Blepharitis in cats: causes, symptoms and treatment
Your pet’s health is clearly in danger, if he has sore eyes, this is the case with cat blepharitis. Let’s see the causes, symptoms and treatment.
Usually from the state of health of the cat’s eyes the general well-being of the animal can be established. So, if you notice a state of inflammation, it means that the surrounding area is contaminated and that the animal is sick. Blepharitis is a frequent and permanent inflammation that affects the eyelid rim, mainly the eyelash follicles and the glands that lie between them.
The cause of blepharitis is because the area around the eyelids is covered with a large number of bacteria (Staphyloccocus aureus and Staphyloccocus epidermidis) and lipid secretions produced by the meibomian glands. The meibomian glands produce a fatty liquid which is part of the tear film. This film nourishes the cornea and protects the ocular surface, keeping it constantly moist.
Unfortunately, however, the obstruction of these glands that drain the fat makes the area of the eyelashes and eyelids an excellent condition for the proliferation of these bacteria. Most cases of blepharitis are thankfully mild, although complications can occur if not treated with the right therapeutic and hygiene measures.
White cats of any breed are more prone to developing squamous cell carcinoma, a malignant tumor that can develop anywhere on the skin or mucous membranes, including the eyelids. Persian, Himalayan and Burmese ( or Burmese) are more likely to develop blepharitis due to their facial conformation (flattened faces and prominent skin folds between nose and eyes).
Causes
The main causes of blepharitis are therefore:
fungal infection;
by infectious nature of the bacterial type in the eyelid, which can produce dry eyes;
dysfunction of the sebaceous gland called meibomian;
Determining what type of blepharitis we need to treat is important for the ophthalmologist as treatment can vary slightly, as does the frequency and severity of possible complications. Although the underlying causes are not fully known, this disorder can be associated with eye infections, dry eye symptoms, or certain types of skin conditions, such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis. We can therefore make the following classification of the types of blepharitis.
Anterior blepharitis
This type of blepharitis consists of inflammation affecting the outer edge of the eyelid (in the eyelash area). The cause can be a bacterial (or sometimes viral) infection or skin diseases, such as seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea. This condition could turn the eyelid inward or outward of the eye, which is known as entropion or ectropion. In the case of an entropion, it could cause a corneal ulcer.
Posterior blepharitis
Posterior blepharitis also causes thickening of the lid edge and crusting of the eyelids. This inflammation affects the inner part of the eyelid rim, where the eyelids are in contact with the eye. It is the result of a dysfunction of the meibomian glands: the glands become clogged, causing the decrease.
Mixed blepharitis
This inflammation of the eyelid occurs when simultaneously and, to varying degrees, there is the onset of both blepharitis: anterior and posterior. Usually the congestion of the secretions on the edge of the eyelid of the posterior type is what produces the bacterial proliferation and the infection typical of the previous blepharitis.
Scaly blepharitis
This type of blepharitis differs from the rest because it produces scales at the base of the eyelashes, usually dry. Eyelashes fall out, but with a tendency to grow back although, in very chronic cases, abnormal implantation (dystiquiasis) may occur. There is an increase in blood, in the eyelid flange, with swelling and redness of the eyelids, associated with small, easily explained scales that, at times, adhere to form crusts but, once removed, leave a clean bed without ulceration. It is usually accompanied by watery eyes and a tendency to rub the eyes.
Seborrheic blepharitis
This type of blepharitis is closely linked to skin problems or dermatitis. This inflammation results from excessive accumulation of fat on the edge of the eyelids. But other associated symptoms such as itching and redness due to the accumulation of lipids in the tear area are visible.
Diagnosis of blepharitis in cats
To diagnose blepharitis it is possible to do this during a medical examination, although the vet will have to determine the causes through tests such as:
eye lamp examination: an eye lamp is a microscope with a very strong light that helps the vet examine the eyes;
skin samples: to check for mites and fungi;
skin test: Shave an area of hair and prick the skin with common allergens to check for allergies;
culture and sensitivity: useful for verifying the type of bacteria present and for choosing the most suitable antibiotic to treat the infection;
polymerase chain reaction: in this test, a small sample of DNA is multiplied to diagnose viral infections such as feline herpes;
biopsy and histopathology: a sample of a presumed tumor is taken and sent to a laboratory to examine and determine the type of tumor;
food allergy test.
Symptoms of blepharitis in cats
To diagnose blepharitis it is possible to do this during a medical examination, although the vet will have to determine the causes through tests such as:
eye lamp examination: an eye lamp is a microscope with a very strong light that helps the vet examine the eyes;
skin samples: to check for mites and fungi;
skin test: Shave an area of hair and prick the skin with common allergens to check for allergies;
culture and sensitivity: useful for verifying the type of bacteria present and for choosing the most suitable antibiotic to treat the infection;
polymerase chain reaction: in this test, a small sample of DNA is multiplied to diagnose viral infections such as feline herpes;
biopsy and histopathology: a sample of a presumed tumor is taken and sent to a laboratory to examine and determine the type of tumor;
food allergy test.
Symptoms of blepharitis in cats
Among the symptoms that can be observed in this disease are the following:
discomfort in the eyes. The animal is uncomfortable and tries to rub itself frequently. Injuries such as edema, pustules, scabs, ulcers, etc. can be observed.
Conjunctivitis in cats, which causes intense tearing, itching and redness. This can be caused by a bacterial or viral organism. It can also be an allergic reaction or a manifestation in the presence of a foreign body;
mucous or mucopurulent discharge. It doesn’t always happen;
focal forms that are easier to diagnose and treat;
Red eyes;
skin lesions, manifestations and sores are usually visible on the face of the animal;
strange behavior in animals. If the animal is irritated, try rubbing its eyes several times or, if you observe unusual behavior, it will be best to consult a professional.
Symptoms usually appear gradually. Although at times, there may be acute presentations. Cases of benign conjunctivitis are usually seen first by initial redness and then by subsequent swelling of the eyelids.
Treatment of cat blepharitis
For the treatment of bacterial infections and the destruction of secondary pathogenic microflora, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used. In this case, one must be alert to the possibility of allergic reactions to the drugs used, when the course of the disease can suddenly worsen.
If so, the treatment must be corrected immediately. Antibacterial drugs are also used for viral etiology, as it is important to protect the cat from a possible “disturbance” of the secondary microflora. To alleviate the condition of the animal, administer the drugs as directed. Use a warm compress for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times a day to loosen the scabs from the eyes and unclog the glands.
Trim the fur surrounding the eyes. It may be necessary to use an Elizabethan collar to prevent the cat from getting even more hurt. In the event that the disease is caused by inversion or inversion of the eyelids, resort to surgery.
