My kitten's eyes aren't better after 5 weeks. Should I see a vet?

Poor Snowball! Since she is still squinting with watery eye discharge after 6 days on Terramycin, you should take her to the vet now. The most common cause of recurrent eye issues and sneezing is due to viral infections (herpesvirus and calicivirus) that can cause both eye and upper respiratory signs when they shed intermittently. Signs typically resolve once the virus is done shedding, but many cats can also develop secondary bacterial infections which require antibiotics for treatment. In the long term, discuss using a Lysine supplement (Viralys is one example) for Snowball with her vet. I hope that all goes well for Snowball!

Hello. This kitten has severe infection in both eyes. This requires IMMEDIATE veterinary attention if there is any chance of salvaging her eyes. She may have poor or no vision no matter what is done, but without medical intervention, it is likely that she will have to lose both eyes. She should be examined immediately and once evaluated, treatment can be started which will probably be a combination of oral and topical antibiotics. She may need to see a veterinary eye specialist if she does not start to improve, or she may need to have the eyes surgically removed. Hopefully, with immediate attention, she can improve. Please take her to your veterinarian or closest emergency clinic right away.

Unfortunately we are not able to prescribe medicine through this website. Hi, and thanks for your question. That is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis, probably secondary to a trauma or infection. Antibiotics (eye drops) for human beings can be used (chloramphenicol 0,5 % three times daily for a week). If no improvement are seen a check up would be required. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Oh my goodness Oliver is adorable!! So happy you adopted him! Common eye issues in kittens are Herpes and Chlamydia. Cat herpes is responsible for most kitten eye infections. Cat chlamydia is close in the running for second place. Unlike human herpes, cat herpes is spread like the common cold and causes cold-like symptoms, including nasty-looking eye inflammation. Chlamydia is spread through close contact and causes cold-like symptoms and conjunctivitis. Neither are contagious to humans or any animals besides cats. Both have vaccines, but they don't necessarily stop infection but they can reduce severity. Most infections run their course (though kittens weakened by malnourishment, temperature extremes, injury, or other diseases do sometimes die from the added physical stress), but cats may have periodic outbreaks for the rest of their lives. Terramycin is the first line treatment for Chlamydia so if you are not seeing much improvement it could be that he has herpes virus and not Chlamydia. Of course he could have something else but those two diseases are the most common. My recommendation would be to give it the weekend since he seems otherwise happy and healthy and then take him in for a check-up at the beginning of next week. If you are applying the Terramycin twice a day I would recommend you increase to three or four times a day until the recheck appointment. I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Oliver!

Hello. Most of these kitties have a viral infection of the eyes often complicated with a secondary bacterial component. Other than keeping the eyes clear by gently cleaning with warm water a few times a day, there is not much more you can do except having the kitten seen & treated by a veterinarian. With the proper medications, the kitten will start to feel & look better pretty quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to an upper respiratory infection. This is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops and cats usually respond well to therapy. I recommend that you have Bubbles evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If they agree that based on an examination, that seems to be the issue, they will likely prescribe medications to make him feel better. Good luck and best wishes!

Oh boy. Felix needs to see a vet ASAP if you want a chance at saving the eye. There could be an ulcer, infection, or it could be secondary to several upper respiratory viruses. The vet will do an exam and look closely at the eye to determine what treatments and pain medications are needed.