By nature, the eyes of a cat are endowed with magical beauty. But unfortunately, they are often exposed to ophthalmic ailments that cause suffering not only to the affectionate pet, but also to its owner - it is always difficult to watch your friend suffer, especially when you do not know how to help him.
One of the most common eye diseases in cats is blepharitis. It is insidious in that its symptoms are very similar to those of conjunctivitis - it not only complicates the diagnosis, but also, accordingly, affects the right choice of treatment.
Inflammation concentrates on the eyelids of the animal. In this material, we will describe in as much detail as possible what constitutes blepharitis in cats. Read about the symptoms and treatment, diagnosis, causes and consequences of the disease, preventive measures.
What is blepharitis?
Unfortunately, eye diseases in cats are not a rarity. Blepharitis is one of the most common and dangerous ailments. Knowing what are the symptoms of the disease and the first signs of an incipient disease, the owner will be able to provide first aid in time, show his pet to a specialist, and begin timely treatment.
Blepharitis is a disease in which the edges of the eyelids become inflamed, tighten and thicken. There are several varieties of this pathology that differ in symptoms and the course of the inflammatory process. An inexperienced owner of the animal will easily confuse the symptoms of blepharitis in cats with signs of conjunctivitis - in both cases, the eyelids swell in the animal, there are various discharge from the eyes. It is very dangerous when the owners are simply too lazy to seek advice from the clinic, thereby condemning the pet to prolonged suffering.
If in some forms of conjunctivitis the owner still has a chance to cure the animal by washing, then in the case of blepharitis this chance is absent - every day the suffering of the pet will only intensify.
Blepharitis symptoms
Conjunctivitis and blepharitis in cats (we posted the photo of sick pets in the article) can occur both simultaneously and be a consequence and complication of each other. However, there are symptoms characteristic of blepharitis only. This pathology has several varieties (we will talk about this below), but there are a number of signs characteristic of all types of blepharitis.
The animal experiences severe itching in the eyes, they have profuse lacrimation. In this case, the eyelids turn red and swell. In an effort to relieve itching, the cat tries to scratch the eye with a paw, and in this case, injuries cannot be avoided. Severe inflammation reduces the incision in the eyes, the angle of view is significantly narrowed in the animal, conjunctivitis may develop against the background of blepharitis.
Causes of the disease
The causes of blepharitis in cats are different:
- pathogenic microflora - viruses, streptococci and staphylococci penetrate the body;
- parasitic lesions, from which the eyelids also suffer (most often the culprit of the disease is a subcutaneous tick);
- fungal agent; lichen pathogen;
- allergic reactions (sometimes it is difficult to determine which food is an allergen for your pet);
- trauma that caused an infectious infection;
- seborrhea, characterized by a violation of the function of the sebaceous glands and the appearance of dandruff, including eyelids;
- autoimmune diseases causing eye complications;
- endocrine disorders.
In addition, congenital cystic formations in cats can be the cause of the disease. In some breeds (Burmese, Himalayan cats, Persians), the disease often develops against the background of such a hereditary disease as the complete closure of the eyelids. This can cause the development of meibomian blepharitis.
Varieties of blepharitis: simple (scaly)
Inexperienced owners may not pay attention to this form of the disease for a long time, believing that the animal scratched its eye during a fight with tribesmen or stumbled upon some sharp object. Be more attentive to your pets - if your cat has swollen eyes - this does not mean that she received a banal injury that will heal by itself, without your participation.
The edges of the eyelids thicken because the vessels undergo hyperemia. At the roots of the eyelashes, grayish scales (crusts) are clearly visible, which eventually disappear with the eyelashes. Often, conjunctivitis is also diagnosed with scaly blepharitis to a cat. In the absence of proper treatment, the eyelids of the animal will be covered with ulcers, and the disease will proceed to the next stage.
Ulcerative blepharitis
Over time, the crust of scaly blepharitis in cats becomes yellow from suppuration under them. An ulcer is a wet wound into which infections easily penetrate. Such a pathogenic agent significantly complicates the course of the disease, destroying the cat's body as a whole through sore eyes. Sometimes, ulcerative surfaces may heal, but as a result, the thin and delicate skin of the eyelids is pulled together in such a way that an inversion is formed.
Eyelashes do not grow, because hair follicles are damaged. The cat cannot completely close its eyes, suffering from profuse lacrimation and terrible itching.
Meibomian blepharitis
If at least once in your life you had to experience problems with barley, then you know where meibomian iron is located . It has a focus of inflammation. There is such a gland in cats, and when the infection gets to it, the disease goes into a new form - meibomian. The affected gland begins to actively develop a secret, pus enters the mucous membrane of the eye. An extensive inflammatory process develops.
Fungal blepharitis in cats
This variety is caused by dermatophytosis:
- Microsporum canis (significantly less than Microsporum gypseum);
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
Lesions of the eyelids can have a round, oval or irregular shape. Diagnosis is based on the results of microscopy of hair from the affected area. Complex treatment, which includes external and systemic use of antifungal drugs.
Demodectic blepharitis
This form of pathology develops against the background of the activity of a tick of the genus Demodex. He lives on the skin of a cat and feeds on desquamated epithelium. Demodex actively multiplies when the animal's immune system is weakened and causes inflammation. This form is difficult to treat and requires special attention of an ophthalmologist.
Allergic blepharitis
And this is one of the most common forms of blepharitis in cats. The process is very acute - sclera redden, photophobia appears, the animal experiences severe itching, profuse watery discharge from the eyes, subfebrile condition. Cats are extremely restless, rubbing their faces on furniture and other objects.
Diagnostics
An accurate diagnosis can only be established in a clinical setting. The veterinarian examines with a slit lamp. Then a blood test is prescribed to assess the general condition of the animal, additional studies to elucidate the nature of the pathology, biopsy of the eyelid tissue.
Treatment for blepharitis in cats
We told you about the signs of this disease, about its nature, you saw pretty unpleasant photos of sick animals. Perhaps someone decided that this disease is incurable, and someone is at a loss - how to treat blepharitis in cats? And is it possible to cure an animal at home?
I would like to reassure you: blepharitis in cats is curable. But for successful treatment, the active participation of the owner will be required, the animal should feel your love and care. A sick pet will need a serious examination and competent, comprehensive treatment.
Blepharitis, which has developed due to the activity of microorganisms, requires a course of treatment with antibiotics and immunostimulants. The subcutaneous tick is so tenacious that you will have to get rid of it within a few months.
Veterinarians try to treat fungal infections with three vaccinations and fungicidal preparations (ointments, creams). In addition, the animal is prescribed drugs for instilling and washing eyes (ointments, drops, gels, emulsions and antibacterial suspensions).
The edges of the eyelids are disinfected with alcohol-ether, a solution of diamond greens. One percent oletriin, sintomycin, gentomycin, 10% methyluracil suspensions are introduced into the conjunctival sac. Scales and crusts are softened with saline, liquid paraffin, and then they are removed with sterile cotton-gauze swabs.
The animal’s eyes are instilled with hydrocortisone drops, Sofradex is used. Antibiotic treatment involves the use of not only injections, but also ointments. The use of "Iris" eye drops is recommended. The dosage is prescribed by the veterinarian, but usually 1-3 drops are dripped, depending on the weight of the animal; “Conjunctivet” (2 drops, 3 times a day for 10 days). So that the cat does not comb its eyes, it is advisable to put on a protective collar.
It is important to know that far from all therapeutic procedures the owner can perform independently. For example, you can hardly carry out the introduction of antibacterial agents into the conjunctiva without the help of a specialist. It is important to carry out complex treatment to not only get rid of blepharitis in cats, but also to prevent complications.
Disease prevention
In the case of blepharitis in cats, traditional preventive measures often do not work. The fact is that the vaccines that are given to cats can only protect a pet from certain viruses. They cannot protect your furry friend from subcutaneous ticks and bacteria. The only thing that the owner can do in this situation is to protect the cat from stray and unhealthy animals.
Shoes and outerwear should always be in the closet so that the pet does not rub on shoes, which can become the source of many unpleasant diseases. Of course, you should regularly conduct preventive examinations in the veterinary clinic, which will protect your pet from many diseases, the beginning of which the owner may not notice.