Problems in the Eyes and Ears, Cat Entropy and Cataracts

Conjunctivitis
This is an inflammation of the eye’s membranes, this causes them to itch and get red with a watery secretion or mucous. If both eyes are infected, it can be a symptom of cat’s flue, a bacterial infection like chlamydea or an allergy. If only one eye is infected, it can be due to only one eye being infected or an injury from a fight as well as a grass seed in the eye. Teary eyes or secretions can also be caused by a condition called entropy.

• Treatment: softly clean the eyes with warm boiled water. The veterinarian will treat the cause and prescribe eye drops.

Entropy
A rare condition were the eyelid “inverts” and the cornea is constantly irritated by the eyelashes.

• Symptoms: excessive tear production and secretions.
• Treatment: surgical correction of the eyelid is required.

The Third Eyelid
Cats are uncommon because they have a third eyelid (the nictitating membrane) in the internal corner of each eye. Third eyelids are visible in a healthy cat, but when they are protruding and look like white curtains on the eye, it is an indication of health problems such as cat flu or a parasite infection.

Often, it is due to an infection from a harmless retrovirus that affects the nerves which control the nictitating membrane. The cat can develop diarrhea, but in every other way remains healthy. Eventually the eyes become normal again, although it may take a few weeks.

Cataracts
A condition which is sometimes seen in older or diabetic cats.

• Symptoms: the lens of the eye appears cloudy and dull, the cat has a partial or complete loss of vision.
• Treatment: if both eyes are affected surgery is required.

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