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Conference misery::feline

Title:Meower Power - Where Differing Opinions are Respected
Notice:purrrrr...
Moderator:JULIET::CORDES_JA
Created:Wed Nov 13 1991
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1079
Total number of notes:28858

570.0. "Feline eye ulcers ?" by AIMHI::BOYKO () Mon Jul 19 1993 13:39

    I am planning on getting a blue Abby. kitten.  But the problem right
    now is, that she is 10 weeks old and has developed an eye ulcer.  She 
    is being treated with a special cream every two hours, but I don't 
    know if I still want to take a chance and buy her.  I am afraid the 
    ulcer may come back, is genetic, or may cause her blindness in this
    eye?  Has anyone have any experience with eye ulcers ?
    
    Thanks,
    Nancy
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570.1Here are my experiences.ISLNDS::FALLONTue Jul 20 1993 11:2231
    Nancy,
    I would ask what caused the eye ulcer.  A scratch, chlamydia, ingrown
    eyelash etc.  Is it truly an ulcer or just an infection.  If it's an
    infection, what bacterial or viral organism is causing it?
    
    In general I would not be too worried about it.  Are you getting this
    kitten from a reputable breeder?  She should be able to discuss this
    with you.  I have never had an eye ulcer but have had a kitten get
    sleepies in their eyes when very young.  This has prompted me into a
    little research.  If she is using Terramycin, chances are it is not too
    bad.  Usually with proper treatment, it does not come back or create
    blindness.  Again, you need to trust your breeder and discuss it with
    her.  If you have other cats, you may wish her to keep the kitten until
    it is cleared up.  If you still have doubts and can't talk to her about
    this then I would advise to look elsewhere.
    
    Most kittens will have some form of an eye discharge when young. 
    Ranging from a teensy bit to a full blown infection.  Generally if you
    wipe the eye with a cotton ball and sterile saline solution to get the
    little "sleeps" off, you won't have a problem.
    
    How these things start (aside from catching it from others) is that
    when the eye starts to open, dust or bacteria can enter.  Because the
    eye lids aren't completely functioning yet, these things can begin to
    irritate.  It can be helpful to open the eye for the kitten once it has
    cracked open a bit.  You can also get from the vets an ointment that
    contains no drugs (like an optical vaseline) which will lubricate the
    lids for easy opening upon awakening :')
    I hope some of this helps!  If you have questions you can call me at
    229-7778.
    Karen
570.2Eye Ulcers --AIMHI::BOYKOTue Jul 20 1993 12:4514
    Thanks Karen for your comments.  The breeder is a judge and has been
    breeding Abby's for quite a long time.  She told me the kittens must
    have gotten bacteria in the eyes, two kittens have the ulcers out of
    the two litters.  The one blue Abby has the ulcer directly over the
    pupil.  The other is towards the bottom of the eye.  What bothers me is
    that she treated the condition with a special sauve herself, and then
    just took the kitten to the vet this morning after 10 days.  She is
    showing her two males this weekend at a cat show in Bedford, NH.  I
    will talk to her tonight about the kittens condition and future of the 
    eye.  The temperments of these kittens are just so loving, so I would
    really stay with one of her kittens, especially the blue Abbys.
    
    Thanks,
    Nancy