Eye trouble

[Gillian Harvey]

I'm about to bathe her eye, but I hear optrex can help, is this right?

Optrex Infected Eyes is fine to use in cats eyes. It is chloramphenical which is the same as the chloramphenicol eyes drops the vet dispenses - many of eye drops dispensed by vets for cats are human eye drops anyway, Maxitrol for instance.  If you go to a chemist for Optrex Infected Eyes you'll have to ask for it as only the pharamcist can dispense it (they'll assume it is for you of course!)

[Sam (Fussy_Furball)]

Ahh poor JiJi I'm sure the drops from the vet will sort her out.  Give her a big cuddle from me 

[Millys Mum]

Often newly rehomed cats can have little problems crop up, the stress of moving on again can bring things out so try not to worry 

[Desley (booktigger)]

If she has conjunctivitis, and no flu symptoms, she could hve had it when younger, and might be more prone to conjunctivitis. I would see how she goes on the meds before worrying too much.

[pandapaws]

Unfortunately this got much worse over night, I took Jiji to the vets this morning and he confirmed it. She has conjunctivitus. I've been given some eye drops to give her and I've been told to bathe her eye. However I'm a little worried as he said it could be linked to cat flu. I've heard this can be really serious. Any advice/info?

[blackcat]

I think I would stick to plain salty water, rather than an overthe-counter human med - that can be asking for trouble. Certainly sounds like conjunctivitis, but it is possible there is a foreign body or something (a hair, maybe) causing it. Bathe with warm salty water regularly, but otherwise don't put anything in it, until you see the vet ...

[pandapaws]

Hi thanks for the advice. I've has a closer look, and this is what I've found.

- there is a clear discharge coming from her eye
- the is a pink strip of skin about her eye that appears to not be covered by fur
- her eye appears to be slanting upwards, when obviously it isn't
-she can open it fully, however it must not be comfortable for her, as she keeps it half shut/shut whenever possible.

I'm really getting in a flap about this, so any advice would be great.

I'm about to bathe her eye, but I hear optrex can help, is this right?

[Corporal Smokey]

Hi Pandapaws  to Purrs. I had this last week with Josh, my 13yo. I knew what it was as he was being a bit nosey, we'd been sanding and he got a bit of sawdust in there but it was still a little worrying.

What you can do for now is boil some water and let it cool. Then gently bathe the eye using some cotton wool. Or make some Chamomile tea and do the same. Chamomile is very soothing. until you know what it is I wouldn't really try anything stronger although others who will respond may know a lot better than me.

It may well be that your furbabe has had cat-flu which has left it's mark but it's also possible that something's found its way in there. Have a look closely at the eye and see if anything looks swollen, red or if the third eyelid is up. These are all clues. If there's a lot of gunk that's a greeny or yellowy colour that's a sign of infection. Brownish/clear tears are ok.

Keep her happy and close by and take her to the vets when you can. If she seems to be suffering, get her in as an emergency although I really can't see it coming to that. Please note though, I'm no expert. I've only worked in rescue for a year. This is advice based on the experience I have. I hope it helps 

[pandapaws]

Hi, I'm pretty new here. The reason I joined is that noticed a lot of good advice being dispensed, so I was wondering if someone could help me.

I've had my cat for about a week now, she was a rescue cat who is about 10months old.

Just today I noticed she keeps one eye half closed alot of the time like it's sore,and I can't get to vet until Monday.

Does anyone know what could be causing this? She is fine in herself, still eating and playing as usual. I'm just a little worried about her.

Thanks guys.