|
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation
of the membrane that covers both the inner lining of the eyelid and the
white of the eye. It may be caused by allergies or by bacterial, fungal
or viral infections. In fact, recurrent or chronic conjunctivitis in
cats is often the result of herpes viral infections which, just as in
humans, can return - again and again.
Conjunctivitis can be
contagious, so keep an infected cat away from other cats. Kittens often
suffer from this and can pass it on to their siblings. Improper care
leads to destruction of the eye tissue and blindness.
The Cat Third Eye
The medical term for the
third eye is the nictitating membrane. Normally, this eyelid is not
visible. If during your cat eye care stare
session, your cat’s third eyelid appears, it could mean that she is
falling asleep. The third eyelid can be seen clearly by gently opening
the eye of the healthy animal when it is asleep or as it is falling
asleep.
If it remains visible
during your cat’s waking hours then it may indicate a poor eye condition
or sickness. We were distressed when Simon the Siamese started
walking around with his eyes half asleep. His third eyelid was apparent
all the time.
This of course meant
another visit to the vet. All of his vitals were fine, his appetite
fine, but his third eye was right there, as if he was sick. It was
during this same timeframe that Sally was on some ‘mood altering’
medication. We were trying to deal with her chronic licking. That is
another story.
Our astute vet asked how we were giving Sally her medication. We were crumbling it in her food. No,
she did not eat all her food at once. Yes, Simon-the-oink could have
consumed her leftovers including her “mood” drug.
We concluded that Simon
had inadvertently taken some of Sally’s dope. His seemingly permanent
third eye condition was called Haw’s Syndrome. Apparently Simon’s
consumption of the drug caused a loss of sympathetic connection to the
lid’s retractor muscle. His eyelid was out of control.
It was several weeks
before it disappeared and his eyes appeared normal. So chalk up Haw’s
Syndrome as another possible eye abnormality. Take this as a lesson in
what can happen when you leave medications available to unintended
consumers. Pick up the plates. Cataracts and Glaucoma
Cataracts and Glaucoma affects
felines, just like humans. If you notice that your cat’s eye lens is
cloudy, you should seek veterinary advice. This could indicate a
cataract which are often present in senior or diabetic cats.
Glaucoma
stems from too much pressure on the interior of the eye which decreases
the amount of fluid draining from the eye. Again, you will need guidance
from a veterinarian to deal with glaucoma. |
You
can keep up on
other cat eye problems and cat care topics if you sign up for the free report
and newsletter below.
