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Conjunctivitis in cats

1 January 2023

Has your cat been rubbing his eye, or has his eye been closed a lot for a few days ? What if it is suffering from conjunctivitis ? Lets find out more about this common condition in cats.

 

What is conjunctivitis ?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membranes on the inside of the eyelids and around the eyeball. This common condition in cats manifests itself as redness and possibly swelling of the conjunctiva. An eye discharge is usually present. The condition is usually irritating – the cat closes its eye(s) very frequently or permanently and may also rub with its paw. It is not uncommon for conjunctivitis to be accompanied by other signs such as sneezing or mouth ulcers. In this case, it is called coryza or flu. Finally, conjunctivitis may extend to the cornea and develop into keratoconjunctivitis, which may be complicated by an ulcer.

 

What causes conjunctivitis ?

There are many causes of conjunctivitis. Those of infectious origin are the most frequently encountered. The feline herpes virus is very often responsible. There are also bacterial causes, like Chlamydophila (or Chlamydia) or Mycoplasma. Another common cause is allergy. Finally, a foreign body (such as a grass seed or grains of sand), a lump or badly implanted or misdirected eyelashes can also disturb and irritate the conjunctiva.

 

How do you treat conjunctivitis ?

If your cat shows signs of eye disease that could be conjunctivitis, make an appointment to see your vet. The vet will carry out tests to ensure that sufficient tears are being produced and that the cornea is not damaged. He will also look for the presence of a foreign body, a mass or eyelashes that could explain the inflammation.

Management of conjunctivitis, after eliminating the above causes, may include the application of ointments or eye drops containing antibiotics, antivirals and/or anti-inflammatory drugs depending on the cause identified. Cleaning of the eye area with a suitable eye wash is often recommended. Your veterinarian may also prescribe oral antibiotics or antivirals in tablet form or by injection if deemed appropriate. Finally, in some cases, the use of antihistamines is recommended. During the treatment, it may be deemed a requirement that your cat be fitted with a collar to avoid any risk of damage to the cornea by scratching.

In the case of recurrent conjunctivitis and/or failure to react to treatment, it is very likely that your veterinarian will want to carry out a laboratory test. He will then take a swab sample.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.  

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat.  Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.    

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.    

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet. 

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