Why do cats' eyes get wet? Why does a Scottish or Persian cat get watery eyes?

Why do cats' eyes get wet ? This question owners of tailed ask veterinarians often enough. It turns out that lachrymation does not always indicate the presence of some kind of inflammation or infection. Each case must be disassembled separately. We will tell you why the eyes are caked in cats, what measures can be taken.

Anatomical features

Some breeds have a characteristic structure of the skull. For example, a Scottish cat is watered by eyes due to a shortened muzzle, which, in turn, is due to the large diameter of the head. With this structure of the skull, the work of nasolacrimal canals, whose function is to control the flow of tears after moistening the corneas, is disturbed. As a result, excess fluid accumulating on the conjunctiva begins to spill out. The Persian cat has watery eyes for the same reason. In general, the majority of owners of brachycephalic cat breeds face the problem of increased lacrimation. Of course, consultation with a veterinarian can not be neglected, but some moments can be calmed beforehand. For example, excreta that are clear and transparent are considered as the norm. The accumulation of dark matter (sometimes even solid) is due to the presence of tinted pigments that darken under the influence of the sun. Such discharges are not infectious. These are physiological moments. Therefore, do not torture the animal with hourly washings of eyes and applying ointments. Remove the discharge with a cotton ball or a damp, clean cloth.

Separately it is necessary to say about possible complications - a tear, draining along the wool, occasionally becomes the cause of secondary inflammatory skin diseases. Therefore, the owners of the "exot" is better to wipe the kittens with kittens specially designed for these purposes by means of means (eye care for cats). Similar preparations now are in pet shops, and in a wide assortment.

Infections

Viruses and bacteria are often the cause of abundant lacrimation. Some of them are difficult to treat (for example, panleukopenia). Some of the diseases are transmitted to people (mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, herpes, etc.).

Diagnosis is required to determine the disease. According to veterinarians, chronic conjunctivitis (prolonged inflammation of the mucous eye) is most often detected. Such animals require a thorough ophthalmological examination with a test of Schirmer (to confirm or exclude creatate), determination of eye pressure (glaucoma is possible), etc. Obviously, eye appendages are examined for eyelid anomalies.

With mucopurulent discharge, it is likely that a test for the sensitivity of the microflora in relation to antibiotics will be required. The analysis is done before washing the eyes or applying any medicinal substances (drops, ointments) that will necessarily distort the results, reducing the concentration of bacteria or slowing their reproduction. Cytological examination is necessary for the diagnosis of eosinophilic or allergic conjunctivitis. Infection is indicated by altered neutrophils (a consequence of bacterial cells). Sometimes viral bodies (intracellular inclusions), chlamydia are found.

To exclude an infection can wash off from a conjunctiva on a rhinotracheitis, a mycoplasmosis, a clamidiosis. If the tests are negative, it is worth considering ophthalmologic examination.

Mechanical damage

These can be injuries caused during the game or an ordinary walk. Lachrymation causes a burn (sparks of a fire, splashes of hot oil, etc.). The cat is very watery due to the action of chemically active substances (for example, when bathing with soap, shampoo, treatment for fleas, etc.). In a breed such as the Canadian Sphynx, chronic conjunctivitis caused by eyelid twisting is often diagnosed. Eyelashes scratch the eye, causing lachrymation. The problem is solved by carrying out a simple cosmetic operation, as a result of which the eyelids are tightened, and the eyelashes become in place. The degree and depth of damage will be determined only by the doctor. It is important to know that if the cornea is damaged seriously, the cat loses sight.

Foreign body

Mote can get into any part of the eye: in the eyelid, mucous membrane, conjunctiva, eyeball. Why do cats' eyes get wet? The cause of irritation can be particles of earth, stone, grains of sand, metal shavings, hairs of caterpillars, midges, etc. Depending on the angle and the force (speed) of the flight, foreign bodies can penetrate deeply into the tissue, so you can not always see them. The fallen particles irritate the eye, causing pain, blepharospasm, photophobia, lacrimation. If the foreign body lies on the conjunctiva, it can be gently removed. If not, contact the veterinarian.

Allergy

There are a lot of reasons for its appearance: pollen of plants, household chemicals (sprays, shampoos, flea drops, anthelmintics, etc.), mold, cigarette smoke, etc. The main signs: coughing or sneezing, itching (cat itches), lachrymation, Runny nose. Possible vomiting, diarrhea. The cause of an allergy will be revealed by a veterinarian. He will prescribe a cure. If you already know what exactly your cat reacts to, it's easier to cope with the problem. If, for example, the animal does not tolerate chicken, exclude everything that contains fat and protein (chicken).

Allergic reactions can manifest themselves on fleas or helminths, for treatment with individual drugs (most often antibiotics).

What to do?

To understand why the eyes are watering in cats, you will need to establish supervision over them. If the discharge is clean, minor and does not cause anxiety in the animal, you need not worry. Such problems are often observed in "extreme" (in the Persian, in the folded cats). The eyes are usually blind in children (kittens to a month). Treatment is not required here - it is enough daily wiping with cotton swabs soaked in chamomile broth and well wrung out.

If the cat is restless, scratches eyes, squints, and the discharge does not stop, carry it to the vet. As already mentioned, the causes of lacrimation can be a lot - from a small mote to a serious infection. Use eye drops, intended for people, you can not. They not only will not help, but they can also do harm. It is allowed to use only physiological solution (for washing) or a decoction of chamomile. The feasibility of using tetracycline ointment is called into question. The right treatment will be prescribed only by a veterinarian.