Eye drops for cats: review of popular drugs and methods of their use

Eye drops for cats: indications

The prescriptions for the use of various eye drops in cats are similar, so it is possible to generalize the recommendations for their use.

Anandin for cats

The medicine is prescribed in this form in the following cases:

• infected injuries of the organs of vision (in complex treatment);
• preparing a cat for ophthalmic surgery;
• prevention of complications after eye surgery;
• conjunctivitis of various natures and forms;
• keratitis;
• blepharitis;
• inflammatory processes in the nasolacrimal ducts.

The manifestations of many eye pathologies in cats are similar, which is why trying to self-medicate is quite dangerous. In case of severe lesions, drops are used only in complex therapy in parallel with antibiotic injections.

Basic drugs

The wide range of drugs intended for the treatment of animals includes a large number of varieties of eye drops. All of them have specific application features, different effects, and contraindications. In this article, we will introduce cat owners to the most effective and popular eye medications, which have won approval from both veterinarians and active buyers.

Diamond eyes

The main components included in the eye drops are succinic acid, taurine, chlorhexidine. The antibacterial effect of the drug “Diamond Eyes” allows you to localize the inflammatory process associated with various (simple or bacterial) conjunctivitis, and treats degenerative changes in the retina in cats. It is often prescribed as a preventative drug if there is a predisposition to a disease such as cataracts.

The dosage and duration of treatment are prescribed by the veterinarian. The course can range from 10 to 45 days. The drops do not have any irritating side effects.

Tsiprovet

The main substance of these eye drops is ciprofloxacin, which provides powerful antiviral and bactericidal protection. Medicine is prescribed for eye inflammation in a cat caused by infection with bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, chlamydia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These harmful microorganisms parasitize the mucous membranes of the eyes.

Widely used and used in preparing animals for ophthalmological operations, as well as in the postoperative period. Contraindicated for newborn kittens until they reach one week of age. It should be especially noted that drops are applied to the eyes of kittens exclusively in the form of lotions.

Leopard

Ophthalmic drug "Bars" contains:

• chloramphenicol – antibiotic;
• furatsilin – antiseptic;
• Novocaine – analgesic effect.

All these substances together have a combined effective anti-inflammatory effect.

The drug is used in the treatment of conjunctivitis and serves as an excellent prophylaxis for general hygiene (in particular, washing the eyes of animals). Available in convenient plastic dropper bottles of 10 ml. Before instillation, use a soft swab moistened with this product to wipe and remove the accumulated secretions, and then drop them into the cat’s eyes every 6 hours.

Anandin

Anandin eye drops belong to the group of immunomodulator drugs. They contribute to the formation of a complete immune response to the infectious agent. They have a local effect. Used for infectious diseases: conjunctivitis, iridocyclitis. The duration of treatment is 2 weeks. No side effects have been identified with the use of this drug.

Levomycetin

Levomycetin eye drops are antibacterial agents that successfully fight various pathologies caused by bacteria. This drug is superior in action to antibiotics such as penicillin and streptomycin.

Effectively treats the following types of conjunctivitis:

• catarrhal;
• purulent;
• follicular.

"Levomycetin" is actively used in the postoperative period to prevent possible complications. The course of treatment is prescribed by a doctor and ends after there is complete absence of symptoms of the disease. There is a contraindication in the form of an individual allergic reaction (edema). In this case, stop using the drug.

Tobrex

"Tobrex" - eye drops belonging to the antibiotic group of drugs. It is rarely used to treat cats, as it is a human medicine. It has gained great popularity in the treatment of eye diseases in animals due to its rapid positive results. Used to treat the following eye diseases:

• inflammation of the edges of the eyelids;
• inflammation of the iris;
• inflammatory process of the cornea of ​​the eye.

Barrier

Medicine for external use in the form of drops. They are applied to the withers of the animal and serve as protection as well as prevention of ectoparasites (fleas, ticks).

The drug has a detrimental effect on insects, but is completely safe for pets.

The effect lasts for 2 months.

Maxidin

A broad-spectrum drug. In addition to stimulating the natural resistance of the animal’s body, the medicine has an antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect.

Available in:

• injections (Maksidin injections can improve the appearance of an animal in a short time);
• drop in the eyes;
• a drop in the nose.

Successfully used to treat diseases:

• demodicosis;
• calcivirosis;
• rhinotracheitis;
• increased hair loss;
• immunodeficiency.

Directions for use: how to instill eye drops into a cat

For an animal, the number of instillations per day depends on the prescribed drug, general condition and the instructions of the veterinarian.

The method by which the composition is administered is the same for all types of eye drops. Before instillation, the eyes are washed using a furatsilin solution, a special lotion or saline solution.

A drop of the composition is instilled into each eye of the cat under the lower eyelid.

Ciprovet for cats

A large dosage is not required, as the product will flow out. If the animal responds calmly to treatment, then the bottle can be presented from any side. For cautious pets who are afraid of manipulation, the drops are brought to the eye from the back of the head so that they cannot see anything and become nervous.

When treating an aggressive animal, it is advisable to perform procedures with an assistant. The cat is wrapped in a thick blanket or tucked into the sleeve of a jacket.

While one person is holding the animal, the second is burying it. If the cat categorically does not allow eye drops, you should consult a veterinarian, since there is a high probability that the pet simply cannot tolerate the prescribed drug.

Be sure to read:

Kotervin: instructions for use for cats, dosage, indications and contraindications, how to give

Description and principle of operation

Cats often have eye problems: due to mechanical injuries, infection due to contact with street animals. Drops are used to treat and prevent cat eye diseases:

1. Antiseptic. Used for purulent processes of bacterial origin. Destroy pathogenic pathogens, restoring physiological balance in eye fluids.
2. Moisturizing. Softens the cornea, eliminates dryness, and reduces redness.
3. Antihistamines. Effectively relieve allergic symptoms, reduce itching, swelling, and redness. Helps reduce the manifestation of allergenic symptoms.

What eye diseases are common in cats?

The main eye pathologies in cats are:

• Conjunctivitis - when the disease occurs, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyelids occurs. The reasons for the development of the disease are varied - from dirt getting into the eye to infection.
• Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea in cats that usually also affects the eyelids.
• Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, which may be accompanied by the formation of ulcers.
• Cataracts are similar to this disease in humans and are treated with surgery.

Other pathologies of the visual organs in cats are rarely observed. Injuries to the eyeball more often occur in pets that have free access to the street.

Indications for use

Eye drops for cats are used when the animal has:

• injury to the eye and tissues directly adjacent to the eyeball;
• inflammatory processes occurring on the mucous membrane and affecting the eye;
• swelling of various natures.

Eye drops for cats

Important! Cat owners should remember that eye drops can be used only after visiting a veterinarian, examining the animal and prescribing a certain drug. This is due to the fact that each type of disease requires a specific version of drugs that have a narrow direction of action on the animal’s body.

So we can highlight veterinary eye drops for cats, which have the following effects:

• antiseptic;
• moisturizing;
• increasing metabolic rate;
• antihistamine;
• medicinal;
• preventive.

Healthy cat eyes

Antiviral and immunomodulatory

Antiviral drops can copy the symptoms of various infectious or bacterial viral diseases that have different etiologies or genesis.

Note! Drops that have an antiviral effect can be presented in the form of substances that have biological activity. This is a group of interferons or interferon inducers, as well as drugs created on their basis.

Antibacterial

The active substances included in antibacterial drops effectively fight various diseases that are caused by bacteria, for example, conjunctivitis, when a cat’s eyes begin to fester and yellow and brown crusts appear on them, and eyelash loss may also occur.

Antiseptic

Antiseptic drugs can relieve inflammation, which can be caused by bacterial infections.

Side effects and contraindications

Veterinarians are well aware that, of all pets, it is cats that tolerate Levomycetin especially hard. Side effects during treatment may occur from:

• circulatory system (bleeding, hemorrhage, disruption of hematopoietic processes, the worst option is aplastic anemia);
• nervous system;
• liver;
• kidneys (swelling during treatment with Levomycetin occurs very often);
• gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea, which is a symptom of an intestinal infection, can also occur as a reaction to chloramphenicol).

Important! If the course of treatment with Levomycetin exceeds 10 days, the animal must be prescribed a weekly detailed blood test, and if negative dynamics are detected, the drug is stopped.

The following may indicate that an animal reacts poorly to Levomycetin:

• excessive salivation;
• weakness;
• an increase or, conversely, a sharp decrease in body temperature;
• painful swallowing;
• vomit;
• breathing problems;
• decreased speed of nervous reactions;
• the appearance of a gray tint on the mucous membranes or skin (especially noticeable in sphinxes and other similar breeds);
• impaired hearing, vision, changes in taste reactions.

If suspicious symptoms occur, treatment should be stopped.
Generally accepted contraindications to the use of Levomycetin are:

• individual intolerance to chloramphenicol (if the cat is prone to allergies, it is better not to prescribe the drug);
• problems with hematopoiesis;
• renal or hepatic dysfunction, other chronic diseases of these organs;
• some specific internal diseases (for example, deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase disorder);
• simultaneous use of certain other medications, in particular antibacterial, antitumor, antiepileptic;
• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• children and the elderly (it is undesirable to prescribe Levomycetin to kittens, the same applies to old and weakened animals).

Application and dosage of the drug

Eye drops are used for adult and small cats starting at the age of 4 weeks. The use of the product for kittens up to 4 weeks of age is permissible for complex infections that cannot be treated with other drugs, and must be accompanied by strict instructions from a veterinarian. Tobrex is used every 4-5 hours - 1 drop is injected into the conjunctival sac.

Also read about how to treat conjunctivitis in cats.

In the case of a complex infection, it is permissible to reduce the interval to 3–4 hours, while the administered dose should be doubled. Often, the total duration of antibiotic treatment is at least 5–7 days, but in order to avoid re-infection of the animal, therapy must be carried out for 10 days. In some cases, when complex lesions are eliminated, the course of treatment is extended to 14 days.