My cat has a brown spot on his eye, which looks like a ...

Hi,

When you say it was originally checked as a scratch in his eye, was he seen by the vet who made the diagnosis and prescribed the antibiotic ointment?

You say it looks like a contact; is it actually the size of a contact, or do you say this because it looks like a brown film in the eye? Where in the eye is it actually located?

It's possible that this brown spot could be related to the original scratch; it could be some scar tissue. It's also possible that it could be some naturally occurring pigment which has developed in the eye.

If the eye seems to get better and then gets red (irritated) again, this sounds like it's being caused by an eye infection or a possible irritant in the eye. Has the vet seen your cat again in the four months since the scratch occurred?

Sometimes, if there's a reddish-brown 'streak' in the eye, it can signal a 'bleed' and may be associated with high blood pressure.

It's a little difficult to picture exactly what you're seeing in the eye, so I've listed several possibilities I think you should discuss with your vet.

Please let me know what the vet says, and I hope your cat's eye is completely better very soon!

Cher : )

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The vet checked out the eye and gave me the anti-biotic ointment. Albert had seen the vet with a follow up ten days after first diagnosis in April, and the eye was improving. Continued the ointment, then got better, then bad,back and forth. His eye always looked irritated, and always closed. Soon, he would open the eye and seem ok, for a day or two, then close again.

The brown spot did not appear till about 2-3 weeks ago. It's smaller then the pupil and hovers around the lower inside part of the right eye near the nose. When he looks straight at you his left eye is blue and the right one is dark. He's the flame point ear Himalayan. Except now, his eye stays open. Everyday, I clean his eye with a bit of water, and apply either the anti-biotic ointment, or terramycin ointment.

Otherwise, it doesn't seem to bother him, bothers me. He acts as normal as ever also, so I'm baffled and thought I could take care of this myself. Any other thoughts?

Hi,

Thanks for the additional information.

Please stand by for another answer.

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Hi again,

From the research I've done, a condition called 'corneal sequestrum' may be what you're seeing in your cat's eye. 35% of Himilayans and Persians are prone to developing this condition.

The following article contains some information which I think you'll find helpful:

(From: PetPlace.com)

Corneal Sequestrum

By: Dr. Alexandra Van der Woerdt
Edited by: Dr. Rhea Morgan

Overview

A corneal sequestrum is a darkly pigmented area in the cornea of the cat often associated with chronic ulcerative or inflammatory diseases of the cornea. This dark brown spot is an area of dead corneal tissue, and it may be surrounded by inflammation, blood vessels, and edema of the cornea.

A corneal sequestrum can cause chronic irritation and ulceration of the eye resulting in discomfort. Scar formation after resolution of the sequestrum may result in decreased vision. In rare cases, it may result in perforation of the eye with possible loss of vision. It usually involves one eye, although it may occur in both eyes at the same time.

Causes

#A sequestrum can form as a result of chronic irritation and exposure of the cornea. Predisposing causes include abnormal eyelid conformation with eyelashes or hair rubbing against the cornea, inadequate tear production, corneal ulceration, and corneal infections.

#Prior infection of the cornea with feline herpesvirus may predispose a cat to developing a corneal sequestrum.

#Certain breeds of cats are predisposed to this disorder, including the Persian, Himalayan, and Burmese, but all types of cats may be affected.

What to Watch For

#Chronic squinting
#Chronic brown or yellow-green eye discharge
#Appearance of a black spot on the cornea (the clear part of the eye)
#Cloudiness or redness of the eye
#Rubbing the eye

Diagnostic Tests

#Thorough examination of the eye and the eyelids
#Fluorescein staining of the eye
#Schirmer tear test
#Corneal scrapings for culture and detection of herpesvirus infection

Treatment

Corneal sequestra may be treated by two methods: with medications alone or with medications and surgery.

#Medications alone. This method is used in those cats that do not exhibit any pain, and in which the sequestrum lesion is small and not causing much corneal inflammation. Medications include antibiotic eye ointment or solutions three to four times a day and possibly atropine ointment to improve comfort when needed. Antiviral medications are considered if an active infection with herpesvirus is suspected.

#Medications and surgery. The removal of the sequestrum is preferred when the sequestrum is causing the cat to be painful, when the lesion is large and disrupting the surface of the cornea, or when it is causing significant inflammation of the cornea. Medications may also be used. Some cats that have had corneal sequestra require life-long medications with topical lubricant ointments to try and protect their corneas, and prevent recurrence of the condition.

Home Care and Prevention

Give all medications as directed. Call your veterinarian if you are having difficulty medicating your pet.

Observe your cat for rubbing of the eye. An Elizabethan collar may be necessary to prevent further irritation of the eye.

A warm compress applied to the eye may soothe the eye and help remove the discharge that is commonly present. Return your cat to your veterinarian if the discomfort appears to get worse.

In some cases, use of an artificial tear ointment applied to the eyes twice a day may help to prevent recurrence of the sequestrum.

Periodic rechecks are required to monitor corneal sequestra treated with medical therapy alone. If the lesions fail to resolve with medication, surgery may be needed. Following surgery, frequent rechecks are indicated until the cornea has healed.
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I think it would be best if the vet saw your cat again at this time, to see if this is the case; then s/he can proceed from there. If you need to see an feline eye specialist, your vet should be able to provide you with a referral.

Please keep me updated on your cat's eye condition and let me know what the vet tells you. Thanks!

Cher : )

Edited by Cerecita on August 15 2006 at 4:22am

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HI Jessemom,
Didn't know where else to reply re:Albert. He seems fine, the brown dot is there, but otherwise his eye and behavior is normal. I stopped the anti-biotic ointment, and just clean his eye and sometimes put a warm compress on it. But he seems ok, so will leave it alone, and monitor it. Thanks for your knowledge and won't hesitate to utilize it again.
Calvin

Hi Calvin,

You're very welcome!

I'm very glad to hear that Albert is doing well and the eye doesn't seem to be bothering him.

As long as you're 'armed' with the information re: possible causes, you can monitor Albert and if need be, take him to the vet for an exam.

Thanks for updating me!

Cher : )

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If you found my answer helpful, please click ACCEPT so I may be compensated for my work. A Bonus is always welcomed & appreciated! Thanks for the opportunity to help!