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Cat eye surgery: How to apply ointment when blinking is hard?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 6 years and 10 months old | 13 lbs

Our boy has just had surgery to secure the third eyelid over his eye to aid the healing of an eye ulcer. We have been told to continue putting Chloramphenicol ointment into the affected eye twice per day. It is difficult to get the ointment into his eye now - he is having trouble blinking and the paste just seems to sit on the eye. I have just asked my vet if it comes in a drop form as this would be easier to administer, but they have said no, I need to persevere with the ointment - any advice?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 23rd, 2018

Hello, thank you for using Pet Coach. So sorry that Sid is having this issue.

Chloramphenicol does come in a drop - we can get it here in the U.S. Maybe it is not available in the UK? I am unsure about this.

The ointment is likely a better choice in this instance anyway as it lasts longer in the eye so you can apply it less frequently. If you get a drop you will need to put it in quite frequently (like every 2-4 hours) as it doesn't last long.

As for the ointment just sitting on the eye, that is likely OK. Enough is probably getting where it needs to be. If he is having trouble blinking you may have to do it for him. I usually apply the ointment and then close the eyelids with my fingers and gently rub the upper eyelid to spread the ointment over the eyeball. I do this whether or not a tarrsorrhaphy (third eyelid flap) has been performed or not. I know this is not fun to do and cats are not usually the best patients. Just do the best you can. If he is trying to fight you, you may want to wrap him up in a heavy towel like a burrito with only his head sticking out. That may make it easier for you to medicate him.

Hope this helps. If you have more questions please feel free to post again. Best wishes!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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