I'm in desperate need of some advice. My poor kitty, Whiskers, seems to have gotten an eye infection out of nowhere, and our vet appointment isn't until next week. I've noticed her left eye's really watery and swollen, with this weird yellowish discharge. She's been pawing at it and seems really uncomfortable. I have some Gentamicin ointment and Polymyxin B eye drops left from when my mom's cat had an issue a while back. Is it okay to use either of these on Whiskers in the meantime, or should I just let her be? I'm so worried and feel like a terrible cat mom for not noticing sooner. I just want to make her as comfortable as possible until we can get professional help. Any tips or reassurance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, everyone.
Hello there! It’s great that you’re keeping a close eye on your cat’s well-being. Eye infections in cats can be caused by a variety of things, like bacteria, viruses, or even allergens.
Gentamicin or Polymyxin B can sometimes be used to treat bacterial eye infections, but it’s important to ensure the treatment matches the cause. Using them without knowing the specific issue could potentially irritate the eye or not be effective, especially if the infection is viral or if there’s a foreign body involved.
In the meantime, you can gently clean any discharge with a soft, damp cloth. Use saline solution to rinse the eye if you notice any debris. Make sure your cat isn’t rubbing the eyes, as this can worsen the irritation.
Keep an eye out for any signs of worsening, like increased redness, swelling, severe discharge, or if your cat seems in pain or the issue is affecting their appetite and behavior. These could indicate a problem needing prompt attention.
Since it’s crucial to correctly diagnose and treat eye conditions in our feline friends, booking a video consultation with a vet can offer you tailored advice and peace of mind. They can help determine whether those medications are suitable or if a different treatment is needed. Take care, and give your kitty a gentle pat from me!
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