Baxters eye problem update.. Time for a vet visit!

[drunkmike]

Well I was going to hold out on the vet visit because I thought it might just be a normal thing and he wasn't cleaning that side of his face for some reason, but now the eye it was happening to is starting to get a bit pink around the outside of the eyeball.. like the outer edges of the eyelid and what not. His third eyelid is not visible at all and he isn't acting like it is bothering him, but that eye does seem to be a bit more closed then the normal one. Especially when he gets the "sleepy eyes" that one will close before his other one will. There is no more discharge (no more then usual at least) but it does seem like he is starting to have problems with it. What do you guys think it could be? Its a black or really dark brown crusty discharge (sometimes it is a bit wet like sleep in your eyes when you first wake up) but it doesnt run all over his face or anything its only in the corner. When I do get a chance to carefully wipe it out, if I look into the very corner of his eye (where his nose is) it looks a bit brownish in there and on the normal eye its pink and or flesh colored. Could something be stuck in there or is this a sign of some other problem? I have a vet appt scheduled but I cant get him in until Fri. I don't think its an emergency at this time but I will keep a close eye on it. Ideas?

Sorry for the long post again!

I tried to get a pic, but he is bouncing off of the walls and wont sit still

[mamabear]

Dmike, your posts are always welcome here dear. If you notice anything else coming out,oozing,puss,tearing a lot then call back vet and tell them you want him seem. You certainly dont seem like the type to just let it go so I wont give a speech LOL. You are one of the good ones that always asks and when in doubt you get to the vet. just love that.Glad you were able to get an appt for fri. let us know. Keep an eye on it

[drunkmike]

nah it doesn't look like its torn or anything bad.. no oozing, pussing or anything like that. Just looks like its irritated. Kinda like pink eye or something. I know that it doesn't bother him (at least as far as I can tell!) but it bothers me knowing that something just isn't right. I will check on him in the morning and see what it looks like. He is going on sleepy time now so I don't want to get him all rawled back up or I will never get any sleep! He kept walking in to me earlier and sitting beside my chair, looking up and meowing with a sad look on his face almost like he was saying "get this out of my eye please!" lol. Do you know if the "brownish" coloring in the very corner of his eye near his nose is sign of infection? It doesn't look like something is physically IN there, but it is a different color than his other eye. I know I'm paranoid, but well.. you guys know me by now

[Traci]

You're not manipulating it, are you? The problem with removing discharge from the eyes is that there is a potential for irritation and spreading bacteria. Only minimal wiping should be done, with a clean, slightly damp cotton ball or gauze pad, or no manipulation at all until you've seen the vet.

It could be he has a tiny bit of debris (like dust or an eyelash or something), your vet will carefully examine his eyes and if he feels necessary, will do a stain/dye test, which detects corneal scratches, etc. Harmless procedure. If he feels there might be a slight infection for some reason, he may prescribe temporary eye drops or an opthalmic antibacterial ointment.

What are you feeding him? Sometimes, food allergies can develop suddenly, be sure you discuss Baxter's diet with your vet.

Do you or GF smoke? Are either of you cleaning the house excessively with heavy cleaners or chemicals, or bleach, etc? Just trying to rule out environmental irritants.