Runny eye and vomiting in cat

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2 year old indoor only Ragdoll. About 6 months ago, he began vomiting (partially digested vomit) and immediately thereafter has an inflammed and runny (watery only) left eye only. He has been fed Science Diet since a kitten, so I changed his food to Science Diet Nature's Best (Oceanfish and Brown Rice) instead of Chicken based Science Diet (maybe a food allergy), but he still has the same problem. This problem will happen one day and last for about 3 days, then disappear. Then about 2 weeks later, the same problem reoccurs. He ahs been to the vet, tested for Herpes, etc, all negative, no scar tissue on eye, etc. We do not know what is the problem, can you help? Thank you!

ANSWER: Susan,

First off, remember, I am not a vet.

Some cats do have sensitive stomachs (just like people), so you might consider going back to his old food.  This amount and pattern of vomiting is not normal.

I am surprised your vet did not prescribe some ophthalmic antibiotic drops for the eye and an internal antibiotic (like amoxicillin or clavamox) for your boy.  Although it is not a herpes, there are other viruses that can affect the eyes, and, although the antibiotics will not help with the virus per se, they will help stave off any secondary infection.  If the cat's own immune system is not clearing up the eye problem, he definitely needs some medication. Of course, another possibility is an allergy to pollen or the like.

Please let me know how it goes.

Best regards... Norm.




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Norm,

Hello and thank you so much for your info about my almost 2 year old 'Romeo'! He has been given the same food (Science Diet) since a kitten, I just changed it from the SD Chicken based formula to the SD Oceanfish and Brown Rice formula, (per SD rep) but he has the same problem. Also, the vet did prescribe antibiotic eye drops and Clavamox for 10-14 days each, but he still has the same problem, which happens about every 2 weeks - vomits first (digested and undigested vomit), and then watery eye with inflammation of eye lid, left eye only. When this happens, I apply the eye medication once a day and in 2 or 3 days, he is fine again! What other medication would he need to clear up his problems with his stomach, eye and immunne system. A question for you, he is an indoor only cat with the A/C on mostly, can he still possibly have an allergy to pollen, etc., and if so, what can be done for him? Thank you!

ANSWER: Susan,

It sure sounds more and more as an allergy.  With the A/C on it is even more likely it is an allergy.  The allergy could even be affecting his digestion.  Again, I am not a vet, so I would discuss the allergy question with your vet.  If he does not consider it, you might look for a second opinion.  

One aside, A/C often encourages more indoor air pollution than what goes on outside.

Best regards... Norm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Norm,

Norm,

Thank you again for your reply, as I really appreciate your knowledge. If it is an allergy, what are the options? It is impossible to live in South Florida without A/C, although I do keep the windows open in the Winter months, and Romeo still has the same problem then??? There is no carpet in the home, and I use natural products to clean also. What could Romeo be allergic to, since his vomiting, etc. does not happen every day?? Thanks again for your help, and ROmeo thanks you too.  <^.^>  :-)

Answer
Susan,

Like people, cats can be allergic to all kinds of different things,  I would discuss the allergy question with your vet. There are a myriad of things that could be causing the problems.  The other thing that is bothering me about this is that your vet has been treating symptoms rather than getting at the root cause.

We have assumed the runny eyes and indigestion are connected, but it could be two different problems.

Please let me know what your vet says.

Best regards... Norm.