The conjunctiva of the cat is a layer of mucous membrane that covers the inside of the upper and lower eyelids and the front of the eye. It is a clear membrane formed by a compound columnar epithelium and a small amount of connective tissue. It is a mucous membrane that secretes mucus from the eye, similar to that found in the lining of the mouth and nasal cavity. In a healthy state, the conjunctiva is not visible to the cat. In medical terms, conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, an inflammation that occurs.
Symptoms
Symptoms of conjunctivitis can occur on one or both sides of the eyelid and are mainly as follows.
1. excessive tearing of the eye
2. Redness and swelling of the conjunctiva
3. Eye secretion or even discharge of cloudy yellow-like mucus
4. Closed or squinting eyes
5. Ulceration of the eye
6. Crusts covering the eyes
7. Cat appears photophobic
8. The third eyelid may protrude and even cover the eyeball
9. The cat may rub its eyes with its paws
Etiology
The etiology of conjunctivitis can be divided into two main categories.
1. Non-infectious causes
2. Infectious causes
Non-infectious causes
1. Foreign bodies, such as large particles of dust or sand, entering the eyelid
2. Trauma, such as scratches and other traumatic injuries
3. irritating chemicals that can cause conjunctival irritation
4. Allergies
Eyelid entropion, a genetic disorder in which the eyelids of cats are turned inward. Entropion can cause irritation of the cornea due to constant rubbing of the eyelashes against the eye. This condition is caused by the structure of the cat’s head and is more common in the flat-faced cat breeds Persian, Heterosexual Short, and Himalayan, but can occur in all other breeds as well.
Infectious Etiology.
The most common cause of conjunctivitis is due to a bacterial or viral infection. Often viruses irritate the conjunctiva and cause it to become infected with secondary bacteria. Common bacteria and viruses that cause conjunctivitis are
1. Feline herpesvirus: often accompanied by sneezing and coughing.
2. Chlamydia
3. Mycoplasma
4. Feline infectious rhinotracheitis virus (FVR)
5. Feline Cupriovirus
6. Streptococcus
7. Staphylococcus
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of feline conjunctivitis is usually determined by observation of the cat’s eyes showing symptoms.
The key to diagnosis is to determine the cause of the disease. If it is confirmed that conjunctivitis is not the result of a non-infectious cause such as foreign body entry, then it can be judged to be infectious.
In most cases of bacterial infections, the specific genus of the infection does not need to be determined, but can be treated directly with antibiotics. If necessary, blood tests can also be performed to make a diagnosis.
Treatment
In general, bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments. If the infection is viral, then it will need to be treated with more expensive antiviral medications.
If the infection is secondary to a bacterial infection, tetracyclines and chloramphenicol are both economical and effective medications for treatment.
Anti-inflammatory drugs can both reduce inflammation and promote healing. Severe infections will require injections or oral antibiotics.
Eye drops: Most eye drops need to be given at least 4-6 times a day. One to two drops per eye at a time is sufficient.
Ointments: Ointments do not need to be given as often as eye drops. Apply a small amount of ointment to the eye at a time, then close the eyelid to allow the medication to make full contact with the conjunctiva.
Caution.
Conjunctivitis in cats is contagious to each other. If you have multiple cats at home and one of them has conjunctivitis, the other cats are at risk of being infected, so it is important to isolate them properly.
