Question:
I just got a cat at the local shelter. She is estimated to be approx. 6 months old and was diagnosed with and treated for conjunctivitis at the shelter. She was also diagnosed and treated for upper respiratory 3X at the shelter. She also had a UTI and we gave her Clavamox 2X daily for 7 days. Then she had giardia (sp?) and we gave her flagyl for 1X daily for 5 days and Benebac every other day for 3 days.

Currently it looks like there is a film over her eye and/or a layer of her eye is peeling off. The affected eye is usually closed all or part way, but occasionally looks perfectly normal. It is weepy and a mucousy discharge and/or brown crust is usually present at the inside corner.

Here are some good pictures I took. To get the best detail view at full size (click little icon in bottom right corner) and scroll to the eye.

Pics:
http://james.bluefire.org/images/cat/DSC02637.JPG
http://james.bluefire.org/images/cat/DSC02638.JPG
http://james.bluefire.org/images/cat/DSC02639.JPG
http://james.bluefire.org/images/cat/DSC02640.JPG

Any insight would be GREATLY appreciated. We are first time "parents" and very concerned. :( :( :( Thanks in advance!

I will attach smaller versions of these photos to the post shortly, but the best images will come from the links.

Answer:
Oh yeah...she tested negative for FIV and feline leukemia.

Answer:
Good Morning from the great State of Michigan.
I guess my first question is has this kitty been seen by a vet of your selection?

It sounds like the cats has been seen by a vet but from reading your post
(and keep in mind I have not had any coffee yet it is 4 AM) I can;t determine if it is a vet brought in by the shelter or your own. The reason for my aksing is often a vet at the shelter will breeze in observe or examine animals - prescrible medications then leave the administration and explanations up to the less (if at all) medically trained shelter personnel.

Since you are new parents to a "furKid" (congratulations) you should find your own baby doctor (smile) vet for your young charge.

The photos look like the nictatine (third eyelid) might be aggrivated and when it is, it will rise to cover part or all of the eye.

I have a 11 year old cat ( age is not a factor in this condition) who has always had a "funky eye". I think it may be due to an allergy but it only affects one eye and always the same eye. Vets have not been able to find out why, but not for a lack of trying.

It sounds like you are responsibile owners and looking out for the best interests of your new kid.

There is a wealth of information on this board from really great owners. I am sure as soon as some of them wake up they will be much more help than I am.

Well, I am off to go say a prayer in front of my coffee pot. I need a caffine fix.


Keep us updated.

Answer:
She has only been seen by the shelter vet. They are supposed to take care of anything that was a condition she had at the time of adoption.

Answer:
I don't mean to sound like the parclete of aborca however it has been my experience that shelter vets generally give the animals a quick once over- treat what is evident and send the animal on down the pike. Shelters are basically in the business of placing ( or otherwise disposing of ) animals and while they may do what they can their time and investment is limited once the animal is out the door.
I'd find a vet you want to use and transfer treatment over to him/her.

Answer:
Understood. Any suggestions for picking a good, affordable vet?

Answer:
I have to agree with woodbyter about the vets in the shelter.

Do you have any friends or family members that have pets?You can ask them about their vet.Or someone you work with.

Answer:
I have a couple friends with cats and one goes to Planned Pethood of Denver. She was really happy with them until the last time she went and the vet told her both her cats needed to be hospitalized without even examining them. When she protested he then prescribed some medicine. He never even looked at the cats. Naturally I am skeptical about going there. The other friends don't seem to ever have issues with their cat.

Do you guys have any opinions about the vet centers at Petsmart or about Planned Pethood? Any red flags that I should be aware of in terms of choosing a vet?

Answer:
our last cat had that . We got some pills for the infection right away and also washed his eye regularly , clean soft cloth with some warm water and ebsom salt, or reg salt, Just outside, he isn't going to like it so hold him down.
our cats eye was much worse so don't worry,I'm sure his beautiful eyes will be back to normal soon. You can prob. just tell the vet about it in order to get the pills rather than pay for the check up if thats a prob.

Answer:
I am beginning to suspect Kitty Cat may have FHV. I've done some reading up on it and checked out some pictures. :( I am taking her in on Wednesday morning. Hopefully I'll get a definitive answer and some direction.

Answer:
OK I just returned from the vet and here is what the eye thing is. Its something called a dermoid (haven't looked this up yet, just walked in the door). According to the vet a dermoid is a piece of skin growing on my cat's eyeball. Apparently this is a birth defect. The "wrinkle" that I kept seeing was hair that was growing from the skin and irritating her little eye. Everytime I would try to look at it I would swear it was a wrinkle but seeing it today under bright lights and the vet holding her eye open it was painfully obvious that a little patch of skin on her eye had hair growing out of it. The poor thing...it's like having a permanent eyelash stuck in your eye...it must drive her crazy!!!

Anyway, they are going to do a procedure on Friday to remove the patch of skin. I can't tell you how incredibly relieved I am. The vet said this has nothing to do with feline herpes virus and after the procedure she'll be much more comfortable. Whew!!!! What a HUGE relief.

Answer:
Here are some links to info and pics:

This one is about corneal dermoids on a puppy:
http://www.atlantaveteyeclinic.net/dermoid.html

Cat Dermoid Summary and Pics:
http://www.catvet.homestead.com/Dermoid.html

Cat With Dermoid Pic:
http://www.welbornpet.com/Presentati...e/burmese1.htm

Here is one on a person eye:
http://www.eyeatlas.com/box/118.htm

Those first 2 links are the most relevant to KC and the puppy eye looks the closest to what she has. I hope my experience can help someone else!!!

Thanks to all for the support and advice!!!

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