Eye Problems

sparrownturner

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We have just rescued a new kitten, and something is wrong with one of his eyes. We are poor and do not have any money at this time for a vet bill. All the vets in this area demand their money up-front before seeing a pet and will not take payments. We do not know if one of the older cats popped him in the eye or if it's some new cat disease that we don't know about. When he wakes up, his eye is matted, so we gently wash it, and once getting all the matter out of it, we give him eye drops. His eyelid is pink, and his eye is bloodshot. Can any one tell us what to do to help him?
 

starlie

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He may have some sort of eye infection. I know money is tight, but he really needs to see a vet. Can you ask a family member or a friend to loan you money?
 

talon

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What kind of eye drops are you giving him? I don't beleive human eye drops would be very good for kitty.
 

coaster

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This sounds like conjunctivitis. Pretty common in rescued cats. If it's caused by a virus (most likely herpes), it will probably go away on its own. However, if it's chlamydia or some other bacterial infection, it needs antibiotics. Untreated eye infections can damage the eye. If this persists more than a few days, or if it gets any worse, it's really best if you take the cat to a vet.
 

coaster

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About the eye drops...if they're the kind of drops that are just preservative-free "artificial tears", you won't do any harm giving them to your cat (per advice of my vet in similar situation). However, I don't know about the eye drops that "get the red out", ie drops with some kind of anti-inflammatory of anti-histamine. I don't think I'd be using those in my cat except upon vet's approval.
 

talon

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Good to know about the artificial tears - it was the red out kind that I was initially thinking of.

Where are you located? Maybe someone can point you to a rescue or non-kill shelter in your area.
 

sashacat421

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Originally Posted by Talon

Good to know about the artificial tears - it was the red out kind that I was initially thinking of.

Where are you located? Maybe someone can point you to a rescue or non-kill shelter in your area.
Good point, Talon. Sometimes when you are new on the Board it's so helpful to post where you are. There are so many out there who know of places....if there is a Humane Society in your area they will NOT turn you away and have a sliding scale.
 
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sparrownturner

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Y'all must have a much better Humane Society than the one we have here. It's run entirely by cops. Two old cops are really the only ones working there, and though they'd like to help with various matters, they won't stand up to the ones in charge of them and don't give any free help due to that.
The eye drops we are using are the same brand/type/etc. as one that was okayed by an earlier vet. The good news is, however, that we've managed to borrow money from a crew mate and Prince has an appointment for this afternoon.
 
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