Conjunctivitis In Cats

Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as "pink eye", is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is the clear membrane that covers the outer layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. This area of ​​your pet's eye is particularly vulnerable to irritants and allergens that can cause inflammation, and viruses, bacteria and fungi that can cause infection.

Conjunctivitis is usually recognized by the redness and inflammation that cause. Your pet may also have weepy eyes and a yellowish discharge that is often indicative of an infection, and the download can even make your pet's eyelids stick together. It can also be painful and you may notice your pet scratching your eye on various surfaces such as the couch or carpet.

Conjunctivitis is the most common eye problem in pets, and if properly treated, it usually heals without any complications. However, if left untreated or in serious cases, infection of conjunctivitis can spread to other structures in the eye and cause serious eye damage. Conjunctivitis may also be indicative of other underlying conditions such as feline immunodeficiency virus in cats or dogs canine disease.

What causes pink eye?

There are a number of things that can cause conjunctivitis.

These include:

* Chemical irritants such as household cleaners, pesticides and other harsh chemicals that enter the eye.

* Irritants or mechanical injury. Any trauma or injury to the eye can cause conjunctivitis such as sand has entered the eye, or a cat scratch.

* Fungal infections, viral and bacterial infections can be the cause.

* Diseases that affect the immune system of your pet such as feline immunodeficiency virus or canine disease.

Diagnosis of conjunctivitis

In many cases, your veterinarian can diagnose conjunctivitis based on an eye exam for your pet and looking at the type of discharge occurred. Your veterinarian can also perform some tests to determine the cause of conjunctivitis.

This may include conjunctival sponge to help determine whether the infection was caused by a virus or bacteria, and color of fluorescein that will help determine if there are any corneal ulceration. In addition, your veterinarian may run other tests if immune deficiency is the suspected cause or if your pet has any other symptoms.

Help for Conjunctivitis

The treatment of conjunctivitis usually includes ointment or eye drops, but the treatment may vary depending on the underlying cause. Your vet may prescribe aspirin, corticosteroids, or anti-inflammatory drugs, and in some cases, a course of topical or oral antibiotics may be recommended.

Natural Remedies

Many veterinarians prescribe antibiotics for conjunctivitis immediately and it comes with the risk of a lowered immune system of your pet resulting in recurrent infections. Using natural and homeopathic remedies can help conjunctivitis quickly and effectively without worrying about harmful side effects.

Herbs such as Burdock and Rosemary have become well known for their benefits to eye health. Burdock has cleaning properties of the eye, detoxification and enhance the immune system, and is very beneficial when trying to deal with any kind of eye infection.

Rosemary is also very beneficial for pets with conjunctivitis because it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties as well as the ability to help relieve pain and discomfort of the eye. Chelidonium majus and meadow sweet are two herbal ingredients that can be used externally to promote healing of the infected eye and to quickly reduce pain and inflammation.