Corneal ulcer with complications
 

Hello,

I posted recently about my concerns for a cat that I have reserved at
a local cat sanctuary. I mentioned that he had a corneal ulcer which
had been treated using antibacterial drops for 2 weeks.

He has now seen an eye specialist and they confirmed that he has an
ulcer which is on the surface of the cornea. As I think one person who
repiled to my first post suggested, the ulcer also has a viral
infection. To make matters worse he has a dysfunctional tear duct. The
specialist does not want to operate to remove the ulcer, saying that
most likely it will return. The cat has been given two ointments which
are to be administered for 4 weeks. I need to go the sanctuary to get
more details.

Is it worth pushing for surgery to remove the ulcer in the first
instance? I could probably afford it. If all else fails, much as I
don't want the eye to be removed, is this a likely best option?

Thanks in advance.

Denise

I posted recently about my concerns for
a cat that I have reserved at a local
cat sanctuary. I mentioned that he had a
corneal ulcer which had been treated
using antibacterial drops for 2 weeks.
He has now seen an eye specialist and
they confirmed that he has an ulcer
which is on the surface of the cornea.
As I think one person who repiled to my
first post suggested, the ulcer also has
a viral infection. To make matters worse
he has a dysfunctional tear duct. The
specialist does not want to operate to
remove the ulcer, saying that most
likely it will return. The cat has been
given two ointments which are to be
administered for 4 weeks. I need to go
the sanctuary to get more details.
Is it worth pushing for surgery to
remove the ulcer in the first instance?

I wouldn't do it. The reason the eye is so bad is because the cat wasn't
getting the proper treatment. Now that that is resolved the ulcer should
resolve as well. Since this is herpes related, putting the cat on a
lifetime regimen of L-Lysine should prevent or eliminate any serious
flare-ups in the future.

I could probably afford it. If all else
fails, much as I don't want the eye to
be removed, is this a likely best
option?

Removing the eye should only be a last resort. The condition your cat
has is treatable and the tear duct is a separate issue. I have seen
pretty bad eye problems w/ulcers that have been resolved and kept under
control with L-Lysine @250 mg once or twice daily.

Here is one example.
Befo
http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL320...2/18983347.jpg

After:
http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL320...0/11171587.jpg

Megan



"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do
nothing."

-Edmund Burke

Learn The TRUTH About Declawing
http://www.stopdeclaw.com

Zuzu's Cats Photo Album:
http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22

"Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one
elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and
splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then
providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and
material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his
way."

- W.H. Murray

I posted recently about my concerns for
a cat that I have reserved at a local
cat sanctuary. I mentioned that he had a
corneal ulcer which had been treated
using antibacterial drops for 2 weeks.
He has now seen an eye specialist and
they confirmed that he has an ulcer
which is on the surface of the cornea.
As I think one person who repiled to my
first post suggested, the ulcer also has
a viral infection. To make matters worse
he has a dysfunctional tear duct. The
specialist does not want to operate to
remove the ulcer, saying that most
likely it will return. The cat has been
given two ointments which are to be
administered for 4 weeks. I need to go
the sanctuary to get more details.
Is it worth pushing for surgery to
remove the ulcer in the first instance?

I wouldn't do it. The reason the eye is so bad is because the cat wasn't
getting the proper treatment. Now that that is resolved the ulcer should
resolve as well. Since this is herpes related, putting the cat on a
lifetime regimen of L-Lysine should prevent or eliminate any serious
flare-ups in the future.

I could probably afford it. If all else
fails, much as I don't want the eye to
be removed, is this a likely best
option?

Removing the eye should only be a last resort. The condition your cat
has is treatable and the tear duct is a separate issue. I have seen
pretty bad eye problems w/ulcers that have been resolved and kept under
control with L-Lysine @250 mg once or twice daily.

Here is one example.
Befo
http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL320...2/18983347.jpg

After:
http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL320...0/11171587.jpg

Megan



"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do
nothing."

-Edmund Burke

Learn The TRUTH About Declawing
http://www.stopdeclaw.com

Zuzu's Cats Photo Album:
http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22

"Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one
elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and
splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then
providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and
material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his
way."

- W.H. Murray

An update:

I now have the cats at home. Plimsole (the cat with the ulcer) has eye
lubricant/interferon drops, an antibacterial ointment and lysine
tablets. Adminstering the medication is difficult but I'm learning
fast.

He doesn't appear to be experiencing too much discomfort, based on how
often he washes his eye and minimal squinting. He is a totally
different cat now that he has a house to roam around in. My furniture
is taking a bashing: he does like to hang from it during his sillier
moments.

The vet he was seeing during his stay in the shelter was considering
removal of the eye if the ulcer hasn't responded to treatment in the
next 8/9 days. I don't want this!

I won't give up without a struggle, but ulimately I need to see that
he is comfortable.

An update:

I now have the cats at home. Plimsole (the cat with the ulcer) has eye
lubricant/interferon drops, an antibacterial ointment and lysine
tablets. Adminstering the medication is difficult but I'm learning
fast.

He doesn't appear to be experiencing too much discomfort, based on how
often he washes his eye and minimal squinting. He is a totally
different cat now that he has a house to roam around in. My furniture
is taking a bashing: he does like to hang from it during his sillier
moments.

The vet he was seeing during his stay in the shelter was considering
removal of the eye if the ulcer hasn't responded to treatment in the
next 8/9 days. I don't want this!

I won't give up without a struggle, but ulimately I need to see that
he is comfortable.

Denise,
Is there a vet ophthalmologist in your area? A general vet no matter how
good does not have the same expertise as a specialist. If there is one
you may want to consult him/her first.

My oldest cat did have to have that operation 2 years ago at age 14 and
she is just fine. She simply has a permanent wink!


Michele
(N.C.)

Denise,
Is there a vet ophthalmologist in your area? A general vet no matter how
good does not have the same expertise as a specialist. If there is one
you may want to consult him/her first.

My oldest cat did have to have that operation 2 years ago at age 14 and
she is just fine. She simply has a permanent wink!


Michele
(N.C.)