Kitten getting over a URI or Herpes flair up has vision troubles.

sassea

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Abby's eyes were goopy when we 1st saw her to adopt on Nov 7th. We had picked her from a mug shot and were not going to change our mind just because she was sickly. They never appeared red or super infected gross. We are giving her L-Lysine and Clavamox. Her eyes are slightly cloudy. I have been too busy with work to remember when I first noticed this but they are no more cloudy than when I first noticed and with daily washing her face her eyes are not goopy. Thursday Nov 19 I noticed she would come close and then have to dodge furniture like she did not see till she was close. I watched more closely Friday and she definitely has sight problem. We went to the vet today and he tried to look into her eyes with a scope but they would react to quick to the light for him to really see. At home her eyes are often dilated so I rarely see them as a slit but we do not have our rooms brightly lit. He said he could not do anything else. He didn't act nervous that she should see an Ophthalmologist and commented that the URI/Herpes was clearing up fine. At home today wife saw her run head first into the base of an office chair and then backed across the room. When she stopped she shook her head and then walked forward. She can definitely see bright colored toys. She played with her sister (mostly white) this morning and could spot her and plan an attack from about 6ft away. I am not against paying for her health. She has been to the vet 3 times since we got her 2 weeks ago but I can't afford an ophthalmologist and especially not if there is nothing that can be done.
 
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stephanietx

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Thank you for adopting Abby, even though she was sick.  I did that with my now 10 year old who also has feline herpes.  I would suggest you find another vet for a second opinion.  She most likely needs some kind of drops such as Idoxuridine or something to help her eye.
 
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sassea

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I agree with needing second opinion. I am afraid of them suggesting tests that I can't afford or tests that I pay for to find nothing can be done. I wish I could just get a vet to say "there is still hope and this is what I would try" or tell me it's too late if that's the truth.
 

catpack

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I would suggest a consult with an opthahmologist. The reason being they will be able to dilate and stain her eyes to tell what type of problem she is having.

When it comes to eyes, there isn't really a whole lot of different tests to run. One visit and you would know what you are dealing with and the prognosis.
 
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sassea

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We took Abby to see another nearby vet. His response; "wow, she has cataracts, she is nearly blind but not completely".
 

stephanietx

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I am so glad she has you!  I hope that you won't let the fact that she's got cataracts from loving her and giving her a good home.  She might benefit from a cat companion to act as her eyes. 
 
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sassea

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We adopted Abby and Ruby. Since Abby was sickly her sister is almost twice her size and strength. She literally strong-arm/wrestle hold Abby to the floor. They did stay together when we brought them home but when Abby was treated for worms we thought it best that they use separate litter boxes and not groom each other. I am afraid to leave them together when we are not with them because Ruby doesn't stop when Abby has had enough.
 
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zed xyzed

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Is there anything that can be done? can the cataracts be removed? BTW she is so darn cute!!!!!! thank you for taking care of her
 
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