Kittens with matted eyes and pus: Is this distemper or something else?

Question

I wanted to know just how does kittens get distemper if this is what it is that they have, cause when they were born about 4 weeks ago they were all alright. Now I lost 1 yesterday and about to lose another one. The one has pus coming out of his eyes plus matted shut, but is still eating when he can find the food. He's still hanging in there still alive when I thought he would be dead the next day.

Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA · Accepted Answer

The symptoms you describe do not fit with the most common symptoms of distemper in cats (also called panleukopenia). With this virus the most common initial symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. The symptoms you have described fit more with an upper respiratory infection or severe conjunctivitis. Upper respiratory infections can range from mild sniffles to very severe breathing issues and even death. Sometimes they are caused by a bacteria, but more commonly they are caused by a virus. Antibiotics and/or Lysine supplements are usually prescribed. Severe conjunctivitis in kittens can be caused by either a bacteria or virus. If there is a purulent discharge, I recommend that the kittens be checked by a vet as soon as possible. Severe inflammation of the cornea can affect vision, and some cats will go blind. Eye medications that include an antibiotic or antiviral are commonly prescribed.

Kittens with matted eyes and pus: Is this distemper or something else?

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