Ocular (Eye) Discharge in Cats

Cats

Overview of Eye Discharge in Cats

Ocular discharge is a common sign of eye disease in cats. Abnormal discharge may develop suddenly or gradually. The discharge may be watery, mucoid (gray, ropy), mucopurulent (yellow-green, thick) or bloody. In general, the more discharge present, the more serious the disease.

Below is an overview of causes, diagnosis and treatment of Eye Discharge in Cats followed by in-depth information not he causes and diagnosis of this symptom. 

Causes of Eye Discharge in Cats

Obstruction of tear drainage due to abnormal tear ducts or tear duct openings

Excessive production of tears by the tear glands from irritation or inflammation of the surface structures of the eye, or from pain in or around the eye. Examples include:

Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)

Conjunctivitis

Blepharitis (inflammation of eyelids)

Defects or abnormalities in the eyelids

Corneal ulcers

Glaucoma

Lens luxation (displacement)

Uveitis (inflammation of the iris and blood vessel layers within the eye)

Trauma

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye syndrome

Infection on the surface of the eye, or in association with generalized infections or illness

Diagnosis of Ocular Discharge in Cats

Certain diagnostic tests are essential to determine the precise cause for the ocular discharge, including:

Complete ophthalmic examination of the eyelids, cornea, conjunctiva and the front and back chambers of the eye

Schirmer tear test

Fluorescein and possible rose bengal staining of the cornea

Tonometry to measure the pressure within the eye

Additional diagnostic tests are required to diagnose some causes of ocular discharge. These may include:

Complete physical examination

Cytology or complete cell analysis of samples collected from the eyelid margins, cornea and conjunctiva

Flushing of the openings where the tears drain away from the eye to ensure they are patent (open)

Culture of discharge from the eye to determine the presence of bacterial infections

Complete blood count (CBC) and serum tests to identify the presence of any related problems

Possibly skull X-rays to determine the presence of a problem in the space behind the eye or in the sinuses

Possibly specialized imaging tests such as dacryocystorhinography (an X-ray study of the tear drainage system), computed tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Treatment of Ocular Discharge in Cats

Successful therapy relies on obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Do NOT use human over-the-counter eye drops.

Home Care

Gently clean away any eye discharge with a warm moist cloth as needed until the cause of the problem is identified. Do not allow your pet to rub or self-traumatize the eyes.

Do not delay in bringing your pet to the hospital for examination as some causes of excessive ocular discharge are potentially vision threatening and require immediate medical attention. Do not administer human prescription eye medicine or even over-the-counter medicines such as Visine® or other topical solutions intended to reduce eye redness to your pet. The underlying cause for the problem must be properly addressed.

As a temporary measure, the eyes may be flushed or the eyelids cleansed with sterile saline contact lens solution.