My old cat's eye weeps clear fluid. Could it be a dental problem?

The weeping eye likely isn't related to his tooth problem, Timmie could have an eye infection or allergies causing the weeping. His tooth was likely severely rotten or infected to have it come out so easily, which isn't normal. He needs to see a vet first thing in the morning for his eye and tooth. He could potentially have other rotten and infected teeth, and he would benefit from a dental cleaning, scaling, and polishing. He will likely also need antibiotics to prevent or treat infection in the empty tooth socket. The vet can also diagnose and treat his eye. Please take him into the vet tomorrow morning.

Sneezing and eye tearing in cats is often the result of a viral upper respiratory infection. Symptoms may include sneezing, eye or nasal discharge, nasal congestion, eye squinting, lethargy, and inappetence. Common causative agents include herpesvirus and calicivirus. The fact that he is eating and drinking normally is a good sign. However, because he is an older kitty, it will definitely require close monitoring to ensure his signs are not worsening. An exam with your veterinarian is recommended to make sure that his vital signs are normal, including a normal temperature. If he'll let you check his temperature at home, you can. I suggest lubricating a thermometer and checking his temperature rectally. Normal temperatures for can range between 100.5 to 102.5. If his temperature is 103 or higher you should consider bringing him in to your vet. Additionally, if you see yellow/green discharge from the eyes or nose, increased frequency of sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, or open-mouth breathing I suggest bringing him to your vet right away. Viral infections, just like in people, can weaken the immune system allowing bacterial infections to occur, which requires veterinary prescribed antibiotics. If there are any other cats in the house, I recommend temporarily isolating them from your sneezy cat until his signs resolve. Minimizing environmental stress is also recommended for his recovery. If you have any other concerns or are interested in additional information I'm happy to follow-up with an online consultation.

Sneezing and eye discharge make me suspicious of a viral infection, especially feline herpes virus. Herpes virus can cause a myriad of eye problems including ulcers, conjunctivitis, and keratitis. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by a veterinarian soon as you don’t want the problem to get worse. In the meantime I would use a warm water compress on the eye several times a day for 5 minutes at a time. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

A clear discharge can be caused by some irritation such as dust or excessive draft. This would not be concerning and would pass within a few hours. Sometimes cats have an obstructed tear duct and then this could also cause a transparent watery discharge. Another cause would be a viral respiratory infection. In that case however , both eyes would be affected. Monitor the discharge and if it turns yellow or green or milky she will need to be seen by a vet for a bacterial respiratory infection.

It could be that your cat is suffering from chlamydia, which manifests in cats as weepy eyes. Don't work, it cannot be transmitted to you! Doxycycline treats weepy eyes in cats with chlamydia, and I would speak to your vet to see if that helps with his eye discharge. It's not sexually transmitted as in humans, mother cats can give it to their kittens, and it's transmitted via the air in close cat quarters or via bedding and the feeding area. You can also try giving him an on an L-lysine supplement - this is an amino acid that has been shown to help the immune system fight off respiratory infections more effectively. Enisyl and Viralys are both good brands, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription - just follow the dosing instructions on the label based on your cat's weight.

It could be minor infection (bacterial or viral), foreign body, stray eye lash or even an obstructed tear duct. Without a physical exam, it is difficult to determine definitively what the underlying cause may be. If the discharge persists, consider an exam with your veterinarian. If Ruth is rubbing ornpawing at the eye, place an e-collar (cone) on her until she sees the doctor.

Yes, you can have Manny seen by a vet for this problem. This can be an indication of an eye infection, and that needs to be treated with medication for it to clear up. I'd give your vet a call today to make an appointment for him to be seen.