My adult cat has watery eyes with brown discharge, what should I do? - briefly
If your adult cat has watery eyes with brown discharge, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian promptly. This symptom could indicate an infection or other serious health issue that requires professional diagnosis and treatment.
My adult cat has watery eyes with brown discharge, what should I do? - in detail
If your adult cat is experiencing watery eyes with brown discharge, it's important to address this issue promptly as it can indicate an underlying health problem. Here are some steps you can take:
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Observe Symptoms: Note any other symptoms your cat may be exhibiting, such as sneezing, coughing, lethargy, or loss of appetite. These can provide valuable clues to the veterinarian about the cause of the eye discharge.
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Check for Foreign Bodies: Inspect your cat's eyes for any visible foreign bodies like grass seeds or dust. If you see something, try to gently remove it with a damp cloth or cotton swab. However, if your cat is resistant or you can't see the object clearly, do not attempt to remove it yourself as you could cause further injury.
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Monitor Color and Consistency: The color and consistency of the discharge can indicate different types of infections. Brown discharge is often associated with bacterial infections, but it could also be due to allergies or other irritants. If the discharge changes color (e.g., becomes yellowish-green), this could suggest a more serious infection.
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Keep the Area Clean: Gently clean around your cat's eyes with a warm, damp cloth to remove any crusty discharge. Be careful not to rub or apply pressure, as this can cause further irritation or injury.
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Consult Your Veterinarian: Even if the discharge seems to clear up on its own, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They can perform a thorough examination and determine the underlying cause of the eye discharge. Possible causes include:
- Conjunctivitis: An inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelids, often caused by viral or bacterial infections.
- Allergies: Reactions to environmental allergens can lead to watery eyes and discharge.
- Upper Respiratory Infections (URI): Often caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus-1, which can lead to secondary bacterial infections.
- Dental Disease: Issues with your cat's teeth or gums can sometimes cause eye discharge due to the close proximity of these structures.
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Follow Veterinarian’s Advice: Based on the examination and any necessary tests (like a swab test for bacterial infections), your veterinarian will prescribe appropriate treatment. This could include antibiotic drops or ointments, antiviral medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, or allergy treatments. Ensure you administer all medications as directed and complete the full course of treatment.
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Monitor Progress: Keep a close eye on your cat's condition during and after treatment. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve within the expected timeframe, contact your veterinarian for further guidance.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your cat receives the care needed to resolve the issue with their eyes and maintain overall health.