Cat condition resembles pinkeye

jkoch

By John Koch, DVM

Question: My cat has a red, itchy eye. Is it possible for cats to get pinkeye?

Answer: Pinkeye is a term that is often used rather loosely. In humans, it usually means a contagious infectious inflammation of the membranes surrounding the eyeball and the insides of the eyelids. Cattle get pinkeye, as do horses. Cats get a condition that resembles pinkeye; however, it is not always contagious.

The most common eye disease suffered by cats is called conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis causes the thin tissue covering the eye to become swollen and red. There is excessive discomfort, as well as a lot of tears. The discomfort is manifested by rubbing the eye with the paw. Eye rubbing with the paw can be dangerous because of potential scratching. Conjunctivitis is usually not serious; however, if the outer surface of the eye (the cornea) becomes scratched, loss of sight could result.

Common causes of conjunctivitis include bacteria, chlamydia and viruses. These causes are usually concurrent with respiratory symptoms such as sneezing and coughing. Other non-contagious causes of conjunctivitis are smoke, dirt, allergies, direct trauma and eyelid deformities.

Conjunctivitis is generally simple to treat. An eye ointment is sufficient to take care of the problem. However, because conjunctivitis is frequently a secondary symptom of more serious upper respiratory diseases, and because of concern that corneal abrasions may occur from scratching, a veterinarian should check this condition.

Dr. Koch is a Cape Girardeau-area veterinarian.