Some kind of weird eye problem

[catloverami]

There is an ointment the vet has....but for the life of me can't remember the name now. But it's not too expensive and easy to administer. Good luck!

[athomas]

Originally Posted by catloverami

There is an ointment the vet has....but for the life of me can't remember the name now. But it's not too expensive and easy to administer. Good luck!

She has an appointment in like 4 hours. The fact that when she's playing her eye is wide open leads me to believe something is stuck in her eye. It's really creepy to open her eye and have the entire thing covered by another eyelid... *shivers*

[athomas]

Well, very interesting visit to the vet today, apparently she has herpes. The vet said around 90% or so of cats have it, but not all show symptoms because their immune system holds it back. Chances of spreading are very minimal, and no humans cannot get it.

So I have a cat on anti-depressants because he pees everywhere and a cat with herpes, and on anti-viral (for life) because of it. Ahh what's next!

[Penny135]

Wow! I dont really know what to say but I am glad its treatable. Sending healthy vibes your way.

[doodlebug]

Yes, the herpes virus is one of the common causes of upper respiratory infections and weepy eyes (which make them susceptible to secondary bacterial eye infections) in cats. As you said, 90% of cats are exposed to it, usually when they are kittens, but as they become adults their immune system will force it to become dormant. Stress can lower the immune system and bring on a herpes outbreak. It may also crop up more often as they age. I notice that Maggie's eyes are gunky more often as she's aging. It's never been bad enough to treat regularly, but I suspect I may have to a couple years from now.

Did the vet put her on l-lysine? It's very effective at keeping herpes at bay.

[athomas]

Originally Posted by doodlebug

Yes, the herpes virus is one of the common causes of upper respiratory infections and weepy eyes (which make them susceptible to secondary bacterial eye infections) in cats. As you said, 90% of cats are exposed to it, usually when they are kittens, but as they become adults their immune system will force it to become dormant. Stress can lower the immune system and bring on a herpes outbreak. It may also crop up more often as they age. I notice that Maggie's eyes are gunky more often as she's aging. It's never been bad enough to treat regularly, but I suspect I may have to a couple years from now.

Did the vet put her on l-lysine? It's very effective at keeping herpes at bay.

Yeah she's on lysine. Smells like fish food...lol

[Beauty Betty Berry]

Glad to hear she's getting treated and she'll get better soon.
Take care.