My kitten's eye won't heal after URI. Is it scar tissue or viral?

Question

So I have a kitten who had terrible eyes due to a bad URI. They reacted badly to every ointment I tried and every drops until I tried tobramycin. One of her eyes cleared up within a couple weeks, the other however I have been putting drops in for at least a month likely longer and it looks like it is just about cleared up but never completely cleared. I had a past foster with a similar issue who turned out to have scar tissue on one eye . Could this also be scar tissue? Will it ever clear up? Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Female | spayed | 3 months and 28 days old | 6 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

It is most likely viral - if that is the case, antibiotics won't help. Most commonly it would be herpes virus. Usually along with the virus there is a secondary bacterial infection. So, using the Tobramycin may have made it better but not controlling the viral portion of the disease. I am only guessing though. I can't tell for sure that is going on just by looking at the photos. Some other options: There could be a non-healing ulcer on the cornea, there could be entropion present (the eyelids rolling in and irritating the cornea) - just to name a few. That eye looks active and not like a scar to me..... Here is an article on herpes virus in cats. http://www.northwestanimaleye.com/feline-herpes.pml My recommendation would be to get a definitive diagnosis by taking him to your vet or a veterinary ophthalmologist (better option). In the meantime you can start him on a lysine supplement to help boost his immune system. http://www.allivet.com/search.aspx?SearchTerm=lysineIt comes in different forms: chews/treats, powder, gel - so get what you think he will like: Hope this helps.

My kitten's eye won't heal after URI. Is it scar tissue or viral?

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