gucky eyes

[larrysdaughter]

What does it mean when your cat has watery eyes or gugcky eyes, an eye discharge? When is it necessary to go to the doc, and when it is just like a cold? Assuming Cats get colds.

[opus88]

hi ...your kitty has a low form of the Herpes Virus...his immune system is weaker during the summer months for some reason and thus a flare up . you cannot treat this virus, you can only support his immune system and the very best thing to do that with is an amino acid called L-lysine. you can get this thru your Vet, however its not nearly as pure as the human form I use for my cats..and this brand is very safe for cats. I will give you a link to order it from iherb, if you cannot find it in your local Vitamin Health Food outlet. it comes in powder form with a green scoop inside...use 1/2 scoop mixed with bit of water and give via dropper for week to 10 days whenever theres a flare up. the stuff from you Vet will be much more expensive, comes in a paste I believe...good luck

http://www.iherb.com/Carlson-Labs-L-Lysine-Amino-Acid-Powder-100-g/13608

[Marmite82]

Hi, my cat always gets one gunky eye when summer comes... he is fine in himself, but just one eye gets gunky, and I wash it clean.  Could it be anything to worry about.  He doesn't get it any other time apart from in strong sun

[Thomas Dock, CVJ, Vet. Technician]

Hi there...you have already gotten some great advice so I just wanted to add a couple of quick notes.   As Savas pointed out, discharge from the eyes can be as common as the "sleep" we get in our eyes or could be as serious as an upper respiratory infection.   Many cats also carry a latent herpesvirus that can cause similar symptoms along with sneezing.

April2:  Using a steroid ointment in an eye that is scratched or abraded could be a big problem.  It's also best, as you said, to get the eye checked before applying any medication.

If the discharge continues or if your kitty goes off food, definitely go see your DVM.  You can also post a question in our General Health Ask the Expert forum here at MedHelp.  We have more than 30 DVMs who can help you understand your pet's health needs.

[larrysdaughter]

wow ok thanks!

[Savas]

If it doesn't go away in a day or so, or the eye becomes sealed shut, then take kitty to the vet. It could be a sign of an upper respitory infection.

However, there is a certain amount of "crud" that forms in the corner of some cat's eyes. It would be similar to "sleep crud" that humans get, and while unattractive, it isn't dangerous. :-)

[April2]

My cat gets this sometimes in one eye and we go and get a cream to put in her eye and it clears right up. It's a steriod and antibiotic type cream. If it continues or gets worse you may want to go ahead and bring your cat in to the vet to get looked at.

[zodiacqueen]

I would only worry about gucky eyes if ONLY one eye is got crud in it or both eyes are cruddy and their is sneezing or breathing problems.  Two cruddy eyes with no other symptoms is probably not a health concern.  I hope this helped!!  =)