Exotic shorthair kitten 4 months black crusty mucous/ discharge from nose

Hi-  I am new to this site but I have already learned so much from it.  It's been a great resource. My little guy has brownish tearing and a crusty nose. he snorts and sneezes occasionally. I finally wiped a dried up black "booger," or mucous nasal discharge from is nose. I took him to the vet for this about 2 weeks ago and she gave him the terramycin ointment for his eye tearing which I know is common to the Exotic shorthair and Persian breeds.  It cleared up the eyes (kind of,)  but he continues to have this discharge from his nose. She said she wasn't sure, but speculated that he may have blocked tear ducts and that is causing reverse drainage into his nose. Although, after the eye treatment it hasn't gotten better.  I am wondering if anyone else has ever seen this?  He is a completely indoor kitty, completely up to date on all shots.  He was tested for feline leukemia and is negative.  Would an antibiotic help or would that cause more harm because of stomach upset etc?

Does anyone know anything about natural remedies for kitty respiratory issues?

Also, I don;t want to be charged another 300$ for the vet to tell me she isn't sure what it is because she is unfamiliar with the breed. 

Any help/ experience would be great! I am a first time kitty mommy.

Snorting and sneezing could be an upper respiratory infection, did your vet rule this out?

Colored discharge from the eyes, where it occurs from the eyes and accumulates dried debris onto surrounding areas like nose, cheeks etc, could in fact be blocked tear ducts.  It could also be "crocodile tears", a condition where the saliva gland and tear duct gland aren't working together and results in chronic tears and colored discharge.  Ask your vet about this.

It may not hurt to opt for a short course of antibiotics to see if it will help clear this up (and to rule out upper respiratory infection).

Thank you!  she strangely didn't do anything to rule out upper respiratory infection... just assumed it was related to tear ducts.

Since he had/has discharge from the nose, it very well could be an upper respiratory infection.  Call her and ask about antibiotics. Since the sinuses could be infected if this is a blocked tear duct draining, antibiotics could be useful in that regard.   Might also ask her if a swab culture before antibiotics would be helpful to differentiate between upper respiratory infection and tear duct issues (although I'd think she'd be experienced enough to diagnose a tear duct issue).

In the meantime as she determines a treatment plan or diagnostic plan, keep the eyes and nose wiped clean with just a simple clean dampened cloth, and ensure he continues eating/drinking fine. Keep after your vet, you don't want this going on too long.

smooshfacekitty said:

Also, I don;t want to be charged another 300$ for the vet to tell me she isn't sure what it is because she is unfamiliar with the breed. 

Click to expand...

Welcome to the TCS Forum!  Your exotic shorthair kitten is absolutely precious.  Carleton is our 3rd Persian - the exotics, himalayans and persians are all brachycephalic breeds.  Therefore, they may be prone to experiencing partial obstruction of the upper airway.  Here is a helpful link:

http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pe...h/brachycephalic-airway-syndrome-in-cats/3732  

For this reason it is extremely important to see a vet or feline specialist that is familiar with the breed.  (You mentioned that your vet is unfamiliar with exotics.)  

In addition, down the road when you have your kitten neutered and he has to undergo anesthesia it is imperative to understand the best type of anesthesia for a brachycephalic cat.  One more reason to see a vet who is knowledgeable about the breed.  

Many exotic/persian owners also wipe their cat's eyes with a little warm water on a cotton pad when they tear.  Honestly, they are so unbelievably cute and loving that it just becomes part of their daily hygiene routine.  And, yes, they can be predisposed to a blocked tear duct so try to find an experienced vet.  

BTW, what is your kitten's name?  I'm guessing that's him in your avatar, what a cutie pie.   Best of luck!

Thank you so much for your thoughtful answer! The vet thing is a good point! I have researched vets in my area and haven't found one that specifically deals with Persians and exotics, but I have found feline specific vets and I think I will be going to them in the future. I love my little guy so much and his personality is amazing.. He is amazingly cooperative and tolerant of me wiping his eyes. He acts like I'm just his mama cat grooming him.
I had not thought of how anesthesia could be difficult for him but I am so grateful you mentioned that because that makes perfect sense! Do all cats have general anesthesia for neutering? I wonder if they ever offer twilight anesthesia that could be safer?

Oh yes the picture is of him and his name is Harper! He is on my chest right now as usual! [emoji]128151[/emoji][emoji]128525[/emoji]

Harper is a great name for a great kitten.   Glad you are researching feline specialty vets.  Perhaps I didn't clarify myself when I advised finding a specialty vet.  I didn't mean a vet that only treats exotics/persians.  I meant a vet who has expertise with the breed or a feline only specialty vet.  Yes, it is necessary for a cat to have anesthesia for neutering which is why I mentioned learning about the choices beforehand and how it affects the brachycephalic breeds.  

There are 2 persian members on the forum who are extremely knowledgeable about the breed - posiepurrs and WellingtonCats. Although Carleton is our 3rd persian I am not a breeder and we have rescued all 3 of our guys, not at the same time, 2 have gone to the rainbow bridge.  We were fortunate enough to have a truly wonderful vet and I have learned a lot about this breed along the way but there is always room for improvement.  I'm so glad you are enjoying Harper and his kitten antics.  They are known for their amazing and docile temperament.  Anytime you have questions, ask away, we are here to help and support you.  

A little bit of sniffling and snorting is quite common for Persians and Exotic Shortahirs because of their conformation, as well as some tearing. An Exotic wiil need daily eye and face cleaning to maintain his eyes and surrounding areas clean and healthy. To clean his eyes try using Eyeenvy, it is recommended by most breeders and keeps their eyes and surrounding area clean and stain-free. If the nasal discharge is due to a respiratory infection, then it needs to be addressed by your veterinarian.

Find a veterinarian that is familiar with the breed, I agree, you don't need to pay $$$ just to be told they don' t know what is going on.

this is the link to the eye cleaner www.eyeenvy.com