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#1
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Kitten with weird eye problem (infection?)
I was directed here from alt.med.veterinary. A lady said that there is
a woman here who has a cat that lost both its eyes due to this. If this is you, could you respond? I would like some info, please. I apologize in advance for the length, it's hard to explain without telling the whole story. I have a question concerning a 7 week old kitten that I am hoping maybe someone can give me some advice, or maybe knows of an "ask a vet" type website that could help. My biggest problem is that I have been consulted two vets (because it's just so weird), and I'm getting conflicting diagnosis. Unfortunately, I need to give you the whole run-down to put it in context. The litter of 3 was abandoned at birth, never had any mother's milk, and had no nourishment for the first 24 hours. By age 1 week, only one kitten was still alive. Her eyes didn't open until 3 weeks, and when they did, the left was not completely formed (cloudy-looking almost like a cataract) Vet #1 gave me terramycin (antibiotic ointment) as a preventitive to use indefinitely. Shortly afterward I accidentally knocked her in the eye with the bottle while trying to feed her. Swelling began two days later, which I assumed was a result of the injury. The swelling continued to an extreme point (on a Sunday when my vet was unreachable) and I called the only vet that was available. Vet #2 said that the terramycin was congesting the tear ducts and preventing drainage, causing the swelling (and should not be used for more than 10 days). He suggested stopping the ointment, which I did and two days later tears began to flow constantly and the swelling began to go down, slowly over two weeks. On Saturday, a large pocket of infection behind the eye (that we didn't know was there) burst and drained, finally bringing the eye back to normal size, which seemed like a happy ending But the draining continued...clear tear-like fluid. And now (2 days later) the eye seems to be shrinking (the side of her face appears concave), the eye and 3rd lid are pink and irritated looking, and the lid is trying to close. Vet #1 says that this is a normal reaction to the infection, the cornea is losing pressure but it will return to normal. He also thinks some limited vision may develop. He prescribed another antibiotic, in drop form and didn't seem very concerned about it. Vet #2 says that the infection bursting may have caused a tear in the "skin" of the eye, allowing the eye fluid to drain out. HE says that the eye will not return to normal and that when the draining stops, it should either close on its own or be sewn shut. He believes the eye will never have vision and that leaving it open will only encourage irritation and possibly allow contaminates (bacteria) to enter the eye. What do I do? She's never been able to see out of the eye, so I don't believe she will ever develop sight. I don't know which vet is correct as to the cause; if I did, I could make a choice easier as to what to do. Has anyone ever encountered this? Or know a website that might help? Also, both vets do not believe it is feline herpes, FIV, or FLeV. They are reluctant to do tests, as she is only 15.9 oz, but both have said tests can wait, as it doesn't appear to be any of the 3.(her growth/development is stunted, but thought to be result of a birth defect, not a virus/illness) This little kitten has had so many problems (slow growth, joints still soft, eyes developing slowly), and the vets here (rural small town) don't see this type of thing often. I'm not trying to second guess the vets, just trying to get some info to be sure that they are giving me good advice. I'm half afraid that they are both just guessing as to the cause and vet #1 doesn't seem like a "cat person", he doesn't seem very compassionate but vet #2 does. I would really like to find a vet who has experience with this, that I could talk to, or even get one of the vets into contact with for consulting. Also, I know that I am putting this all into "layman's terms." It's how they explained it to me. |
#2
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Here are some good links to start with:
http://cats.about.com/od/eyeproblemsandblindness/ http://www.acvo.com/ http://www.animaleyeconsultant.com/ "Samantha G." wrote in message om... I was directed here from alt.med.veterinary. A lady said that there is a woman here who has a cat that lost both its eyes due to this. If this is you, could you respond? I would like some info, please. I apologize in advance for the length, it's hard to explain without telling the whole story. I have a question concerning a 7 week old kitten that I am hoping maybe someone can give me some advice, or maybe knows of an "ask a vet" type website that could help. My biggest problem is that I have been consulted two vets (because it's just so weird), and I'm getting conflicting diagnosis. Unfortunately, I need to give you the whole run-down to put it in context. The litter of 3 was abandoned at birth, never had any mother's milk, and had no nourishment for the first 24 hours. By age 1 week, only one kitten was still alive. Her eyes didn't open until 3 weeks, and when they did, the left was not completely formed (cloudy-looking almost like a cataract) Vet #1 gave me terramycin (antibiotic ointment) as a preventitive to use indefinitely. Shortly afterward I accidentally knocked her in the eye with the bottle while trying to feed her. Swelling began two days later, which I assumed was a result of the injury. The swelling continued to an extreme point (on a Sunday when my vet was unreachable) and I called the only vet that was available. Vet #2 said that the terramycin was congesting the tear ducts and preventing drainage, causing the swelling (and should not be used for more than 10 days). He suggested stopping the ointment, which I did and two days later tears began to flow constantly and the swelling began to go down, slowly over two weeks. On Saturday, a large pocket of infection behind the eye (that we didn't know was there) burst and drained, finally bringing the eye back to normal size, which seemed like a happy ending But the draining continued...clear tear-like fluid. And now (2 days later) the eye seems to be shrinking (the side of her face appears concave), the eye and 3rd lid are pink and irritated looking, and the lid is trying to close. Vet #1 says that this is a normal reaction to the infection, the cornea is losing pressure but it will return to normal. He also thinks some limited vision may develop. He prescribed another antibiotic, in drop form and didn't seem very concerned about it. Vet #2 says that the infection bursting may have caused a tear in the "skin" of the eye, allowing the eye fluid to drain out. HE says that the eye will not return to normal and that when the draining stops, it should either close on its own or be sewn shut. He believes the eye will never have vision and that leaving it open will only encourage irritation and possibly allow contaminates (bacteria) to enter the eye. What do I do? She's never been able to see out of the eye, so I don't believe she will ever develop sight. I don't know which vet is correct as to the cause; if I did, I could make a choice easier as to what to do. Has anyone ever encountered this? Or know a website that might help? Also, both vets do not believe it is feline herpes, FIV, or FLeV. They are reluctant to do tests, as she is only 15.9 oz, but both have said tests can wait, as it doesn't appear to be any of the 3.(her growth/development is stunted, but thought to be result of a birth defect, not a virus/illness) This little kitten has had so many problems (slow growth, joints still soft, eyes developing slowly), and the vets here (rural small town) don't see this type of thing often. I'm not trying to second guess the vets, just trying to get some info to be sure that they are giving me good advice. I'm half afraid that they are both just guessing as to the cause and vet #1 doesn't seem like a "cat person", he doesn't seem very compassionate but vet #2 does. I would really like to find a vet who has experience with this, that I could talk to, or even get one of the vets into contact with for consulting. Also, I know that I am putting this all into "layman's terms." It's how they explained it to me. |
#3
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Here are some good links to start with:
http://cats.about.com/od/eyeproblemsandblindness/ http://www.acvo.com/ http://www.animaleyeconsultant.com/ "Samantha G." wrote in message om... I was directed here from alt.med.veterinary. A lady said that there is a woman here who has a cat that lost both its eyes due to this. If this is you, could you respond? I would like some info, please. I apologize in advance for the length, it's hard to explain without telling the whole story. I have a question concerning a 7 week old kitten that I am hoping maybe someone can give me some advice, or maybe knows of an "ask a vet" type website that could help. My biggest problem is that I have been consulted two vets (because it's just so weird), and I'm getting conflicting diagnosis. Unfortunately, I need to give you the whole run-down to put it in context. The litter of 3 was abandoned at birth, never had any mother's milk, and had no nourishment for the first 24 hours. By age 1 week, only one kitten was still alive. Her eyes didn't open until 3 weeks, and when they did, the left was not completely formed (cloudy-looking almost like a cataract) Vet #1 gave me terramycin (antibiotic ointment) as a preventitive to use indefinitely. Shortly afterward I accidentally knocked her in the eye with the bottle while trying to feed her. Swelling began two days later, which I assumed was a result of the injury. The swelling continued to an extreme point (on a Sunday when my vet was unreachable) and I called the only vet that was available. Vet #2 said that the terramycin was congesting the tear ducts and preventing drainage, causing the swelling (and should not be used for more than 10 days). He suggested stopping the ointment, which I did and two days later tears began to flow constantly and the swelling began to go down, slowly over two weeks. On Saturday, a large pocket of infection behind the eye (that we didn't know was there) burst and drained, finally bringing the eye back to normal size, which seemed like a happy ending But the draining continued...clear tear-like fluid. And now (2 days later) the eye seems to be shrinking (the side of her face appears concave), the eye and 3rd lid are pink and irritated looking, and the lid is trying to close. Vet #1 says that this is a normal reaction to the infection, the cornea is losing pressure but it will return to normal. He also thinks some limited vision may develop. He prescribed another antibiotic, in drop form and didn't seem very concerned about it. Vet #2 says that the infection bursting may have caused a tear in the "skin" of the eye, allowing the eye fluid to drain out. HE says that the eye will not return to normal and that when the draining stops, it should either close on its own or be sewn shut. He believes the eye will never have vision and that leaving it open will only encourage irritation and possibly allow contaminates (bacteria) to enter the eye. What do I do? She's never been able to see out of the eye, so I don't believe she will ever develop sight. I don't know which vet is correct as to the cause; if I did, I could make a choice easier as to what to do. Has anyone ever encountered this? Or know a website that might help? Also, both vets do not believe it is feline herpes, FIV, or FLeV. They are reluctant to do tests, as she is only 15.9 oz, but both have said tests can wait, as it doesn't appear to be any of the 3.(her growth/development is stunted, but thought to be result of a birth defect, not a virus/illness) This little kitten has had so many problems (slow growth, joints still soft, eyes developing slowly), and the vets here (rural small town) don't see this type of thing often. I'm not trying to second guess the vets, just trying to get some info to be sure that they are giving me good advice. I'm half afraid that they are both just guessing as to the cause and vet #1 doesn't seem like a "cat person", he doesn't seem very compassionate but vet #2 does. I would really like to find a vet who has experience with this, that I could talk to, or even get one of the vets into contact with for consulting. Also, I know that I am putting this all into "layman's terms." It's how they explained it to me. |
#4
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Is there a veterinary opthamologist within even a few hours driving
distance? With such conflicting opinions, and considering the fact that you are dealing with rural vets who often focus on large animal medicine and don't deal a lot with the intricacies of small animal medicine, it would be in your cat's best interests for you to make what might be a long drive so you can get help from someone that specializes in this area. A veterinary opthamologist has tools that regular vets don't have, and also have the ability to determine if the cat has any sight in that eye and give you a better idea of what will happen. If you post where you're located maybe someone here will know of an opthamologist within range, and if you have a veterinary university within driving distance you'll definitely be able to find one there. Eye issues can be very frustrating, and the few times I've had to deal with this sort of thing taking the cats to an opthamologist was by far the best course of action. 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 |
#5
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Is there a veterinary opthamologist within even a few hours driving
distance? With such conflicting opinions, and considering the fact that you are dealing with rural vets who often focus on large animal medicine and don't deal a lot with the intricacies of small animal medicine, it would be in your cat's best interests for you to make what might be a long drive so you can get help from someone that specializes in this area. A veterinary opthamologist has tools that regular vets don't have, and also have the ability to determine if the cat has any sight in that eye and give you a better idea of what will happen. If you post where you're located maybe someone here will know of an opthamologist within range, and if you have a veterinary university within driving distance you'll definitely be able to find one there. Eye issues can be very frustrating, and the few times I've had to deal with this sort of thing taking the cats to an opthamologist was by far the best course of action. 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 |
#6
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Karen wrote:
http://www.acvo/com To the OP- this is perfect. It has a locator on the site where you can search for doctors in your area: http://www.acvo.com/public/Publicdatabase.asp 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 |
#7
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Karen wrote:
http://www.acvo/com To the OP- this is perfect. It has a locator on the site where you can search for doctors in your area: http://www.acvo.com/public/Publicdatabase.asp 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 |
#9
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I am in Elk Park, NC. Near Boone, NC and Elizabethton, TN. I had never
even heard of a veterinary opthamologist until reading the posts here. But if anyone knows of one, let me know! My guess is Asheville, NC would be the closest possibility. I also wanted to say that there is no behavior change with her at all; if anything, she is even more active and acting more content since the infection drained. Her face is also not very sore, she will let me wash it but doesn't like anyone else to touch it. I worry because when the vet mentioned FLeV (even though he said he didn't think it was the cause), I looked it up online and the symptoms do seem similar. I have raised her from the age of 2 days, and I am hopelessly attached to the little darling. I don't know how I would pay for a trip to an opthamologist, but I will find a way. (My own vet is giving me a discount as she is an orphaned/rescued kitten, so the bill hasn't been very high) wrote in message ... Is there a veterinary opthamologist within even a few hours driving distance? With such conflicting opinions, and considering the fact that you are dealing with rural vets who often focus on large animal medicine and don't deal a lot with the intricacies of small animal medicine, it would be in your cat's best interests for you to make what might be a long drive so you can get help from someone that specializes in this area. A veterinary opthamologist has tools that regular vets don't have, and also have the ability to determine if the cat has any sight in that eye and give you a better idea of what will happen. If you post where you're located maybe someone here will know of an opthamologist within range, and if you have a veterinary university within driving distance you'll definitely be able to find one there. Eye issues can be very frustrating, and the few times I've had to deal with this sort of thing taking the cats to an opthamologist was by far the best course of action. 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 |
#10
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Maybe you didn't see this but you can locate veterinary opthamologists
by city and state he http://www.acvo.com/public/Publicdatabase.asp There are several listings for North Carolina, and I would suggest you check in Tennessee as well since you're close to the border. If this were me, I would definitely drive a few hours if that was what was neede to get to a specialist. I don't know about the cost for vets in your area, but here in Minnesota the exam fee for the VO was $45, which isn't that much more expensive than the current office visit fee I pay at my regular vet which is $38. Medication that is prescribed would add something to the total, but I think it's a pretty reasonable way to go, especially for a specialist that can give you answers your vet can't. 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 |
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