Popular Ointments for Cat Eye Problems

Cat eye problems include a variety of conditions that can affect felines of nearly any age or breed. Problems related to trauma or viral, bacterial and parasitic infections of the eye region may appear uncomfortable and unpleasant. Fortunately, many of these cat eye problems may be treated through a range of widely available topical ointments. Understanding the importance of treating eye problems and knowing how popular topical medications work may help cat owners address their pet's conditions simply and effectively.

Treating Cat Eye Problems

There are numerous symptoms associated with cat eye problems. Common infections like conjunctivitis, or "pink eye," or feline Chlamydia of the eye can cause symptoms like redness, swelling, itching, squinting, tearing and discharge. Seeking help for these and other signs of eye abnormalities is important since, without treatment, a cat may be at risk for developing chronic conditions and possible long-term vision loss.

How Cat Eye Ointments Work

Most cat eye ointments are topical medications available by prescription from a veterinarian. Animal medical professionals typically recommend applying these treatments, also called ophthalmic ointments, to the affected area of a cat's closed eye. Because they are designed to treat a range of feline eye conditions, the contents of ointments and their treatment methods may vary. Here is a description of some widely used topical medications and a summary of how they can help treat common cat eye disorders:

Triple Antibiotic Ointment

This prescription topical treatment generally contains the antibiotics bacitracin, neomycin and polymixin, combined with hydrocortisone, a safe and commonly used corticosteroid. Generic triple antibiotic steroid ointment is often prescribed to treat feline eye problems caused by bacterial infections, including Chlamydia and secondary conditions associated with viral conjunctivitis.

The neomycin, bacitracin and polymixin medications help destroy harmful bacteria responsible for infections, while the hydrocortisone works to reduce subsequent swelling of the eyelids or surrounding eye area. This ointment is also available as the brand-name products TriOptic-P (Pfizer), Mycitracin (Pharmacia and Upjohn), Vetropolycin (Pharmaderm) and Neobacimyx (Schering Plough).

Terramyicin

Another topical antibiotic ointment prescribed for treating infections and symptoms related to feline conjunctivitis. This petroleum-based medication contains the antibiotics Polymyxin B and Oxytetracycline, which work by killing off infection-causing bacteria. Terramyicin is often recommended to treat mild cases of bacterial eye infections in cats.

Erythromycin

This commonly prescribed generic antibiotic ointment is used to treat bacterial infections of the feline eye and eyelids. The medication, also known as Erythromycin Opthalmic Ointment, is generally considered to be well tolerated by most cats. It is often prescribed to eliminate bacteria responsible for seondary conjunctivitis infections.

Chloramphenicol

This broad-spectrum topical antibiotic that may be used to treat bacterial infections associated with conjunctivitis. This mineral oil and petroleum jelly-based medication is designed to fight a range of harmful bacteria, including strains of Staphylococus aureus, E.coli and Staphylococus hemolyticus.

Feline eye problems caused by infection, trauma and other conditions can create a number of unpleasant symptoms for cat and owner alike. Luckily, many signs associated with eye disorders, such as swelling, redness, irritation, may be easily relieved through the use of popular topical opthalmic ointments. 

 

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