bright light, since the sun's rays cause an intolerable attack of pain,
frequent, almost uncontrollable, blinking;
the conjunctiva is swollen, red, may even protrude beyond the eye.

At the beginning of the inflammatory process, the outflows are liquid, then they become viscous, dirty yellow in color.

Parenchymal conjunctivitis

With this form of the disease, not only the conjunctiva itself is involved in the process, but also the lower layers of the eye. The main symptoms of conjunctivitis in cats in this case will be: severe swelling of the eyelids, enlargement and swelling of the mucous membrane. At the same time, it is very tense, protrudes beyond the palpebral fissure, is dry and bleeds when touched.

Follicular form

Follicular conjunctivitis in cats is a chronic process, in which the lymphatic follicles of the third century are also involved. The disease lasts a long time and is very difficult. It is characterized by:

frequent uncontrolled blinking,
purulent lacrimation,
the palpebral fissure is narrowed, while the eyelids are turned out from the side of the outer corner,
when viewed in the third century are visible bright red dots- an accumulation of follicles.

Diphtheria inflammation

It is characterized by swollen eyelids, sore eyes, and photophobia. Fluid (exudate) is released from the conjunctival sac orange... The conjunctiva itself is covered with a film, when removed, bleeding sores remain.

Types of conjunctivitis and signs

First of all, the owner notices that his pet's eyes are red and inflamed, the animal is worried, rubs its muzzle with its paw. V severe cases the eyelids stick together with pus, the eye swells and completely "floats".

The cat may have a fever, and other symptoms are also observed: lethargy and apathy, refusal to eat, lack of interest in games and their amusements, attempts to hide in a dark place, as the animal may experience watery eyes and photophobia. Basically, all symptoms resemble "human" disease, so they are easily recognizable.

It must be remembered that this disease is very contagious both for the cats themselves and for their owners. Having found reddened eyes in your pet, immediately go with him to the hospital. If several cats live in the house, the sick person must be quarantined.

Conjunctivitis can be transmitted to people, so the owners need to carefully monitor the hygiene of the home and wash their hands more often with soap, be sure - every time after contact with a pet.

Follicular form

Symptoms

Common symptoms of conjunctivitis in kittens are: redness of the eyelids, swelling, lacrimation. For the treatment of such a disease, it is necessary to know the type of conjunctivitis, which is characterized by a number of symptoms characteristic of them.

With catarrhal conjunctivitis, the most quickly curable and less dangerous form of such a disease, there is a thick and cloudy pet's lacrimation, redness of the eyes, slight swelling of the eyelid, hair loss in places of irritated skin, adhesion of cilia due to mucous secretions. The body temperature is in the range of 37.1–38.0 ° C, but when accompanied by other inflammatory processes, an unexpected increase in temperature is possible.

The next type of conjunctivitis in a cat is a consequence of non-treatment of a catarrhal type of eye disease - purulent. Purulent conjunctiva in cats is characterized by the accumulation of mucus and its transformation into purulent formations. Therefore, the main symptom is discharge from the pet's eye. a large number pus. In the morning, around the cat's eyes, you can find dried yellowish-green crusts.

It is possible to observe the phenomenon when the damaged eye is narrowed or closed completely. The pet may have an exhausted state of the body, complete absence appetite, increased body temperature, painful sensations around the eyeball. Exactly purulent inflammation century, in most cases indicates the presence of a serious infectious disease. Untimely appeal to the veterinarian and prolonged treatment threatens the pet with blindness.

Phlegmonous conjunctivitis is demonstrated by the discharge of pus from the eyes, as well as the entire conjunctiva under the epithelial layer. Such conjunctivitis is much more difficult to treat.

The most severe type of disease is follicular. Inherent signs: protrusion of the pet's eyelid outward, thereby covering the eye, narrowing of the eyes, fear of light, purulent discharge, endless closing of the eyes, the appearance of a dirty gray film on the conjunctiva. Special treatment is necessary, since the follicular type of conjunctivitis often turns into chronic form.

Diagnosis and prevention of conjunctivitis

The diagnosis of the disease is carried out on the basis of clinical signs when examining a cat. Experts recommend conducting laboratory tests to establish the cause and prescribe the correct treatment:

Bacteriological - examination of smears from the conjunctiva, sowing of secretions on nutrient media, in the case of detection of pathogenic microbes, a test for their sensitivity to drugs is carried out, so it will be possible to establish what is more effective and how to treat conjunctivitis.
Cytological - analysis of scrapings from the mucous membrane of the eye, it helps in determining the type of conjunctivitis and identifying the causative agent of the disease (chlamydia, cocci, pathogenic fungi).
Immunofluorescent and serological - carried out to exclude the viral form of conjunctivitis.
Immunological - prescribed for suspicion of a disease caused by an allergy.

Necessary measures to prevent the disease:

vaccinations against calcivirosis, rhinotracheitis, chlamydia;
regular check-ups with a veterinarian;
prevent pet hypothermia;
litter, carrier, household items in a feline environment must be kept clean;
while walking, avoid contact with stray animals.

The owner, observing simple rules, having information about a disease such as conjunctivitis, will be able to help his pet in time, thereby preserving his health and life.

Treatment

Before starting treatment

show your pet to a specialist. The doctor, having examined the animal and taking tests, if necessary, accurately determine the type of disease and its cause (for example, inflammation can develop due to viral infections or as a result of allergies).

You can try to start treatment at home if the discharge from the cat's eye is clear and there is no significant swelling of the mucous membrane. You need to act like this:

A clean cotton pad or gauze dipped in a solution of "Furacilin" ( chamomile broth or tea leaves), rub each eye from the outer corner to the inner corner. Moreover, even in cases where only one eye is inflamed, the other will have to be wiped in exactly the same way (a separate clean cotton pad is taken for each eye);
Treatment for conjunctivitis in cats should preferably include veterinary drugs bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties: eye drops Tsiprolet, DEKTA-2, Lacrimine Aseptic, IRIS, Conjunctivitin;
If there are no special veterinary medications at hand, and the zoo pharmacy is closed (located far from home, etc.), “human” drops (for example, “Dexamethasone” or others) will help to remove the inflammation;
If the inflammation is strong, the discharge from the eyes is abundant, and even more so when they become purulent, antibiotics will also have to be used - drops "Levomycetin", "Tobrex", ointments "Tetracycline" and "Floxal" (put behind the lower eyelid of the animal);
In case of pain in the eyes of cats, a 2% solution of Novocaine or Ledocaine is instilled under the lower eyelid, which also help to reduce puffiness.

All procedures should be carried out by the wearer wearing clean disposable gloves. After contact with the eyes of a cat with conjunctivitis, wash your hands thoroughly.

The drugs listed above should not be used if it is not visible within 3-7 days positive result, and the cat began to experience even more problems (purulent discharge, cloudy eyes, increased body temperature, etc.). Purulent, phlegmonous and follicular conjunctivitis cannot be treated without medical supervision.

If a diagnosis is made - conjunctivitis in cats - how to treat the disease and how long it will take every animal owner is concerned. Despite the fact that currently there is a large assortment medicines, it is quite difficult to cure the disease.

If the owner finds any symptoms in the pet, you should immediately contact your veterinarian who will diagnose and advise on how to treat conjunctivitis in cats. Depending on the type of disease, experts prescribe:

With catarrhal conjunctivitis - elimination of the cause of occurrence (removal of a foreign object), flushing of the mucous membrane of the eye with a solution of Furacilin, Novocaine (0.25%) or Boric acid (2%). The use of drops Iris, Maxitrol, Eubital, Colbiocin 5-8 times a day has shown good results in the treatment of the disease. And also appoint eye ointments: Tetracycline, Erythromycin, which are placed behind the lower eyelid 3-4 times a day. For complicated conditions, the veterinarian may prescribe subconjunctival injections of Dexamethasone in combination with an antibiotic every 3-4 days to reduce inflammation.
With follicular conjunctivitis, treatment is carried out in a clinic. After anesthesia of the eye by instilling a solution of Lidocaine (2%) or Dikain (0.5%), scraping of the follicles is carried out from the third eyelid. If necessary, as directed by the attending physician, the procedure is repeated. Topically applied drops of Sofradex, Iris.
With viral and bacterial diseases, along with the elimination of the underlying infection, eye treatment is carried out. Drops are effective: Interferon (150-200 U), Tsipromed, Colbiocin - 3-4 times a day. If there is purulent inflammation of the mucous membrane, the eyes are washed with a Furacillin solution (1 tablet per 200 ml of warm boiled water). With fibrinous conjunctivitis after local anesthesia remove films from the eyes.

Folk remedies can be used to treat conjunctivitis, but only after consulting a veterinarian, since they will not replace the main drugs in any case. Usually, a decoction of chamomile, calendula, tea leaves is used to wash the eyes.

Treatment of conjunctivitis in a cat at home is possible only if it has already been examined by a veterinarian and given his opinion.

Often, owners ask how to cure conjunctivitis in cats with albucide, because this is the most common and effective remedy from this disease in humans. But for animals this drug does not apply, your veterinarian will advise you on how to treat conjunctivitis using cat drops.

Most often, tetracycline is prescribed to get rid of the disease. Moreover, this antibiotic can be used in different types: tetracycline in the form of drops, tetracycline ointment and preparations for oral administration in severe conditions.

It is also used for chlamydial infections, so this drug is prescribed for babies. Another good remedy than treating simple catarrhal conjunctivitis in kittens is washing with weak decoctions of chamomile, calendula flowers or tea. In general, any treatment for an eye disease always begins with washing, and then drugs are connected.

It should be recalled that the choice of drugs and methods of therapy is the prerogative of the veterinarian, so you should not take unnecessary initiative, it can be dangerous.

Treatment of the disease is always complex, it includes taking not only antibiotics, but also other anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines with allergies, as well surgery eg removal of damaged follicles.

People who have a cat with sore red eyes in their house are interested in whether they themselves and their children can be infected with this disease. Conjunctivitis of an infectious nature is easily transmitted and can cause the development of others dangerous ailments, therefore, the sick animal must be isolated.

Curing conjunctivitis in a cat is easy. Both eyes are subject to treatment, regardless of the presence of a disease in one eye, and veterinarian supervision is strictly necessary.

For each type of conjunctivitis, it is necessary to flush the pet's eyes with a solution of potassium permanganate, furacilin. For treatment catarrhal conjunctivitis use drops and ointments for the eyes based on an antibiotic (tetracycline and chloramphenicol).

In practice, veterinarians advise drops "Albucid", "Maxitrol", "Iris", "Colbiocin" with regularity of use per day up to 8 times. They were the ones who presented the best results in the therapy process. Eye ointments do an excellent job: "Erythromycin" and "Tetracycline" up to 4 times a day. In cases of complications, the veterinarian prescribes injections of "Dexamethasone" every 4 days to reduce inflammation.

With follicular conjunctivitis, therapy is best done in a clinical setting. After anesthesia of the eye, cleaning of the follicles begins from the third eyelid. It is possible to repeat the procedure, but at the discretion of the veterinarian.

In viral and bacterial diseases, eye treatment begins with the elimination of the main infection. Effective drops are considered: "Interferon", "Colbiocin", "Tsipromed" up to 4 times a day.

When purulent, phlegmonous and follicular conjunctivitis cannot be treated locally, then intramuscular injections of antibiotics are prescribed. Their introduction is mandatory, since with ongoing types of the disease, there is no way to recover. After using antibiotics, cats need vitamins and immunostimulating medications.

When the cause of conjunctivitis is allergy, the allergen must be found and treated antihistamines... In the case when fleas or lice have served as the development of an eye disease, you should purchase means designed to remove pests from the pharmacy. It is imperative to observe the dosage so as not to harm the pet.

During treatment, before and after treating your pet's eyes, you should wash your hands with soap and water. This disease is contagious and dangerous, both for other pets and for humans.

It is not difficult to guess that the treatment of conjunctivitis in cats will largely depend on the form. To begin with, they identify the cause of the disease, eliminate it, and only then proceed to therapeutic measures.

With simple lacrimation, resulting from contact with the eyes of foreign objects, household chemicals or eye vapors, exclude the effect of the irritant, after which they are rinsed with a large amount of boiled tap water. To prevent the development of microflora, antiseptic solutions approved for use are used. In the acute form of independent conjunctivitis, these simple actions are quite enough to bring the animal's condition back to normal.

In more severe cases, special antibacterial drops or antibiotic eye ointment.

It should be understood that the treatment of conjunctivitis in cats at home is possible in the simplest cases when the animal feels more or less normal, is not depressed, has normal temperature body, and her condition does not worsen from hour to hour. If all these symptoms appear, it is better to seek help from a veterinarian.

Indeed, with some forms of the disease, therapy can be long-term, it will require intravenous fluids antibiotics, additional research and complex medical procedures.

Folk remedies

No less effective, in relation to drugs from a pharmacy, are folk remedies. Of course, they basically do not treat the disease, but only relieve its severity, thereby making life easier for the pet. Effective folk remedies are applicable only to early stages diseases. These products usually include: chamomile, tea leaves, almond oil.

Also, it is important to systematically wash off brownish clusters around your pet's eyes. Ignoring the current rule can lead to the development of dermatitis. The animal will begin to fiddle with its eyes more often, thereby introducing more infection.

Almond oil has a very high ability to reduce painful sensations and relieve puffiness. It can be used in conjunction with other drugs. You should drip 2-3 drops during the day. Infusion of calendula is characterized by the same properties.

Let us consider in detail one of the folk remedies - tea brewing. For a glass of boiling water, 1 tablespoon of black tea is taken. Pour boiling water over the tea leaves and insist. Then cooled down to room temperature the tea leaves are moistened with a cotton swab and both eyes of the animal are wiped regardless of the fact that there is only one sick eye. Each tampon can only be used once.

With the knowledge given in this article, you can help your pet in time and correctly, which is important in relation to our smaller brothers. It is imperative that when carrying out the procedures on your own, it is necessary to maintain calmness and silence so as not to frighten or frighten the animal. Open all containers with medicines carefully and with safe items. The cotton swab must be moistened carefully, without spilling the contents on household items, the floor and other surface.

Folk remedies

After diagnosis veterinarian conjunctivitis in a cat - treatment at home can be continued by the owner of the animal himself. It is important to learn how to properly handle (rinse the eyes) of the pet, to be able to bury the solutions. To this end, the cat must be carefully, trying not to scare, fix (wrap in thick fabric), to avoid scratches, it is better to have an assistant nearby.

Prevention of conjunctivitis in cats

The following measures will help protect the cat from eye inflammation:

In order not to catch conjunctivitis from a cat, you need to make sure that she cannot get sick. To do this, you will have to take care of the cat's health. It is necessary to regularly visit the attending physician, especially when free-range, in order to identify the threat of infection in time.

It must be remembered that allergies are possible in cats, so it is not necessary to use cosmetics, aerosols, household chemicals with the animal, and also store such substances as far as possible.

In order to avoid infection with conjunctivitis of your beloved pets, you must adhere to the measures listed below.

Maintaining the immunity of the animal.
Avoiding drafts and hypothermia of the pet.
Preventive visits to the veterinarian, testing.
Annual vaccination and deworming.
Brushing the animal is very careful so that the hair does not get into the eyes.
Limit pet communication with stray and unkempt cats.
Compliance with the hygiene of the pet and its used accessories.
Daily wet cleaning of the room, but not in the presence of a pet.
Finding household chemicals on the top shelves.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eye that covers eyeball... This is a common occurrence in cats and dogs. Conjunctivitis is accompanied by reddening of the eyes, exudation, purulent discharge, swelling and closing of the eyes, and in some cases, there is a lack of tear fluid. General lethargy and weakness of the dog and cat, loss of appetite.

Read in this article

Causes

The reasons conjunctivitis in dogs and cats allergic reactions to dust, wool, plants, insects, smoke, drugs, eye injuries, cleaning products, fungal diseases and infectious or viral diseases.

Forms of conjunctivitis

1. Catarrhal

Lachrymation, blepharospasm, photophobia, hyperemia of the mucous membrane. From the eyes of cats and dogs, there is an outflow of mucous exudate, which accumulates in the corner of the eye and glues the eyelashes. The conjunctiva of the eye is swollen, the eyelids lose contact with the eye, the eyeball sinks inward. It proceeds in an acute or chronic form.

Treatment

How to treat conjunctivitis in dogs and cats? v veterinary clinic, most likely, they will advise various astringent and cauterizing agents, as well as drops, in case of a strong form of the disease, add "Dikain". At home, you can rinse your eyes with tea leaves or chamomile. In any case, you need to consult your veterinarian.

2. Purulent

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes of dogs and cats is caused by staphylococci and streptococci, and infectious diseases such as plague. very similar to catarrhal, only the symptoms are more pronounced and purulent, can lead to blindness. Clouding of the eye is observed and the swelling of the conjunctiva can reach such a size that the eye protrudes from the fissure and is pinched by the eyelids. In some places, the mucous membrane is necrotic, the submucosa is exposed (ulcers, erosion), in this case, fusion of the eyelids with the eyeball is observed. The disease lasts for a long time. Purulent conjunctivitis is common in dogs and cats.

Treatment

At home, you can rinse your eyes with tea leaves, removing purulent discharge. You should immediately contact your veterinarian, who will most likely advise you to rinse the animal's eyes with a 3% solution. boric acid... After washing in the corner of the eye, smear an ointment from antibiotics and sulfonamides, which must be used often and for a long time, such as "Protorgol" and "Collargol". Consult your veterinarian before use. You can also use pain relieving ointments. In 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 (an increase in the number structural elements 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 cornea of the animal's eye is injured, which causes discomfort. There is photophobia, redness on the conjunctiva of the eye, mucous purulent discharge, itching, swollen third eyelid, blepharospasm. This disease is seen mainly in purebred cats and dogs. It occurs during intoxication, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, allergic reactions. Relapses occur after illness.

Treatment

The first aid that you can provide at home before visiting a veterinarian is to rinse your eyes with strong tea or chamomile decoction. This will remove purulent discharge and relieve eye inflammation. In the veterinary clinic, a number of procedures will be carried out, bactericidal agents, ointments, drops, antibiotics, solutions with novocaine, sulfonamides, and corticosteroids will be used. Good results with novocaine blockade of the upper cervical sympathetic node. Preparations according to V.P. Filatov are especially effective.

Diagnostics should primarily focus on identification primary cause, since conjunctivitis is mainly a secondary disease. Therefore, it is best to make a general clinical analysis blood, virological and bacteriological research... With the help of this, it is possible to 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.

Prophylaxis

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

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

Conjunctivitis (Conjunctivitis) - inflammation of the transparent connective mucous membrane of the eye.

The conjunctiva or mucous membrane of the eye in cats covers the back of the eyelids and the front of the eyeball to the cornea.

With conjunctivitis, the conjunctiva is damaged, which is responsible for normal functioning lacrimal glands eyes and its secrets that help the eyeball not dry out.

Causes of conjunctivitis

The causes of conjunctivitis in cats are manifold. The main causes of conjunctivitis in cats are as follows:

Diverse mechanical damage eyes (fights with their relatives, blows by branches while jumping, hitting sand, grass, etc.).
Infectious diseases caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses, in which conjunctivitis is one of the symptoms of a particular disease (bordetelliosis in cats,).
Invasive diseases (,).
Allergic reactions. The mucous membrane is very sensitive to a variety of allergens (pollen, dust, perfume, household chemicals, food products causing an allergic reaction in a cat).
Contact with chemicals. Evaporation of certain chemical substances, gases, household chemicals, cosmetics.
Various cold factors.
The transition of inflammation from the skin adjacent to the eye.

Forms of conjunctivitis in cats

Acute catarrhal conjunctivitis. The most light form conjunctivitis. The disease develops acutely as a result of the activation of the coccal microflora (staphylococcus, streptococcus) in the conjunctival sac. The epithelial layer is damaged. The cat's eyes are constantly watering, the eyes are reddened, the mucous membrane is slightly swollen. When opening the eye, the cat feels soreness, the eyes are constantly watering. Body temperature is kept within normal limits. V inflammatory process the cornea may be involved, on the border with the limbus, small infiltrates are formed in its surface layers - superficial catarrhal keratitis develops. The illness lasts for about a week.

Purulent conjunctivitis. It occurs in cats with reduced resistance of the conjunctiva and is accompanied by a depression in the cat, decreased appetite, the cat strives to lie down more. We note an increased body temperature, yellow or green exudate comes out of the eyes. The inflamed eye does not open at all, the eyelid may be covered with a thick, dense yellow crust, eyelids stick together. The skin around the inflamed eye becomes wet, and hair may fall out in the future.

Follicular conjunctivitis.

With follicular conjunctivitis, lymphatic follicles are involved in the inflammatory process, red rounded tubercles form on the upper surface of the third eyelid. A cat's inflamed eyes become covered with a cloudy film, a cat has a constant squinting gaze. Out of the affected eye purulent fluid... At severe course of this form of conjunctivitis, the cat develops photophobia (the cat chooses the darkest place in the room - it sits in the closet, under the bed).

Parenchymal conjunctivitis.

With parenchymal conjunctivitis, the inflammatory process involves not only the conjunctiva, but also the subconjunctival tissue. The inflammation proceeds as a phlegmon. The mucous membrane acquires a red tint, the eyelids are very edematous, thickening and prolapse of the third eyelid occurs. Blood flows from the inflamed eye along with pus. If no treatment is carried out, then vision will deteriorate and blindness will occur.

Allergic conjunctivitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis in cats is usually a complication of an allergic reaction. With this form of conjunctivitis, the owners note the discharge of clear tears from the eyes and the development of symptoms of conjunctivitis. When examining a sick cat, the veterinarian registers from minor purulent accumulations in the corners of the eyes to severe inflammation and prolapse of the third century, with fetid, bloody purulent outflows.

Conjunctivitis in cats can occur in both acute and chronic forms.

In acute conjunctivitis in a cat, the signs of the disease are most pronounced and are accompanied by lacrimation, which, as the disease progresses, become thicker and more opaque, the eyelids stick together from the accumulated pus, purulent discharge gradually dries up, forming crusts.

Chronic conjunctivitis occurs in cats as a result of untreated acute conjunctivitis... For chronic course slight discharge from the eyes is characteristic, especially in the morning and on awakening.

Diagnosis on conjunctivitis put on the basis clinical picture diseases, laboratory test results for infectious and invasive diseases, one of the symptoms of which is conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis treatment

Treatment for conjunctivitis in cats includes flushing the eyes with weak antiseptic solutions furacillin and potassium permanganate in a dilution of 1; 5000, sometimes chamomile or calendula solutions are used, carefully removing purulent accumulations and crusts with a cotton swab. It is more correct to prescribe treatment by a veterinarian of the clinic, based on the study of a sick animal and the results of a laboratory study of eye washings for bacteriology.

Usually in initial stage diseases, eye ointments and drops are used as a treatment, which include antibiotics - Levomycetin, Tetracycline ointment, Sofradex.

For follicular and purulent conjunctivitis, an additional sick cat is used intramuscular injection antibiotics.

In allergic conjunctivitis, treatment begins with eliminating the effects of the allergen that led to the conjunctivitis. Treatment is carried out with antihistamines and eye drops.

With infectious conjunctivitis, sick cats are prescribed antibiotics, immunostimulants, eye drops and antiseptic ointments to sick animals.

In the case when conjunctivitis in a cat is accompanied by a lesion of the eyeball, then instillation of a 2% solution of novocaine or lidocaine (1 ml) into the eye is used to relieve puffiness and swelling. To relieve inflammation, severe edema and symptoms of photophobia, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone are used. To influence the pyogenic microflora and relieve suppuration - tetracycline ointment, floxadex, ciprofloxacin, sofradex. With sluggish conjunctivitis, it is recommended to use aloe extract, autoblood, TPP - normin.

Prevention of conjunctivitis in cats

Prevention of conjunctivitis in cats should be based on the prevention of the causes leading to the development of conjunctivitis in a cat.

Owners have to deal with conjunctivitis different breeds cats, as well as cats and kittens suffer from this problem. Do not forget that any information, including that presented in this article and regarding feline conjunctivitis, will be exclusively for informational purposes, because correct treatment appoints only an experienced veterinarian in this matter and after a preliminary examination of the animal and delivery required analyzes to determine the degree of development of eye disease in a cat.

Do not be negligent about 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, it is necessary to visit a veterinarian.

Conjunctivitis in a cat causes, symptoms, how long, how it looks, manifests itself

Everyone knows what conjunctivitis is, but not everyone knows that inflammation of the conjunctiva (in a simple way 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 membrane of the eyes chemicals or in pairs;
- infectious diseases or invasion;
— pathogenic microorganisms;
- inflammation of the skin areas adjacent to the eyes.

Conjunctivitis can be acute, chronic, purulent, or follicular. In the acute stage, mucous secretions collect in the corners of the animal's eye, which, when dried, stick together the eyelids and the cat cannot open the sick eye. If you don't take any action, acute stage conjunctivitis will become chronic. The eyes of cats at this stage of the disease are constantly watering, the skin of the eyelids looks inflamed, 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, the inflammatory process makes the eyes puffy, the eyeball turns red, and the purulent discharge is yellow and foul-smelling.

Follicular conjunctivitis causes the appearance of a cloudy film of a dirty grayish color on the eyes and the animal is threatened with blindness.

Conjunctivitis in cats how to treat it, spread to other cats

You can start treating conjunctivitis in a cat only by 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 will be selected medicinal product- ointment, drops or injections of antibiotics.
In all cases, it is additionally required to rinse with antiseptic solutions.

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

Conjunctivitis in a British cat, pregnant 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 even before childbirth. Since conjunctivitis can have different origins(viral or bacterial), the approaches to its treatment will also differ. Therefore, it is better not to self-medicate, but to consult with professionals in a veterinary clinic.

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

The most common folk remedy the treatment of conjunctivitis is to wash the eyes with chamomile infusion or black tea infusion.

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

Conjunctivitis in a cat home treatment with tea

V folk medicine conjunctivitis in a cat at home is recommended to be treated with tea. To do this, pour 1 tablespoon of black tea with a glass of boiling water and let the solution brew well. Then, in a tea-leaves cooled to room temperature, a cotton swab is moistened and the sour eye is wiped with it (so that the infection does not spread, it is necessary to take a new swab each time). If the inflammation has affected only one eye, both eyes still need such treatment.

Is conjunctivitis in a cat infectious to humans, dangerous to humans?

Conjunctivitis in a cat is also a threat to humans, therefore, when treating an animal, you must strictly observe sanitary standards- treat the 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 a cat's calcivirosis. Calcivirosis is a disease transmitted by viral when a healthy animal comes into contact with a sick animal, not sparing everything 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, then the probability of the death of the animal is high.

Allergic conjunctivitis in a cat

Allergic conjunctivitis in cats occurs after exposure to an allergen. At the same time, at the onset of the disease, the animal begins to have intense lacrimation, which eventually develops into inflammation of the conjunctiva with the release of pus. For a successful cure, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the allergen that caused this reaction of the body and treat the animal with antihistamines and eye drops.

Viral conjunctivitis in cats

Viral conjunctivitis in animals occurs in many diseases caused by bacteria or viruses. At the same time, the cat's eyes have a swollen appearance, they are very watery, and then pus begins to stand out from the conjunctiva, instead of tears. Presumably, with viral conjunctivitis, cats are prescribed immunostimulants, antibiotics and antiseptic drugs - ointments or eye drops.

Purulent conjunctivitis in a cat treatment

Purulent conjunctivitis in cats proceeds 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 smell.

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

Infectious conjunctivitis in a cat

Infectious conjunctivitis accompanies many various diseases, therefore, getting rid of one of the symptoms will not lead to the cure of the animal as a whole. Self-medication can only aggravate the already weakened health of the cat. Provide veterinarians with the ability to treat the animal. Before going to the clinic for a sick cat, you can rinse the eyes with special lotions such as "Dewdrop" or "Diamond Eyes".

Chronic conjunctivitis in a cat

Conjunctivitis in a cat can be a disease on its own, or it can be a symptom of another disease. Only veterinarians can understand these nuances. Therefore, until the disease has become chronic, it is necessary to make the correct diagnosis and direct all efforts to cure the revealed disease.

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

How can conjunctivitis in a cat and Persian cats be treated, how much to treat

For the treatment of conjunctivitis in cats, in each case, absolutely various drugs, since there is no single panacea for this disease. Drops and ointments can help one animal, while another will need injections.
Persian cats and cats, due to the peculiarities of the structure of the muzzle, more than others need eye care, 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.

To understand that an animal has conjunctivitis, you need to pay attention to the following signs:

tearing,
redness and swelling of the eyelids,
photophobia,
blurred and discolored eyes,
violation of the movement of the apple of the eye,
eversion of the eyelids.

Types of disease

The following types of disease are distinguished:

chlamydial,
follicular,
allergic,
purulent,
parenchymal,
phlegmonous,
viral.

Follicular conjunctivitis in cats is the most dangerous because the follicles become inflamed (bumps appear on the inner surface of the eyelids). Eyes become cloudy, pus is released.

Often there is a fear of light and the cat begins to hide in dark places, climbs either into the closet or under the bed.

Parenchymal conjunctivitis is accompanied by inflammation of all parts of the eye. Symptoms of this type are swelling of the eyelids, redness of the mucous membrane.

Not only pus flows out of the eye, but also blood. If left untreated, the pet may go blind.

A characteristic sign of purulent conjunctivitis is horrible smell from eye discharge.

The cat gets worse general position... She eats little, constantly lies, hair begins to fall out around her eyes.

Allergic cats may experience allergic conjunctivitis... It occurs if you do not treat the clean tears that result from allergies.

The symptoms are purulent bloody discharge. Cure pet it will turn out if contact with an object that causes an allergy ends and thanks to the use of antihistamines.

Phlegmonous is difficult, since pus is located in the subepithelial layer of the conjunctiva. It will not be possible to cure this type of conjunctivitis on your own, a doctor can do it.

Another dangerous species is chlamydial conjunctivitis in cats. The reason for its appearance is the different stamps of Chlamydophilus bacteria.

The infection affects the eyes, nose, sinuses and throat, and inflammation of the conjunctiva and nasal mucous membranes occurs.

To diagnose this species, it is not enough to know what it looks like. Especially serious condition observed from 9 to 13 hours, and then the symptoms gradually fade away.

Determine the disease will help microscopic examination smear, thanks to which you can see the presence of chlamydia.

Only a doctor knows how to cure and how to treat this species.

There is viral conjunctivitis, in which viruses and bacteria settle on the conjunctiva itself. It is easier to get rid of them than from the fungus that can live there.

Conjunctivitis may have acute form, which develops into chronic. When the disease begins, it has symptoms that are easy to detect.

If time passes and conjunctivitis is not treated, then it becomes chronic and its symptoms become less noticeable and appear mainly only in the morning when the pet wakes up.

Home treatment

It is necessary to treat conjunctivitis in cats at home with drugs prescribed by a doctor.

Mainly:

ointment,
drops,
intramuscular administration of antibiotics,
antihistamines.

It is imperative to wash the eyes with a warm decoction of chamomile or calendula. They will relieve inflammation. Can also be washed with sugar-free black tea. This should be done every 3-4 hours.

The doctor can rinse with furacilin, but you should not do this on your own, because you can not calculate the dose and harm the animal. The same goes for potassium permanganate. You can not calculate the dose and cause a burn of the conjunctiva.

After rinsing, use tetracycline or erythromycin ointment for the eyes. This should be done with a glass rod. You need to apply either under the eyelid or on the lower eyelid.

Drops can be used instead of ointment. It is easier to drip your eyes than to apply ointment, but they flow out with tears much faster.

Antibiotics cannot be dispensed with for purulent, phlegmonous and follicular conjunctivitis.

The doctor prescribes antihistamines if the cat is sick with an allergic appearance.

It is also necessary to consult a doctor if an animal is sick, because it may be one of the dangerous symptoms, some complex disease and only a veterinarian can establish this.

Remember that conjunctivitis is contagious.

After carrying out all the procedures for the cat, you must thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. It can be infected not only by humans, but also by other animals.

In order not to have to be treated for a long time, you need to adhere to certain rules:

do not allow your pet to come into contact with stray animals,
make the necessary vaccinations,
get examined by a veterinarian once a year,
do not allow the cat to stay in drafts,
do wet cleaning indoors,
maintain the immunity of the animal.