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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / February 2004Corneal ulcer with complications
Hello, I posted recently about my concerns for a cat that I have reserved at a local cat sanctuary. I mentioned that he had a corneal ulcer which had been treated using antibacterial drops for 2 weeks. He has now seen an eye specialist and they confirmed that he has an ulcer which is on the surface of the cornea. As I think one person who repiled to my first post suggested, the ulcer also has a viral infection. To make matters worse he has a dysfunctional tear duct. The specialist does not want to operate to remove the ulcer, saying that most likely it will return. The cat has been given two ointments which are to be administered for 4 weeks. I need to go the sanctuary to get more details. Is it worth pushing for surgery to remove the ulcer in the first instance? I could probably afford it. If all else fails, much as I don't want the eye to be removed, is this a likely best option? Thanks in advance. Denise > I posted recently about my concerns for > a cat that I have reserved at a local [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > Is it worth pushing for surgery to > remove the ulcer in the first instance? I wouldn't do it. The reason the eye is so bad is because the cat wasn't getting the proper treatment. Now that that is resolved the ulcer should resolve as well. Since this is herpes related, putting the cat on a lifetime regimen of L-Lysine should prevent or eliminate any serious flare-ups in the future. > I could probably afford it. If all else > fails, much as I don't want the eye to > be removed, is this a likely best > option? Removing the eye should only be a last resort. The condition your cat has is treatable and the tear duct is a separate issue. I have seen pretty bad eye problems w/ulcers that have been resolved and kept under control with L-Lysine @250 mg once or twice daily. Here is one example. Before: http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL320/476350/1617042/18983347.jpg After: http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL320/476350/960290/11171587.jpg Megan  Signature"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray An update: I now have the cats at home. Plimsole (the cat with the ulcer) has eye lubricant/interferon drops, an antibacterial ointment and lysine tablets. Adminstering the medication is difficult but I'm learning fast. He doesn't appear to be experiencing too much discomfort, based on how often he washes his eye and minimal squinting. He is a totally different cat now that he has a house to roam around in. My furniture is taking a bashing: he does like to hang from it during his sillier moments. The vet he was seeing during his stay in the shelter was considering removal of the eye if the ulcer hasn't responded to treatment in the next 8/9 days. I don't want this! I won't give up without a struggle, but ulimately I need to see that he is comfortable. Denise, Is there a vet ophthalmologist in your area? A general vet no matter how good does not have the same expertise as a specialist. If there is one you may want to consult him/her first. My oldest cat did have to have that operation 2 years ago at age 14 and she is just fine. She simply has a permanent wink! Michele (N.C.)
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