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Cat's eyes swollen and bleeding after medication. Allergic reaction?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | 1 month and 23 days old | 1.5 lbs

I have a cat that got prescribed clavamox and terramycin ointment for his severe URI and what looked like the start of keratitis at its early stage. After 3 days of using the ointment the cats eye has gone from bad to way worse, now eyes are swollen so much so that I don't think he can see and the most swollen eye has begun to bleed and will no longer even open up. On a scale of one to ten, before treatment he was a 4, now an 8 or 9. Is this an allergic reaction? What can I do for him?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Kevin Sanada, DVM

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 6th, 2017

It looks to me like this guy is not responding well to the current treatment.

The red you are seeing in the eyes is not likely to be blood, but instead is very red and swollen conjunctiva. This can make treatment even more difficult, because you can't see the eye. It's important that this gets treated quickly, because these infections can quickly cause severe and permanent damage to the eyes.

I would notify the vet that initially prescribed the treatment and ask for alternatives. Personally, I would probably switch the antibiotic and eye medication.

I hope that helps.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 24th, 2019

    Poor Lloyd! It’s possible he is having an allergic reaction, problems with allergies in general or that a viral infection. It does look very red and it sounds like it’s getting worse. I recommend to have Lloyd examined by his veterinarian. The doctor may recommend some antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory. You also need to protect the eye from rubbing since that will make it worse. An elizabethan collar works very well for that. I hope he starts feeling better quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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