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Cats/Swollen eye

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Expert: - 3/22/2009


Question
About a month ago, not long after I adopted a new kitten, all my 3 cats including the new kitten fell ill with cat flu. After seeing the vet, they recovered. But not long after that, I woke up one morning to find my oldest cat with very swollen inner eyelids. I rushed him to the vet. He diagnosed that the inner eyelids are extremely swollen and probably gotten it while the kitten was scuffing with him. I was given antibiotic and anti histamine and an eye oilment for the cat. He recovered within the week. This was about a month ago. However, yesterday, my cat had a sneezing fit for awhile and this morning I woke to find his eye extremely swollen again. I have just given him the same medicines. Could you please advise me what could be the cause of this? I am so worried. Many thanks.

Answer
Hi Theresa,

Have your vet check your cat for feline herpes virus 1 infection. It sounds like your cat may have this. If he does try using l-lysine, (250 to 500mg once a day). Herpes can't be cured but can be handled. Using the antibiotics help with any secondary infections. The l-lysine suppresses the virus but doesn't get rid of it. Take him back to the vet and see what he says. Good luck.


Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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