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Expert: - 7/7/2010


Question
my kittens eyes have opened but some of the kittens tend to have one eye shut in the corner to the middle what does this mean?

Answer
Hi Callum,

This would seem to suggest that the kittens are suffering from some eye discharge, indicating a possible eye infection.  This is extremely common in kittens.  It may initially be caused by a viral illness or a bacterial one, such as chlamydia (not the strain we associate with sexual activity), which the mother can be an asymptomatic carrier of.

You should have a vet take a look at the little ones.  An ointment or drop to go in the eyes can cure bacterial infections if one is present.  In the meantime, use a cloth or cotton ball moistened with warm water to wipe away any crust that has sealed the eyes shut near the middle.  Be very careful to make sure the eyes never become sealed shut completely.  It will be important to address the potential eye infections right away.  Left untreated, complications leading to the need to remove the eyes can arise.  But treated promptly, kittens typically recover fully.

Good luck with the little ones!

Jessica  

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Jessica

Expertise

The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.

Experience

I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.

Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience

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