AboutReverend S. Abbott Expertise I am the owner of 4AnimalCare.org, a rescue, rehab and behavior modification network with volunteers across the country ready to help contribute time, effort and knowledge for animal welfare.
We have re-homed dogs, countless cats and are growing our activities in exotic bird care.
I’d like to provide the answers to your questions and concerns about how to recognize animals in need, what you can do in your area and contribute to supporting you through the initial adjustment time after adopting a previously neglected animal.
If I don’t have the answers, I’ll do whatever I can to find someone who does!
Experience Endangered/Protected species caretaker working with state veterinarians more than 25 years.
Exotic bird care, macaws a specialty, working with breeders, researchers and veterinarians (ongoing)
Cats (40 years), rodents and marsupials
Publications United Media Syndicate (weekly column); United Press International/Associated Press (daily); Bird Talk Magazine; various others
Awards and Honors Listed in 3 Who's Who publications for outstanding accomplishment in field
Question a kitten that i have found and am caring for started having eye problems and now she cannot even open her eyes because they are crusted shut WHAT DO I DO?
Answer Most cases of conjunctivitis are Feline Herpes Virus (FHV). There is no cure, but there are treatments that usually target the secondary (bacterial) infections that result and may help speed recovery from the actual viral infection. http://www.eyevet.info/herpes.html
--- this is very likely part of an upper respiratory infection that isn't showing symptoms yet ---
To answer the question you may be wondering: No, a human or non-feline cannot catch feline herpes virus.
If the infection is bacterial, some of these may be zoonotic (transferable to people and other animals), which is another reason to have a vet check it and diagnose it for sure. You wouldn’t want this yourself, right?
Some of the things that may trigger an outbreak in any aged cat are stress, other illness or injury.
Typical treatments are Acyclovir oral suspension given in 10 mg per kg (2.2 lbs) 2 x’s a day; L-lysine (some vets don’t necessarily believe this really makes a difference) and antibiotics chosen specifically for your cat and the type of secondary infection that may be present.
Topical treatments are often antibiotic ointments or drops; Trifluridine drops often used for ulcerative keratitis.
There has been some success with use of Alpha Interferon and/or ImmunoRegulin (to stimulate the immune system); however, these are generally very costly options.
It’s suggested that you actually avoid corticosteroids at all costs, but if your vet feels it’s absolutely necessary, at least discuss it.
When FHV is ruled out, conjunctivitis causes are usually either Feline Chlamydia or Feline Mycoplasma. Sometimes two or even all three factors exist.
For more about these conditions, look here http://www.animaleyecare.net/diseases/conjunctivitis.htm
Until you her seen, Boric acid solution may be tried in order to control secondary infections: 1 tablespoon boric acid + 1 quart of water. Bring to a boil and then let cool.
Use on clean cotton balls to wipe eyes as needed.
If there is no improvement within the next couple days or you notice it worsening, the only choice you really have is urgent vet care. Remember, this is the cat’s eyesight and it could lose it.
