Treatment of Feline Conjunctivitis

Feline conjunctivitis is a very painful and uncomfortable eye inflammation, which may be contagious.  A cat exhibiting symptoms of conjunctivitis should be kept away from other cats until the disease has been treated.  Pet owners should use caution when handling an infected cat. 

The method of treatment for feline conjunctivitis is dependant upon the underlying cause of the condition.  The cause of the condition determines the type of medication to be used.  

Treatments usually fall under three categories.  The first method requires the administration of drops or ointment that can be put into the infected eye.  The second form of treatment involves the injection of medication under the conjunctiva.  The third or final option requires an injection or medication in the form of a pill or liquid. 

If the disease is the result of feline herpesvirus-1, it cannot be cured; only controlled.  Effective treatment can reduce the number and severity of instances. 

Allergy related conjunctivitis is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs or antihistamines.  Oral antibiotics are prescribed when the infection is caused by a bacterial or viral infection.