Runny eyes...

Miko has been having runny eyes all day today. He sneezed about 5 times and his nose seems a little runny to. I've called the emergency vet, but got an answering maching. While I'm waiting for them to call back, does anyone know what could be causing this? He's been napping all day, but he ate this morning and used his litter box. Could it be some sort of cold or should I be really worried?

Sounds like just a cold to me. Upper resperatory infection to be exact. I dont think an emergency vet is necessary unless you have other cats that may catch it from this one. Then I would keep them seperate. If you can get into the vet they will give you some pills or liquid meds and if the eyes are really bad, some ointment. Sometimes it just clears up on its own. I guess there is always the chance that it could be the start of something serious. But its like that for anything, any animal, or person. I wouldn't worry unless it lasts more then a few days or keeps getting worse. Of course I see this everyday at work so it I don't worry too much. If you are concerned call the vet, say what is wrong and see if they can get you in right away, or if they have any suggestions.

JUst in case it is a herpes virus, a common cause of upper respiratory infections with cats, you can get L-lysine from a health food store and give him 500 mg daily if he is an adult and 250 mg daily for a kitten. It won't help any other type of infection but it will help herpes infections. You can get it in capsules and open the capsules and mix it in the food. It won't hurt, it is just an amino acid. Becky

Originally Posted by zanniesmom

JUst in case it is a herpes virus, a common cause of upper respiratory infections with cats, you can get L-lysine from a health food store and give him 500 mg daily if he is an adult and 250 mg daily for a kitten. It won't help any other type of infection but it will help herpes infections. You can get it in capsules and open the capsules and mix it in the food. It won't hurt, it is just an amino acid. Becky

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He hasn't sneezed today, but his eyes were runny when I woke up this morning. The vet told me to put eye drops (Opticlear Veterinary Eyewash) twice a day. He said if it gets worse, to bring him in on Monday (or sooner if needed). But so far his eating, drinking and bathroom habits have been normal.

I do have Lysine capsules on hand as I used them for Kionu's eyes 1-3 times a week. Should I give it to Miko now or wait until after the vet visit?

P.S. Thanks for the replies!

It won't hurt to give it even if what he has is not a herpes infection. If it is a herpes infection it may help but it will take awhile. Becky

Originally Posted by zanniesmom

It won't hurt to give it even if what he has is not a herpes infection. If it is a herpes infection it may help but it will take awhile. Becky

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Thanks, I will give him some at his next feeding.

Just an update...

Turns out both Miko & Kionu have come down with a "cold". They have been given an eye oinment which should be done twice a day, for 5 days. Other than that, they are the same 'ole rascals. Thanks to everyone for your help. )