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Holly

I've tried to keep useing terramycin eye ointment for her, she is the only kitten in the litter. She is currently an outdoor kitten, noticed over last 24hr her appetite has went down i think. I know it gets so bad that she can't see and eyes look puffy

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Kitten
Cat, Unknown
11 months, Female
Issue details
Main concern
Eye
Discharge
Swelling
Duration
2 week(s)
Ongoing
Other issues
N/A
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Dr. Brunermer
Dr.Tail Vet

It sounds like your kitten is experiencing some significant eye issues, including discharge and swelling, which have persisted for a couple of weeks. While the Terramycin eye ointment you've been using can be effective for bacterial infections, the severity and persistence of her symptoms make it essential to seek veterinary care immediately.

The discharge and swelling could be due to various causes, such as bacterial or viral infections, conjunctivitis, or even a foreign body in the eye. The fact that her appetite has decreased and her eye condition is worsening indicates that she needs professional medical attention.

In the meantime, here are a few steps you can take while arranging for veterinary care:

1. **Clean the Eyes**: Gently clean her eyes with a warm, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Be very gentle to avoid causing further irritation.
2. **Keep Her Comfortable**: Ensure she is in a clean, warm, and comfortable environment. Since she is an outdoor kitten, bringing her indoors might help reduce exposure to irritants and infections.
3. **Hydration and Nutrition**: Encourage her to drink water and offer her palatable, easy-to-eat food to maintain her hydration and nutrition.

Given the severity of her symptoms and the risk of complications such as vision loss or more serious infections, I strongly recommend taking her to a veterinarian as soon as possible. They can provide a thorough examination and appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics, antiviral medications, or other specific therapies.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.

Holly

So I have an update:

So her apatite and energy has went back to normal, ( I think possibly it was yesterday's heat, along with the heat this last week that had her not as energized as normal)

If I send you more pictures of her eye...
Can you possibly inform me of any medication or treatment at home I can do?
.... I can't afford a vet currently....

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Dr. Brunermer

I'm glad to hear that her appetite and energy levels have improved. However, her eye condition still seems concerning, and it's crucial to address it properly to prevent any long-term damage or discomfort.

You can use a warm, damp cloth or a cotton ball to gently clean away any discharge from her eyes. Doing this several times a day will help keep the area clean.

Additionally, using a saline solution, which is available over-the-counter at pharmacies, can be beneficial. Rinsing her eyes with saline can help flush out any irritants and maintain cleanliness.
If you have Terramycin eye ointment, continue using it as directed. Typically, you would apply a small amount to the affected eye(s) 2-4 times a day.

If her symptoms persist or worsen, I would recommend taking her to the vet in the future to determine her exact condition.