Dry eye in a cat

RE: Dry eye in a cat

Martin Atkinson — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 19:19:57 GMT

I've seen this in cats with serious herpes keratitis as kittens although damage to the cornea is usually more obvious and they are usually younger plus chronic FHV conjunctivitis is more likely to result in epiphera. I agree with Rob and might try something like Lubrithal gel, problem with cats is getting the owner to comply. My kitten has FHV conjunctivitis which I'm trying to treat with Virbagen Omega drops but its got to go in 4-6 x daily and 'er indoors is 'kin hopeless at putting the drops in during the day!

RE: Dry eye in a cat

Robert Lowe — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 18:13:16 GMT

Hi Robin

Yes they can get dry eye, no STTs are not as reliable and response to treatment is much more variable.

I would check corneal sensation with a cotton bud as can be a sensory input issue. Otherwise it is worth trying the Optimmune but as mentioned above long-term lubrication is the most likely scenario.

RE: Dry eye in a cat

Thomas Johnson — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 17:06:59 GMT

[quote user="Robin Grimmer"]

I have a cat which has been treated for chronic conjunctivitis. I thought the eyes looked a bit dry so did a STT and found it to be almost zero in both eyes. Can cats get dry eye and is the S TT reliable in cats? Is the treatment the same as for dogs?

[/quote]

I'm sure others with more knowledge will be along shortly, but my understanding is that you can get dry eye in cats, but the most common reason is chronic herpes virus infection so use of immune-suppressive medication such as Optimmune isn't appropriate, tear replacement is obviously a must.