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› articles by michael goldberg, dvm
Herpes in Cats Dear Dr. Goldberg, I have a 5-year old Persian cat that has herpes virus infection, which resulted in an ulcer in her eye. This needed surgery and since then there are frequent flare-ups. Is there anything I can do in order to prevent these flare ups? We've used antiviral drops with limited success. AJ Dear AJ, This is a condition known as herpetic keratitis. Herpes virus can live and stay dormant in the corneal cells and in the part of the nervous system that innervates the cornea. Stress can spur this virus on and can allow it to damage the eye. The obvious solution to this is to eliminate stress, which is sometimes difficult to do with our pets. My approach to stress reduction would begin with a diet reevaluation in such that I would highly recommend a fresh food diet. There are more foods available these days than ever before that serve in this capacity. In prior issues I have mentioned web sites to sift through and books that serve as good guides. The logic is that in feeding such a diet, you would minimize the stress on the body and allow the body to maximize healing when necessary. Cats are very territorial animals and any change in there daily habits can be stressful. Make sure there are minimal changes with respect to company, noise, new pets, etc. Lastly, there are a number of remedies both herbal as well as homeopathic that can help with corneal ulcers. Eyebright is a useful remedy and should be available at herbal pharmacies for the topical use as an eyewash. This can be used with any other remedies. In approaching this case, I would look at the whole situation and treat your cat constitutionally with homeopathic remedies. This type of disease can be frustrating and should really be attempted with the guidance of someone with experience. Some remedies that may be useful are the following: Argentum-nitricum - This is useful if the eye is swollen and red in the inner canthus (the part closest to the nose) and there is creamy discharge. This remedy may be suited to the cat who may be more nervous and trembling in the presence of company. Arsenicum album - This remedy may be useful if the eye seems extremely sore (almost burning) or physically hot to touch and is better with a warm compress. The tears may also be acrid (burning) showing redness below the eye or a lack of fur. The cat may also be restless and move from place to place in search for a comfortable spot. Kali-bichromicum - This remedy may be useful if there are thick yellow discharges with a ropy nature. There may also be intense swelling of the eyelids. Slight pain with severe inflammation or ulceration. Mercurius corrosivus - This is useful if there are ulcers with acrid lachrymation. The lids may be very swollen and there is a tendency for these pets to have gingivitis with foul breath. Discharges are usually thin in nature and there is little tendency to form pus. Euphrasia (eyebright) - This remedy is useful when there is acrid discharge from the eyes and a bland nasal discharge. There is usually a thick discharge from the eyes (as compared to mercurius). Sticky mucous on the cornea with a disposition to wink a lot. There is improvement when exposed to open air. Calc-carb - This is useful when there is lachrymation (tearing) when exposed to open air. There is a tendency for the pet to be overweight. They may have a sensitivity to light. There can also be chronic dilation of the pupils. Silica is useful where the patient is generally chilly, sweet and shy in nature, with sensitivity to light. This remedy can have a healing effect on opacities that are left after the ulcer has healed (corneal scarring). I would recommend treating this condition with a 6c potency on a daily basis until there is some improvement at which I would stop the treatment and wait. Read more Articles by Michael Goldberg, DVM... |
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vancouver animal wellness hospital Michael Goldberg, DVM; Sue Hughson, DVM 105 e. broadway, vancouver, bc v5t 1w1 / phone: 604.738.4664 / fax: 604.738.4694 Hours of Operation: Monday, Thursday & Friday: 9am - 6pm, Tuesday & Wednesday: 9am - 7pm, Saturday: 9am - 5pm © Copyright 2004-2006. vancouver animal wellness hospital. All rights reserved. › Contact Us › Privacy Policy › Sitemap › Home |