Why do cats have watery eyes? Why do Scottish or Persian cats have watery eyes?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Why do cats have watery eyes? This question is often asked by caudate owners to veterinarians. It turns out that lacrimation does not always indicate the presence of some kind of inflammation or infection. Each case must be analyzed separately. We will tell you why cats have watery eyes, what measures can be taken.

Anatomical features

Some breeds have a characteristic skull structure. For example, a Scottish cat has watery eyes due to a shortened muzzle, which, in turn, is explained by the large diameter of the head. With such a structure of the skull, the work of the nasolacrimal canals, the function of which is to control the flow of tears after moistening the corneas, is disturbed. As a result, excess fluid that accumulates on the conjunctiva begins to splash out. The Persian cat has watery eyes for the same reason. In general, most owners of brachycephalic felines face the problem of increased lacrimation. Of course, the advice of a veterinarian cannot be neglected, but some points can reassure in advance. For example,the norm is discharge that is clean and transparent. The accumulation of dark matter (sometimes even solid) is explained by the presence of coloring pigments in tears, darkening under the influence of the sun. Such secretions are not infectious. These are physiological moments. Therefore, do not torment the animal with hourly eyewashes and applying ointments. Remove the secretions with a cotton ball or a damp, clean cloth.

Separately, it is worth mentioning possible complications - a tear, flowing down the coat, occasionally becomes the cause of secondary inflammatory skin diseases. Therefore, it is better for the owners of "exotics" to wipe the eyes of kittens with veterinary products specially designed for this purpose (for the care of the eyes of cats). Similar drugs are now available in pet stores, and in a wide range.

Infections

Viruses and bacteria are often the cause of profuse lacrimation. Some of them are difficult to treat (for example, panleukopenia). Some diseases are also transmitted to people (mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, herpes, etc.).

Diagnosis is required to determine the disease. According to the statistics of veterinarians, chronic conjunctivitis (prolonged inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye) is most often detected. Such animals require a thorough ophthalmological examination with the Schirmer test (to confirm or exclude creatitis), determination of eye pressure (glaucoma is possible), etc. Eye appendages are necessarily examined for eyelid anomalies.

A mucopurulent discharge will most likely require a sensitivity testmicroflora in relation to antibiotics. The analysis is done before washing the eyes or applying any medicinal substances (drops, ointments), which will necessarily distort the results, reducing the concentration of bacteria or slowing down their reproduction. Cytological examination is necessary for the diagnosis of eosinophilic or allergic conjunctivitis. Altered neutrophils (a consequence of the work of bacterial cells) testify to infection. Sometimes viral bodies (intracellular inclusions), chlamydia are found.

Exclude infection can flush from the conjunctiva to rhinotracheitis, mycoplasmosis, chlamydia. If the tests are negative, an ophthalmological examination should be considered.

Mechanical damage

It can be injuries inflicted during the game or a normal walk. Lachrymation causes burns (fire sparks, splashes of hot oil, etc.). The cat has watery eyes as a result of exposure to chemically active substances (for example, when bathing with soap, shampoo, flea treatment, etc.). A breed such as the Canadian Sphynx is often diagnosed with chronic conjunctivitis caused by torsion of the eyelids. Eyelashes scratch the eye, causing tearing. The problem is solved by carrying out a simple cosmetic operation, as a result of which the eyelids are tightened, and the eyelashes are in place. The degree and depth of damage will be determined only by a doctor. It is important to know that with severe damage to the cornea, cats lose their sight.

Foreign body

Mote can get into any part of the eye: into the eyelid, mucous membrane, conjunctiva, eyeball. Why do cats have watery eyes? The cause of irritation can be particles of earth, stone, grains of sand, metal shavings, caterpillar hairs, midges, etc. Depending on the angle and strength (speed) of the flight, foreign bodies can penetrate deep into the tissue, so you can not always see them. The trapped particles irritate the eye, causing pain, blepharospasm, photophobia, lacrimation. If the foreign body lies on the conjunctiva, it can be carefully removed. If not, contact your veterinarian.

Allergy

There are many reasons for its appearance: plant pollen, household chemicals (sprays, shampoos, flea drops, anthelmintic drugs, etc.), mold, cigarette smoke, etc. Main symptoms: coughing or sneezing, itching (cat itches), lacrimation, runny nose. Possible vomiting, diarrhea. The cause of the allergy will be determined by a veterinarian. He will prescribe treatment. If you already know exactly what your cat is reacting to, dealing with the problem is easier. If, for example, the animal does not tolerate chicken, exclude everything that contains fat and protein (chicken).

Allergic reactions can occur to fleas or helminths, to treatment with certain drugs (most often antibiotics).

What to do?

To understand why cats have watery eyes, you need to establish observation of them. If the discharge is clean, slight and does not cause anxiety in the animal, you can not worry. Such problems are often observed in "extremes" (inPersian, in a lop-eared cat). Watery eyes are usually in babies (kittens up to a month old). Treatment is not required here - daily wiping with cotton swabs dipped in chamomile decoction and well wrung out is enough.

If the cat is restless, scratches its eyes, squints, and the discharge does not stop, take it to the veterinarian. As already mentioned, there can be many reasons that caused lacrimation - from a small speck to a serious infection. Do not use eye drops intended for humans. Not only will they not help, but they can also hurt. It is allowed to use only saline solution (for washing) or a decoction of chamomile on your own. The feasibility of using tetracycline ointment is called into question. Only a veterinarian will prescribe the correct treatment.