Another eye issue!

[Tina B and crew]

Traci,

This time it is Chunk. Started with the squinting yesterday. Sometimes, as you probably know, they do that and it goes away fairly quickly. Well, he's still squinting today and the conjunctiva is definitely reddened and looks swollen, along with some discharge. No cloudiness in the eye at all. I won't be able to contact my vet until Monday. I have some of the optical triple antibiotic ointment left from Doc a few months back. Would it be ok and should I use that? Or should I wait until Monday? Even if the vet was open we are snowed in today so I wouldn't be able to get out.

I tried to take a photo but he wouldn't stay still. When I look online at photos of conjunctivitis that is what it looks like.

Thanks.

[Traci]

As long as the ointment is not expired, you could use it, twice a day until you can call your vet first thing Monday morning.

What is the discharge, is it clear, greenish, or? Use a clean, damp washcloth to wipe away any discharge to keep the area clean.

[Tina B and crew]

Discharge was whitish...definitely not green or even yellow. I'll start the ointment tonight. We are having icy weather. Snowed today and now freezing rain! Yuk!!

[Traci]

Keep a close eye on Chunk - as long as no colored discharge, may not be infected...just keep the area clean. I suggested twice daily for the ointment, but I think once a day would be ok instead.

I don't envy your weather, it's cold here too, ugh. Stay warm and keep an eye on Chunk...

[Tina B and crew]

No discharge this morning but it's still squinty and the conjunctiva is still pink and a bit swollen looking. I put ointment in last night and again this morning.

Weather is warming but will be cold tomorrow so everything will refreeze. I'll call my vet in the morning.

[Tina B and crew]

Chunk's eye is looking even better today. He's still squinting - not quite as much though - but the redness of the conjunctiva is gone and there is still no more discharge. I really don't want to take him out today so I may just put a call into the vet and see what they think since it seems to be improving. The eye itself is clear. The most notable symptom now is the third eyelid being raised a bit.

I'm wondering if this was due to an injury from one of the scuffles he and Doc get into daily. I've been working on keep those at bay at feeding time by using the squirt bottle and treats to keep them separate. They are going to cost me a fortune if they don't stop!!

[Traci]

I would at least ask your vet if you can use the ointment for about a week.

If you happened to have had your windows open and if it was as windy there as it was here in the last several days, could be specs of dust or something. Otherwise, hopefully not from a kitty spat.

Continue to keep an eye on it, if the third eyelid does not retract within another day or two, call your vet to see if he should be seen. A couple days usually not worrisome, but 4-5 days may need checked.

[Tina B and crew]

No windows open here, but there is certainly dust in the house from catnip, litter etc.

It's looking much better today. The third eyelid has retracted further and his eye is open as normal with only intermittent squinting. No discharge at all.

[Tina B and crew]

BTW...Chunk's eye looks so much better. The third eyelid has retracted completely and there is no discharge. Yay!!

[Traci]

Good to hear!!!