Among the various means of treating cats, products such as various ointments and drops are often used, which are usually used in the treatment of diseases of the eyes and ears. And in order to get the maximum benefit from these funds, you should know exactly how to use them.
Unfortunately, many cat owners think that all they have to do is take their cat and drop some drug into its eye and that will be enough to solve the problem. In this article we will look at some of the nuances of using drugs that are available in ointments and drops.
How to properly use drops and ointments for cats.
Indications for use
For the bacterial form of ophthalmic disease, eye ointment is used. Is it possible to put a tetracycline substance behind a cat’s eyelid, pet owners ask their veterinarian. The medication is a bacteriostatic agent and belongs to the tetracycline group.
By destroying the connections between transfer RNA and ribosomes, participating in the process of suppressing the formation of proteins, it can be used to treat eye diseases.
The drug is effective in the following pathological processes:
- blepharitis;
- conjunctivitis;
- keratitis;
- meibomite.
The antibacterial effect of the drug on pathogenic microorganisms allows you to destroy the following types of pathogens:
- staphylococci;
- streptococci;
- klebsiella;
- E. coli;
- chlamydia.
Tetracycline hydrochloride plays a major role in suppressing the synthesis of bacterial proteins, helping to eliminate microorganisms in various eye infections.
A metal tube with a medicinal product contains 3.226 g of active substance. As an antibacterial medication, a 3% medicine is used to treat skin diseases in cats and kittens:
- dermatitis;
- inflammation of the hair roots caused by the action of staphylococci or streptococci;
- damage to follicles (middle or deep sections).
To treat a pet, use a 1% composition containing additional ingredients: lanolin, mineral fats. An external remedy for treating the organ of vision is available in soft packaging (tubes) with a capacity of 3 g.
Ragdoll kitten - how to anoint a kitten's eyes with eye ointment - treat a ragdoll eye cold
The 3% drug has an anti-inflammatory effect on ulcers and treats the burned surface. The course of therapy with a 1% ophthalmic medication lasts 21 days; the animal for which the drug is indicated often experiences allergic reactions to its use. In this case, you should change the medicine, because it does not destroy the pathogen and is not suitable for your pet.
Tetracycline ointment is not prescribed for the treatment of sore eyes due to colds.
Diagnosis of eye diseases in cats
If this misfortune has befallen your pet, you should immediately consult a veterinarian. The organ of vision is examined and its general condition is assessed according to three parameters:
- appearance of the eyeball and surrounding tissues;
- general condition: size, shape, presence of injuries;
- state of vision.
After a superficial diagnosis, a study is carried out using special devices. The fundus of the eye is examined, the sensitivity of the microflora to antibiotics is determined, and the pressure inside is measured. A specialist may prescribe a biochemical blood and urine test.
Fundus examination by a veterinarian
Instructions for use and dosage
Eye ointment for cats 1% is used in a dose depending on the following factors: the type of pathological process, the condition of the animal. A 1% antibacterial agent is applied to the sore spot 3 to 5 times a day.
To carry out the procedure, you must prepare in advance:
- glass rod;
- sterile swab.
The required amount of medicine is squeezed onto a glass rod. Place the medication behind the lower eyelid. Then you should take a sterile cotton swab and massage the filling area well with an antibacterial agent for several minutes. In this case, a special protective film is created that protects the surface of the eye.
External medicine must be applied with great care so that the animal does not lick the medicine. You should not rush, otherwise your pet can easily be poisoned by the medication.
If necessary, the veterinarian will prescribe a different dose of an external antibacterial agent or use drops containing tetracycline for treatment. The kitten is injected daily into each eye.
The antibacterial agent is not used in pregnant cats or those with individual intolerance to tetracycline medications.
The external preparation should not be used simultaneously with other medications that have a bactericidal effect on the diseased organ. It is preferable to undergo a test to identify the type of pathogen before using the medication, since tetracycline hydrochloride does not affect all strains of microorganisms.
The consistency of the drug is not safe for pets. Sometimes part of the medicine penetrates into the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract.
How to use ear ointments and drops
Open the cat's eye wider so that the drops fall on the entire surface.
The beginning of the procedure is quite standard: first you should check the correctness of the intended dosage and, if necessary, shake the bottle with drops. The second stage is the same as before - you need to wipe away any secretions that may have accumulated around the ear opening, as well as on the inside of the ear. To do this, you need to use a cotton swab, which, as in the case of the eyes, must be moistened in boiled water, or in tea leaves, or in a special solution for washing the ears.
Such solutions can be recommended directly at the veterinary hospital. You should not choose them at your own discretion - it is better to consult a veterinarian. It must be said that putting drops into the ear or putting ointment there is quite difficult, since the owner does not see exactly how much of the medicine has traveled through the ear canal. In view of this, it would be a good idea to practice first by instilling drops or ointment into the auricle. This will allow you to find out how hard you should squeeze the tube or vial so that the required amount of medicine comes out. An approximate procedure would look like this:
Calm the cat down.
Between your thumb and forefinger you should pinch the cat's ear, bending it outward. Then you need to insert the tip of the tube or bottle directly into the ear canal and release the medicine there.
Since your cat may start shaking its head, you should prepare for this in advance to prevent her from shaking her ear and getting rid of the medication. The ear should be massaged near its base. Then the drops or ointment can be directed along the curved ear canal to the eardrum.
Side effects and contraindications
Questions about how long to apply tetracycline ointment and whether a small kitten can have its eyes treated are asked by pet owners to the veterinarian when purchasing a 1% composition of the external agent at the pharmacy.
In some cases, 3-4 side effects of the drug are observed:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- Quincke's edema.
When applying an antibacterial medication under the lower eyelid, the result may not be achieved, and the protective film that the animal has in the eye becomes similar to a yellow abscess.
The external composition often does not eliminate the infection of the third eyelid, so it is necessary to consult a veterinarian about further treatment tactics.
An allergic reaction to the drug may occur if the antibacterial composition is used together with other external drugs that have an alkaline reaction.
After a single dose, the medicine may cause side effects if the composition is not stored in the refrigerator. The ointment should not be administered to animals that are hypersensitive to the active substance - tetracycline hydrochloride.
Toxic reactions occur when using an external agent in combination with other drugs, when the pet’s body is sensitized. Complications often develop after application of the product:
- acute aseptic conjunctivitis;
- erosion;
- deep necrosis of the stroma;
- ulceration of the inner lining of the cornea;
- visual impairment (partial).
With long-term use of the drug, you may encounter such a negative manifestation as the growth of blood vessels into the deep layers of the cornea.
Sometimes a toxic reaction in a pet after using the medication is manifested by the following symptoms:
- swelling of the eyelids;
- chemosis of the conjunctiva;
- subconjunctival hemorrhage.
Allergic processes develop quickly after using the drug. An immediate reaction appears within 1 hour. It is accompanied by itching in the eyes and incomplete closure of the eyelids.
Causes and symptoms of eye diseases in cats
Symptoms can be very different. An appropriate treatment must be selected for a specific disease.
Inflammation in the eyes of a cat
Entropion (etropion)
The first reason is etropion. Also called entropion. The edge of the lower eyelid bends inward, and the animal feels severe pain.
Important! If the volvulus is not treated in time, keratoconjunctivitis will develop.
Iritis (iridocyclitis)
Photophobia, yellow iris, constricted pupil are symptoms of inflammation of the iris. This disease is called iritis. Occurs due to bacterial infection, injury and metabolic disorders.
Third eyelid prolapse
The third eyelid performs a protective function. If this protective device for the cat's eyes falls out of its boundaries, then foreign bodies, viruses or bacterial infections have entered the eye. Poisoning of the body and allergic reactions occur, and nervous disorders are possible.
Cataract
When the optical areas of the lens are affected, the cat begins to show symptoms:
- lethargy;
- poor orientation;
- blindness;
- pupil dilation
Because of this, the cat becomes fearful and sometimes aggressive. The eye may become completely opaque and a cataract will appear.
Cataract on the vitreous body
Conjunctivitis
As a result of conjunctivitis, redness and swelling of the eyelid develop, and the eye begins to water. The eyelids may turn out and movement of the eyeballs may be impaired. The disease occurs due to bacteriological effects on the conjunctiva that protects the eye.
Inflammation of the third eyelid
The symptoms and causes of inflammation of the third eyelid are similar to those of prolapse. The eye begins to fester, and the kitten experiences severe discomfort.
Wounds of the eyelids
Pets may experience eyelid damage. This occurs due to mechanical damage from teeth, claws and other foreign objects that can rip off the eyelids. Inflammatory swelling and constant slight bleeding develop.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. It should not be confused with ordinary conjunctivitis. The disease most often occurs due to burns (including chemical ones), allergic reactions and mechanical damage to the cornea.
Against the background of blepharitis occurs:
- baldness around the eyes;
- the incision begins to rapidly decrease;
- redness appears;
- severe inflammation of the eyelid.
As a result, the pet's viewing angle is severely limited and disorientation appears.
Blepharitis in a cat
Adenoma of the third century
A small tumor, the size of a pea, appears in the cat's eye. Often white or bright pink in color. Benign origin does not guarantee safety, since the tumor leads to complete closure of the eye.
Dacryocystitis
The next cause of disease is inflammation of the nasolacrimal sac on the eye. A swelling appears at the site of the gland, and purulent mucous fluid often comes out of it. There is an increase in temperature and severe lacrimation.
Attention! This inflammation leads to the following problems: conjunctivitis, which provokes keratitis and a number of other diseases.
Reviews from veterinarians
Oleg Eduardovich, veterinarian
1% antibacterial agent is a proven drug for treating eyes in pets. I use 3% tetracycline ointment to treat burns and skin infections. The drug is effective and cheap. I recommend it to patients.
Savelyev D. D., veterinarian
Antibacterial ointment is an outdated drug, since many microorganisms are resistant to the action of tetracyclines. The consistency of the medicine is not entirely successful; the animal licks it off, causing damage to health. I recommend using modern tools.
Mikheev O.V., veterinarian
I use eye ointment for cats to treat viral pathology. It is necessary to prescribe the medicine after establishing the sensitivity of the pathogen to AB. The drug does not help with chlamydia. I do not prescribe ointment to cats with a history of allergies to eliminate the risk of anaphylaxis.
All information posted on the site is provided in accordance with the User Agreement and is not a direct instruction to action. We strongly recommend that before using any product, you must obtain a face-to-face consultation at an accredited veterinary clinic.
Undesirable consequences
Occasionally, the drug can cause an effect such as dry skin in the animal.
There have been no cases of negative effects of Tetracycline on the body of cats. The antibacterial drug is well tolerated and, when used correctly, does not provoke a negative reaction. But if you abuse the medicine and use it for a long time, dryness of the dermis or a reaction of local irritation of the pet’s epidermis may occur.
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