Why Does My Cat'S Eyes Have Brown Discharge?

Why Does My Cat’S Eyes Have Brown Discharge?

Why Does My Cat
When a cat’s eyes are not draining properly, a brownish eye discharge (epiphora) occurs due to an overflow of tears. The discharge can usually be wiped away with a damp cloth and isn’t a serious issue.

Should I wipe my cat’s eye boogers?

Cleaning your cat’s eyes – Generally, you will not need to clean the area around your cat’s eyes. However, if you have a cat with a very flat face, eg. a Persian cat, it may well have eyes which water constantly which will need wiping on a regular basis.

Should I clean the discharge from my cat’s eye?

A cat’s eyes should be cleaned daily if the crusty secretions form ; if you do not notice anything in particular, it is sufficient to cleanse them twice a week, in order to keep them healthy.

Can a cat go blind from an eye infection?

Blindness from untreated eye infections – Eye infections are a treatable condition in cats; however, severe eye infections and eye infections which are left untreated can cause permanent blindness in cats. As well as the risk of blindness, eye infections cause extreme discomfort and pain.

It is therefore extremely important that cats with eye infections are given veterinary attention.
Conjunctivitis is the most commonly diagnosed eye infection in cats.
This is where the infection leads to inflammation of the conjunctiva – the pink membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and the outer surface of the eyeball (see picture).

Left untreated, conjunctivitis can lead to eye damage, vision loss and blindness. Eye infections can be caused by injuries to the eye, or foreign objects in the eye (eg, dirt, sand). Newborn kittens may develop eye infections due to vaginal infections of the mother at the time of birth, as well as being born into an unsanitary environment.

Viral or bacterial diseases can also lead to eye infections.
Feline calicivirus is a highly contagious virus that is a cause of ‘cat flu’, and can lead to conjunctivitis in cats.
Likewise, feline herpesvirus is also a highly contagious virus that can lead to conjunctivitis, as well as (less commonly), keratitis, which is the inflammation of the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye).

Damage to the cornea as a result of keratitis can lead to blindness. Feline chlamydophilosis is a bacterial cause of conjunctivitis. Other viral infections, such as feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukaemia virus, and feline infectious peritonitis, can lead to uveitis (inflammation of the uvea, the middle area of the eye including the iris), which can also result in blindness.

Can cat conjunctivitis cure itself?

Conjunctivitis, the most common of all feline eye disorders, is an inflammation of the thin mucous membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the inner surface of a cat’s eyelids and coats the outer surface of the eyeball. Many cats will experience at least a mild episode of the condition at some point in their lives.

According to Thomas Kern, DVM, associate professor of ophthalmology at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the conjunctiva serves several purposes.
Most important, he notes, this slippery membrane provides the eyeball with lubrication by functioning as a conduit for tears that fall onto its surface and are distributed by what he refers to as “the blinking phenomenon.” Furthermore, the conjunctiva harbors certain antibodies that may help an animal ward off some eye infections.

Nevertheless, he points out, there are several microorganisms that cats commonly carry, and the feline system’s inflammatory immune response to these bacteria and viruses is responsible for the great majority of feline conjunctivitis cases. The clinical signs of the condition can be evident in either one or both eyes and will typically be observed as well in the third eyelid—the membrane positioned in the inner corner of a cat’s eye, between the lower eyelid and the eyeball.

The signs include squinting, frequent blinking, and the presence of a discharge that, depending on the cause of the conjunctivitis, can be either colorless and watery or thick and dark-colored. The condition also tends to cause the conjunctiva and third eyelid to become swollen and red. Environmental irritants, such as dust or airborne chemical substances can cause conjunctivitis, as can exposure to certain outdoor plants—a condition called allergic conjunctivitis.

The most frequent cause by far, however, is infection with the herpesvirus, the calicivirus, or one of two bacteria—chlamydophila or mycoplasma. Conjunctivitis, Dr. Kern adds, is also relatively common in cats whose immune systems have been compromised by infection with the feline immunodeficiency virus ( FIV ) or the feline leukemia virus ( FeLV ).

All cats, regardless of breed or gender, are susceptible to conjunctivitis, and the condition is not heritable. However, age is clearly a determining factor. “Although conjunctivitis can occur in older cats, this is an infection that occurs primarily in young animals,” says Dr. Kern, “and it is most prevalent in catteries and other multiple-cat environments.

In the course of their development, young cats may pick up a virus or a bacterium from an older cat. And, like kids, they play together and pass it around. Sooner or later, they all get it.” Although most affected cats will eventually develop an immunity to the condition and will not experience recurrences, Dr.

Ern notes that episodes of conjunctivitis may recur periodically in those animals who carry the herpesvirus—”just as cold sores appear from time to time in humans who carry it.” In most cases, he points out, conjunctivitis will self-resolve with no medication at all.
However, he advises, owners should seek veterinary care if a cat has apparent eye discomfort and discharge to rule out more serious eye disorders.

Says Dr. Kern: “Most veterinarians will prescribe antibiotic eyedrops or an ointment to be used three or four times a day for two to three weeks, by which time the discharge and other signs should disappear. If we suspect that we’re dealing with herpesvirus, we’ll use topical antiviral drugs along with antibiotics.

Can a cat survive an eye infection?

Prognosis: Will Your Feline Recover? – The common feline eye infection has a good prognosis. In most cases, your cat will be back to chasing toys in no time. The antibiotics used to treat bacterial eye infections are extremely effective and can clear up the infection quickly in most cases.

If an underlying health problem is causing the eye infection, then it is vital to treat the initial condition. Some conditions such as glaucoma and cancer may lead to blindness. The long-term prognosis in each case depends on the severity of the condition. If your cat looks at you with red, watery and scratchy eyes, it’s important to call your veterinarian right away.

Never treat your cat with leftover antibiotics from a previous infection, as it may exacerbate the situation. Several serious conditions, including anatomic defects, foreign bodies and glaucoma, can easily be mistaken for an eye infection. Call your veterinarian to get your feline the right diagnosis and the best treatment possible.

What is the black stuff in the corner of my cat’s eyes?

Part 2: Feline eye disease often overlooked This is part two in a two-part series on understanding the cat’s eye. The eyes can be a window to internal problems a cat is experiencing. An example of this would be an examination of the scleral portion of the eye.

If an animal is jaundiced, this normally white tissue can look yellow, and liver disease can be suspected. Another example would be the sudden onset of blindness caused by high blood pressure. The most common problem directly affecting the eyes of cats is conjunctivitis. People like to call conjunctivitis “pink eye.” Inflammation can result from viral or bacterial infection, allergies, trauma, and immune related diseases.

Conjunctivitis does not affect vision, unless the cat is holding its eye closed due to pain or discharge buildup. Most often a veterinarian will prescribe medication that will treat the clinical signs. Kittens can be commonly infected with feline herpes virus or chlamydia that can cause conjunctivitis.

Both can be difficult to treat, and the herpes can cause recurrent draining of the eye and conjunctivitis throughout the cat’s life. Feline herpes is not contagious to humans, but it is similar to the herpes simplex in humans that can cause recurrent fever blisters. Feline chlamydia can be transmitted to humans and cause conjunctivitis, so washing of the hands after touching an infected cat is recommended.

Aside from having kitten conjunctivitis, chronic tearing can occur because of facial conformation and breed predisposition. Owners of Persian and other brachycephalic breeds of cats are familiar with this. The normal drainage system for the tears does not function due to the size and shape of the eyes and nose.

A rule of thumb with regards to ocular discharge is that clear is good, and yellow or green is bad. A dark crusty material in the corners of the eyes can also be normal. Tears contain pigments that when exposed to sunlight turn dark. This is not due to blood or infection. Just like many people have “sleep” in their eyes each morning, so do many cats.

Wiping with a moist tissue or cotton ball should be adequate for cleaning most cats’ eyes. Third eyelid elevation in cats is normal during sleep, but is not normal in the awake, alert cat. Some causes of third eyelid elevation are parasites, viruses, nerve inflammation, and conformation of the lid.

Eyelid tumors are another condition worth considering in cats.
White or pink skinned areas on cats are more prone to skin cancer, especially if the animal has spent a lot of time outdoors.
Early signs can be recurrent crusting or scabbing of the eyelid edges.
Two eye diseases unique to cats are corneal sequestrum and eosinophilic keratitis.

If you notice any type of black, red, or pink plaque of tissue on the cornea, your cat should be checked for these conditions. These conditions are treatable, but may not be curable. There are numerous other diseases and problems that can affect all parts of the eye and its surrounding structures.

Acuity of vision is not routinely measured in cats.
It is normal for a cat’s lens to thicken with aging and for clarity of vision to diminish.
Very few felines go blind unless another condition is present.
If a cat loses vision in one eye, often an owner will not even realize it because it will still be able to function fairly normally.

Even an animal blind in both eyes can get around in surroundings that it is familiar with, because it will utilize its other senses to compensate. The eye and its connections to the nervous system are fascinating. The differences in structures, development, vision, and disease processes make the feline eye unique.

What does cat conjunctivitis look like?

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis in Cats – Common feline conjunctivitis symptoms (which may be present in one or both eyes) include:

Redness of the eye(s) or surrounding skin.Eye discharge that is watery, cloudy, dark, yellow, or green.Squinting or excessive blinking.Swelling of the eyelid(s) or conjunctiva.

Cats that have infectious conjunctivitis may also show symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, such as sneezing, a runny nose, a fever, lethargy, or decreased appetite. SEE ALSO:

How can I get rid of my cats eye infection at home?

How to Clear Your Cat’s Eyes at Home – If you suspect your cat may have an eye infection, you’ll likely notice the following symptoms:

Watery eyes or gooey eyes
Excessive blinking
Squinting
Swelling around the eyes
Itching or rubbing against furniture and other objects
Eye discharge near the tear duct

If the only symptom you notice is your cat’s eyes are watering, they could just be trying to expel a piece of dust or dirt from their eyes. But, if one or both of their eyes have been watering for a few consecutive days, or if the cat eye discharge is thick, opaque, or discolored, they’re probably experiencing an infection.

If this is the case, you should contact your vet, who can determine the cause of your cat’s eye infection and recommend the best course of treatment. In the meantime, you can try clearing your cat’s eye (or eyes) to provide them with some relief. A sting-free, antimicrobial formula, like Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Eye Wash, can effectively clean eyes suffering from conjunctivitis and flush out dirt and debris that may be causing (or exacerbating) your cat’s eye infection.

Our eye wash not only provides instant relief, but it also helps keep eyes healthy and reduce chances of future eye problems. (Incidentally, this eye drop can also be used for dogs.) For the most effective treatment, gently flush the affected eye 3 to 4 times a day.

What is the most common eye infection in cats?

Infectious Conditions that May Cause Eye Infections –

Some of the most common infectious conditions that can lead to eye infections in cats are Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (also called feline herpesvirus type 1) and Feline Calicivirus. Both of these viruses are highly contagious among cats and are known to cause feline upper respiratory disease which can lead to symptoms such as eye infections.

Can cat conjunctivitis heal on its own?

According to Thomas Kern, DVM, associate professor of ophthalmology at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the conjunctiva serves several purposes.
Most important, he notes, this slippery membrane provides the eyeball with lubrication by functioning as a conduit for tears that fall onto its surface and are distributed by what he refers to as “the blinking phenomenon.” Furthermore, the conjunctiva harbors certain antibodies that may help an animal ward off some eye infections.

The signs include squinting, frequent blinking, and the presence of a discharge that, depending on the cause of the conjunctivitis, can be either colorless and watery or thick and dark-colored.
The condition also tends to cause the conjunctiva and third eyelid to become swollen and red.
Environmental irritants, such as dust or airborne chemical substances can cause conjunctivitis, as can exposure to certain outdoor plants—a condition called allergic conjunctivitis.

Ern notes that episodes of conjunctivitis may recur periodically in those animals who carry the herpesvirus—”just as cold sores appear from time to time in humans who carry it.” In most cases, he points out, conjunctivitis will self-resolve with no medication at all. However, he advises, owners should seek veterinary care if a cat has apparent eye discomfort and discharge to rule out more serious eye disorders.