Hi,

In May some kids brought me four kittens whose eyes were "glued" shut
with eye boogers and were swollen. They all appeared too thin and were
somewhat lethargic. I remembered reading something on wellpet about a
natural solution someone used for this and wrote her. It's a distilled
water, goldenseal and sea salt solution (I'll give the recipe at the
end of this message). I also did some reading and found that these eye
things are usually a form of herpes for which Lysine is generally
used. So I went out and got 250mg capsules and put it in all their
food. Within a week their eyes were totally clear and they were very
VERY active. A neighbor took care of them using all the stuff I made
up and gave her. They're gorgeous and very healthy.  

The woman who gave me thie following recipe said she's used this
solution on umpteen foster/rescue kittens and it's never failed, so
here goes:

1/2 cup water (pure/distilled)
1/8 tsp goldenseal tea leaves
1/8 tsp sea salt (without additives)

boil the water, add the tea leaves and let steep for 15 minutes
covered.

Strain out the tea leaves (use a coffee filter) and stir in the salt.

dip a cotton ball in the mixture and wipe over their eyes. Then
squeeze a few drops into the corners of their eyes. Do this at least
2-3 times (we did it for 6-8 which is better). Make sure you don't dip
a cotton ball back into the mixture after use and of course use
different ones for each cat.

This stuff will keep for about a week *IN* the fridge, or a few days
out.

By the way one of the kittens had originally had eyes that were not
only full of crud, but swollen and awful looking. I honestly thought
none of them would make it. As I said, they're all doing great now.

For better or worse, the same kids managed to find the mother and
brought her to me.  Not surprisingly she's "with kittens" yet again.

Also, keep giving the lysine in their food. I think at some point you
can stop but we're still giving it just to be sure.

Good luck!!!

Kathi

*Please* try to find a way to get these kits to a vet.  This could be a
problem that can be easily (and cheaply) remedied.  However, neglect of
infection in a kitten's eyes can lead to blindness, and it may not take
long.  My wonderful Duffy is blind.  His blindness occurred before birth
(possibly an infection in the mother), but I would give anything if I had an
opportunity such as you have to ensure that he would not have to live in
darkness.

MaryL
(take out the litter to reply)

Photos of Duffy and Holly:      >'o'<
http://tinyurl.com/8y54 (Introducing Duffy to Holly)
http://tinyurl.com/8y56 (Duffy and Holly "settle in")

Follow-up to my last message --
Do you have a Humane Society, O'Malley's Alley Cats, or other rescue group
in your area?  Sometimes they will help in situations like this, were funds
are limited.  What about a credit card?  Most vets and veterinary clinics
accept credit card payment.  Check ahead, but most vets will take a litter
of kittens at a single rate.  Some will also permit payments over a period
of time.

MaryL

They really need a vet. Call around and see if someone will work with you.
EYe infections can lead to PERMANENT damage.

You need to see a vet, Angie.  If you can't afford to give them adequate
care, perhaps the vet will take them off your hands and find them homes.

Sharon Talbert
Friends of Campus Cats