Quite often, veterinary specialists are faced with diagnosing leukoma (eye sore) in patients. The pathological process is direct evidence of the onset of the inflammatory process in the transparent protective layer of the eyeball - the cornea.
Neglect of the disease and untimely assistance can lead to serious problems in the cat such as blindness or complete loss of the eyeball.
Leukoma or cataract is a clouding of the cornea of the eye with the formation of a scar. The development of leukoma is provoked by such negative factors as thermal and chemical burns, allergic reactions, and mechanical injuries. White connective tissue begins to grow after damage, impairs the cat's vision and can lead to complete blindness.
The cat's eyesore, like other animals, is divided into several types. It depends on the location of the white film. There are peripheral leukoma, which covers the edge of the eye (peripheral vision is impaired), as well as central (develops in the center) and total (affecting the entire visual surface).
The inflammatory process that develops with leukoma causes the scar to rise above the cornea.
What it is
Leukoma in cats is a pathological condition characterized by the appearance of a scar on the cornea, the formation of which can be caused by various ophthalmological diseases.
What does leukoma indicate?
As the disease progresses, changes occur in the organ of vision. The animal begins to behave differently: hide from the light, look for secluded places.
The cat's tear production increases.
Consequences of ignoring the problem
If dangerous changes are not detected in a timely manner, the cataract will degenerate into adipose tissue. This condition can lead to complete atrophy of the eye. In addition, the disease causes a lot of inconvenience to the cat.
The resulting film provokes a decrease in visual acuity, especially when localized on the pupil itself.
White film growth
The third eyelid in a healthy cat is visible only when blinking, in a state of sleep.
Importance for a cat
The formation protects the cornea from dust, debris, plant thorns, etc., evenly distributes the secretion of the lacrimal gland, and protects the surface of the eye from drying out.
Reasons for sinking
An increase in film size can be associated with both external and internal factors.
There are several reasons for the development of a pathological condition:
- bacterial, viral, fungal infections;
- failure of internal organs;
- exhaustion, dehydration;
hormonal imbalance;- entry of foreign bodies;
- oncology;
- weakening of the ligaments and muscles of the eye;
- helminthiasis;
- injuries;
- allergic conjunctivitis;
- atrophy of the eyeball.
British and Persian cats are more susceptible to the development of vision pathologies due to the structural features of the skull. Regardless of other reasons, genetic predisposition is a fundamental factor in the occurrence of the disease.
Signs of adenoma
This is a benign formation. It is characterized by the appearance of a small tumor that prevents the eyes from closing completely.
Symptoms:
increased body temperature;- purulent discharge from the eyes;
- photophobia;
- neoplasms in the corners of the eyes;
- loss of appetite;
- irritability.
The animal also continuously washes itself, squints, and blinks.
Associated symptoms
If the cause of the adenoma is systemic diseases, the following signs of ill health are observed: vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, decreased activity, weight loss, deterioration in coat quality.
Types of pathology
An eyesore is classified according to several criteria.
By location type
Highlight:
- peripheral;
- total;
- central.
In the first case, the pupil is not affected; the spot is mainly localized on the side of the eyeball, has a white tint and black inclusions.
With the total type, the cataract completely covers the entire eye.
In the central form, the center of the visual organ is affected, and complete occlusion of the pupil is often noted.
According to the pathological process
Leukoma can be congenital or acquired . The first type of disease is rarely diagnosed and occurs against the background of negative changes in the cat’s body that occurred during the period of intrauterine development.
The second form is more common and can be caused by many factors.
Causes of cataracts
Various factors can contribute to the formation of a cloudy film and stain. The problem in kittens is identified in rare cases when the cat suffered from infectious diseases at the time of birth.
Among the main reasons that provoke a thorn are the following:
- dysfunction of the endocrine system;
- eye injury;
- failure to comply with hygiene rules;
- infections;
- unbalanced diet.
Diseases in which ocular leukoma develops
Veterinarians identify some pathologies that can lead to clouding and the appearance of a white spot on the visual organ.
Trachoma
This is a disease of infectious nature. In most cases, eye damage is accompanied by the formation of a cataract.
Inflammation on the cornea
One of the most common provoking factors of the disease.
If veterinary care is not provided in a timely manner, the risk of pupillary clouding increases several times. The superficial form is characterized by a weak degree of severity, and the thorn is almost invisible.
First aid
Self-medication in this case is strictly prohibited. Medicines are used only after consultation with a veterinarian. If you delay in going to the clinic, your pet’s condition will quickly deteriorate.
As soon as the owner notices that his pet has a white film on the organ of vision, and an urgent visit to the veterinarian is impossible, the animal is treated at home.
Wiping the eyelids
Take a clean cotton cloth, moisten it with warm filtered water, and carefully remove all discharge from the eyes from the outer corner to the inner one.
Moisturizing the eyes
If the eye is swollen, carefully spread the eyelids and drip saline solution. If the film falls out, periodically moisten the eye with saline solution and apply a sterile bandage.
Help with bleeding
If bleeding occurs, apply a sterile bandage or gauze folded in several layers to the eye (the material should not stick). When soiled, the bandage is changed, but at least once a day.
Examination by a veterinarian
At the clinic, the doctor conducts a full examination of the pet. An ophthalmoscope is used to examine the condition of the fundus.
If there are no injuries, clinical tests are prescribed.
Symptoms of pathology
It is difficult to treat a thorn. It is necessary to pay attention to changes in a timely manner and show the cat to a specialist.
The pathological process is accompanied by the following symptoms:
increased lacrimation;- fear of light;
- swelling;
- redness of the cornea;
- discharge of purulent contents;
- retinal atrophy;
- development of strabismus.
Depending on the type of lesion, the clouding may have a light yellow or red-gray uneven tint. In the ulcerative form of the disease, the thorn protrudes outward.
In most cases, the animal’s behavior changes noticeably: the cat becomes more aggressive and irritable, is unsure of its orientation in space, bumping into objects that appear in its path, washes itself frequently,
Blepharitis
Inflammation of the eyelids, which is quite common in furry cats, is divided into three types:
- Scaly blepharitis (also called simple);
- Ulcerative blepharitis;
- Meibomian blepharitis.
Symptoms differ for each type, but there are common ones that are always noticeable. Namely:
- Itching;
- Edema;
- Redness;
- Tearing.
With scaly blepharitis, you can notice a clear thickening of the eyelids, after which gray scales appear there. Over time, the eyelashes will begin to fall out, and pus will be released in place of the scales.
If treatment is not started, scaly blepharitis can quickly turn into ulcerative blepharitis. With it, crusts of pus dry out, fall off, and in their place sores open. The inflammation gets worse. Scarring may cause the skin to tighten.
Meibomian blepharitis is similar to a stye. The eyelid swells and turns red. Pus begins to ooze out profusely.
Diagnostics: techniques and methods
During the initial examination, the veterinarian evaluates the clinical picture and conducts an external examination of the pet, especially the eye area.
The specialist also collects information about when the spot was first noticed, the quality of food, and studies the animal’s history.
Based on the data obtained, a diagnostic examination is prescribed, including the following manipulations:
- clinical and biochemical blood test;
- ophthalmoscopy;
- serological tests;
- determining the pressure in the eye (to assess how likely it is to develop glaucoma or cataracts);
- Seidel test (fluorescein test);
cytological examination of damaged tissue taken from the conjunctiva;- biopsy;
- microscopic examination of scraping;
- gonioscopy.
If for some reason it is not possible to conduct a standard diagnostic examination, the doctor may prescribe an ultrasound examination, which will help identify the true causes of clouding of the eyes.
If concomitant diseases of viral and infectious origin are suspected, additional diagnostic methods may be prescribed.
Basic principles of therapy
Treatment of cataract requires strict adherence to all the veterinarian’s instructions.
Medicines
Eye drops are used for 14 hours.
This could be Floxal, Tetracycline. In the morning and evening, it is necessary to apply a product with antibacterial properties to the lower eyelid. It is advisable to do the procedure at the same time.
When the provoking factor of the lesion is injury, the eye is first treated with an antiseptic (Miramistin), followed by the use of drops, for example, Levomycetin.
To relieve severe pain, the doctor advises injecting a special solution into the eyeball. For increased eye pressure, Brinzolamide and Pilocarpine are prescribed.
To obtain the desired effect, all medications must be used in combination.
Surgical intervention
If drug therapy does not help, surgery is performed.
During keratoplasty, the cornea is completely replaced. Tarsorrhaphy involves suturing the edges of the eyelid, which will protect the cornea and speed up recovery.
ethnoscience
Treatment of leukoma at home is possible only after a full examination and in combination with medications.
A honey solution is effective. To prepare it, you need to mix honey with water in a small amount and drop 3 drops into your eyes until complete recovery.
Preventing eye problems in cats
To prevent the development of the disease, it is important to adhere to a number of simple rules:
provide the animal with healthy, nutritious nutrition;- regularly examine your eyes;
- protect your pet from contact with other animals;
- do not let outside unattended;
- carry out vaccinations in a timely manner.
It is also necessary to regularly visit the veterinarian as a preventative measure, which will allow the disease to be identified at the beginning of its development.
Preventive measures
To protect the tailed creature and minimize the occurrence of problems with the visual apparatus, you should do the following:
- plan a cat’s diet - it must be balanced and consist of quality products;
- do not forget about additional vitamins in the cat’s menu;
- periodically rinse your cat's eyes with Furacilin (1 tablet per 100 g of water);
- use potassium permanganate for preventive purposes;
- regularly examine the eyes of the mustachioed creature and monitor changes in its behavior;
- do not forget to free your pet from roommates - worms, fleas, etc.
- Take your pet to the veterinary clinic for examinations at least once a year.
If you notice slight redness of the mucous membrane and tearing, use Tricilin powder on the affected areas.
