If you are worried about a scratch, please consult a doctor. How to Treat Cat Scratches at Home | PetMD A temporary tarsorrhaphy still allows medication to be applied to the eye and allows periodic examination of the eye to monitor healing. If your eye is scratched, seek immediate medical care. However, it can affect your brain, eyes, heart, or other internal organs. To confirm the laceration, the animal must first be made comfortable so it will allow a thorough eye examination. Your cornea may become slightly scratched if a small object gets into your eye - for instance, if you get a grain of sand under an eyelid or under a contact lens. However, in rare cases, a cat scratch can lead to a serious infection. After stopping the bleeding, cleanse your scratch from dirt, bacteria and visible particles with the Hansaplast Wound Spray to prevent infections. Best High Calorie Cat Food For Weight Gain, 29 Houseplants Safe For Cats (With Pictures). Following surgery, oral antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be needed to decrease the chance of infection and to minimize inflammation. But, it's important to understand what the root cause is to move forward. Besides this, The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that eye scratches tend to heal quickly. This indicates that the cat is susceptible to light in that eye and that when exposed to bright light, the cat may squint or close the eye tightly. Hi !!! Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: It depends on what the cause of the conjunctivitis is. However, minor corneal abrasions can develop into ulcers, extending into perforations, permanently draining, and damaging the eye. Seeing a doctor is important, especially if your scrape is painful, you are sensitive to light, or you have trouble seeing clearly. So, what is the fastest way to heal a cat scratch? 3. Loss of appetite or weight loss. Watery eyes Discharge Squinting or winking Rubbing at one or both eyes Third eyelid irritated or covering part of the eye If your cat has any of the symptoms listed above book an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. In most cases, it shouldn't take longer than 24 to . But this occurs in different phases and is highly coordinated by various growth factors and inflammation signaling molecules. 6. Fill out the form below to leave a comment. If youve ever been scratched by a cat, you know that it can be a painful experience. Seek emergency medical treatment right away. Additionally, certain medical conditions can slow down the healing process. The severity of the injury and which part of the eye was affected will determine the course of treatment for your cats eye injury. Cat scratch disease has two telltale signs: swollen lymph nodes and bumps or cysts under your skin (papules). Symptoms of cat scratch disease start three to 10 days after a cat scratch or wound and include: Bumps or cysts under your skin (papules) or rash. that will give you access to a veterinarian for 7 days for $1. As a result, its critical to keep affected cats separate from the rest of the household during treatment. If you think you may have CSD, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. And there is not yet anything to magically make the scratch disappear. Recognizing and Treating Eye Injuries - American Academy of Unfortunately, that one is true. Learn more about what flea preventatives are available and most effective for cats. Next, these flattened epithelial cells extend to bridge the gap and close off the scratch. For All Other Eye Injuries. Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth and . First, you want to try to flush out as much bacteria as possible and then irrigate the wound with water. If the bleeding doesnt stop, or if the wound is deep, you should seek medical attention immediately. A family pet should tolerate the children you don't want to take a chance of your child losing their eyes. Inability to see the eye because the third eyelid is covering the eye. More severe scratches may take a few months to fade. Swollen, painful lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy). Step 3: You should help the cat prevent self-injury to its eye. Before washing and treating the irritated eye, administer medication to the excellent eye first. Other structures of the eye are also examined for damage, such as the eyelids, conjunctiva, the front chamber of the eye, etc. Keep the area clean and dry. There are several ways your cat could end up with a scratched eye. Cats that experience vision loss due to a scratched eye need assistance from their owners with adjusting to their new life with one eye. If you have a more severe scratch, you may need to see a doctor or dermatologist for treatment. In a small number of people, cat scratch disease spreads to other organs, causing more serious illness. What Do I Do If My Cat Has a Scratched Eye? Perforating injuries are injuries that cause a hole in the skin. If a medical issue cannot be identified, then your cat may have a behavioral problem that needs to be addressed. When conducting your examination of your cat, look for the third-eyelid located in the corner of the eye closest to the nose. All eye irritations should be treated by a veterinarian. See A Doctor. A common cause of cornea lacerations is a cat scratch. Here are a few tips to help you heal scratches fast: 1. Use a topical retinoid cream. How long does it take to recover from treating a corneal abrasion? My Cat Has Scratched Her Eye - What Should I Do? - Kitty Insight Not only does keeping those claws trimmed make the rogue attacks less painful for the recipient, but it also helps maintain the integrity of your furniture and other household items. The epithelium is actually in constant production and turn-over. If there isnt a visible solution to the problem, and the vet doesnt notice a scratch or a foreign object, theyll try to rule out other underlying issues like bruising to the cornea or a corneal ulcer. If your cat scratches you during play, give your cat (and yourself) a time-out by simply removing yourself from the situation. There are two types of eye injuries in cats. These toys can be used to redirect your cat's assertive play to something more appropriate. Trim your cats nails on a regular basis to minimize injury. This will help remove any dirt or debris that could cause an infection. Infections will not only prevent the scratch from healing up, infections also come with the risk of scarring in the cornea. Step 3 Place an Elizabethan collar on the cat if you have one in the house; it protects the eye from further injury. How Long it Takes to Heal. Step 3a: Dewclaw should be bandaged on the front paw on the same side as the affected eye. If you are unsure whether your cat has a scratched eye or an eye infection, some of the signs to look for include the cat squinting and rubbing or pawing at its eyes. If you have a scratch that is not healing as quickly as you would like, there are a few things you can do to speed up the healing process. Partial thickness lacerations have the best chance of recovering without complications, while perforating lacerations have a fair-to-guarded prognosis for recovery and maintaining vision. If you have any symptoms of cat scratch disease, contact your healthcare provider. Here are a few pointers for you if youre having trouble giving your cat the dreaded eye drops: The more helpers you have, the more successful yourprocess of putting eye drops in your fur-kids eyes will be. Certain things can interfere with the normal healing process and cause scratches to take much longer to heal up. After 7-10 days, look for only a tiny scar. Learn about some of the more common causes of eye discharge, when you should take your cat to the vet, how long for cat eye scratch to heal, and cat-eye injury home treatments. Surgery will be necessary to remove the foreign object if it remains in the eye. But how long do cat scratches take to heal? Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when washing your cats eyes and treating a cat eye infection. It usually resolves on its own. The best thing you can do is to keep the area clean and dry, and to consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns. The best way to prevent cat scratches is to keep your kitty well-groomed. Conditions such as diabetes and certain viral infections of the eye can contribute to this. While youre treating their eye, keep them in a small room with few places to duck and cover, such as a laundry room or bathroom. When examining the eye, it is important to know that cats have a third eyelid located in the corner of the eye nearest the nose. You should also apply pressure to the wound with a clean, dry gauze pad to stop any bleeding. Just like when scratching during play, if your cat scratches you as an aggressive act, remove yourself from the situation. First, talk to your veterinarian to rule out medical conditions, like pain, that may be the cause of the aggression. First, make sure to keep the wound clean and dry. Cat scratches can be more than just a nuisance; they can also be dangerous. So, does a cat scratch leave a scar? However, if the doctor is too far away, you should clean it with saline or clean water, as indicated further below. Notify your veterinarian immediately if you experience problems medicating your pet. This is the key to getting rid of any scar, but especially cat scratch scars. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that eye scratches tend to heal quickly. To support our efforts, this page may contain The eyes of a healthy cat should be bright and clear. The unprotected cornea is the most sensitive structure in our body. If these injuries are not treated, they may develop an infection that slowsor prevents healing. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Cat Scratched My Eye? What To Do Now? - Ask My Cats Painful and swollen lymph nodes for more than 2 or 3 weeks. Corneal Ulcers | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine My Cat Has Scratched Her Eye What Should I Do? 6 Long Hair Tortoiseshell Cat Breeds Rare Tortie Cats! These can damage the paint and make the scratch worse. If you dont have a cat sack, you can wrap your cat in a bath towel -burrito style. To avoid spreading the infection, use a different cotton ball for each eye. If the scratch is still visible, you can try using white nail polish. Scratches can also happen as a byproduct of eye surgery. Start the conversation! Eye Injuries in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery A red or white color indicates a problem. How Long for Cat Eye Scratch to Heal? - Pet Cat Info During fights, especially, cats have a tendency to scratch at each other's faces. Topical medications are also used as noted above. This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on the severity of the scratch and the individuals natural healing process. Only a medical doctor for humans can tell you for sure what is serious or not. These lead to persistent scratches or persistent epithelial defects which must be treated and monitored closely with an eye doctor to heal without any complication. Your cat's eye is likely watering and squinting due to irritation from a virus, allergies, dust, dirt or a scratch. So, what about a cat scratch? Corneal abrasion, scratched eye, scratched cornea | All About Vision She could have a scratch thats causing the irritation. Treating eye scratches Sometimes a cat may accidentally scratch your face, including your eye area. My Cat Scratched Me, Should I Be Worried? - Healthline Look for information on the chemical that got into the eye as some chemicals cause more eye damage than others. It can cause, Lymph nodes become swollen, tender, and/or painful, Using veterinarian-recommended flea and tick control for all your pets, Vacuuming carpeting and upholstery on a weekly basis, Washing human and pet bedding every seven days. How to Heal a Scratched Eye (aka Corneal Abrasion) - Kentucky Eye Institute In order to protect your skin from future scratches, you can also apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or other ointments to the area. Blocked tear ducts, allergies, excessive tear production, viral pink eye, and other factors can all contribute to your cats irregular tearing. However, if left untreated, they may cause: If you think you or your child has a scratched eye, its important to see a doctor right away. Scars that run perpendicular to the lines of movement in your skin are more likely to be visible. Our cornea exists in different layers. What do you do when a cat scratches another cat's eye? - Lets Healthify Besides this, First, you want to try to flush out as much bacteria as possible and then irrigate the wound with water. Fatigue. -Use a polish or wax specifically designed for scratched paint. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. This can occur after injuries to the eye such as chemical burns. If antibiotics and pain relievers are needed after surgery, your veterinarian will prescribe them. Any tissue/iris that protrudes from the corneal laceration is gently replaced within the eye or trimmed away if it is too unhealthy to replace. Stay connected and join the discussion with Eye Mountain's brand new Facebook Page, This article may contain links to products on Amazon.com. Examination of the eye involves instilling a fluorescein dye (bright yellow-green) onto the surface of the cornea to highlight any abrasions or lacerations. If this membrane isnt injured, the epithelium can rapidly attached and return to full strength within a week. But its still recommended that you get your initial series of tetanus shots and then get boosted every 10 years after that to be protected from more common ways to get tetanus. If its bleeding, put a clean, dry gauze pad on it and apply pressure. This means they're more likely to get a scratched eye or experience eye irritation . You may not even know how it happened, but there it is. If you are unsure whether your cat has a scratched eye or an eye infection, some of the signs to look for include the cat squinting and rubbing or pawing at its eyes. Please note: The general information provided on the Website is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. However, the healing time can vary from cat-to-cat, depending on the severity of the injury, the extent of the surgery (if applicable), and the cats age. Afterwards, it will still take some time for the epithelium to fully heal up and develop its permanent attachments. A corneal abrasion (scratched cornea or scratched eye) is one of the most common eye injuries. Usually, heal within a week or two. CLEANSE A clean and cleansed wound is the first step to an optimal healing. However, if the scratch breaks the skin, it can lead to an infection. So avoid rubbing your eyes when you have a scratch to avoid having to repeat the whole healing process over again. Frequent veterinary rechecks are important to make sure the eye is healing properly.Examine your cats eyes regularly and call your veterinarian if you note any pain or color change. If your cat has a scratched eye or an eye irritation, use the following cat care tips: Step 1: Approach the cat carefully. Lacerations that are deep in the cornea and injuries that have penetrated into the eye are considered emergencies. The incubation period for CSD is usually 1-3 weeks but can be as long as 6 weeks. Medication is generally given to prevent bacterial infections and to relieve pain. 2. July 9, 2022 by Karim Banna If your cat has a scratch, don't worry - they will usually heal within a few days. Learn about some of the more common causes of eye discharge, when you should take your cat to the vet, how long for cat eye scratch to heal, and cat-eye injury home treatments. Living With How to Treat a Cat That has a Scratched Eye - HowStuffWorks Unlike most other parts of the human body, it does not contain blood vessels, as this would cloud your vision. Scars that run parallel to the lines of movement in your skin are less likely to be visible. If it has signs of infection or if you experience symptoms of cat scratch disease, contact your healthcare provider. Eye irritations in cats usually heal within three to five days. An active infection in the cornea will really mess up everything and prevent healing until the infection is under control. Step 2: Flush the eye thoroughly (three or four times) with saline solution or plain water. Cats are curious, and they get into all sorts of places and things around the house. So, now you know why your cat has done this. Dont apply too much pressure when applying the cotton ball or cloth over your pets eyes. Table Of Contents Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Blunt traumas to the eye are more severe than acute traumas and penetrating injuries are more likely to heal than perforating injuries. The depth of the scratch will determine how visible the scar will be. On the very surface layer of the cornea is a thin layer of stacked cells called epithelial cells. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. What are Eye Injuries? It turns out that the healing process is different for everyone, and there are a number of factors that can influence how quickly a scratch heals. If you have HIV or a weakened immune system, youre at higher risk for serious complications of cat scratch disease. Most cats are sent home with an Elizabethan collar to prevent self-trauma to the eye. Step 3: You should help the cat prevent self-injury to its eye. No, you dont typically need a tetanus shot after a cat scratches you. So, if youre wondering how long it takes for a scratch to heal, the answer is that it depends on a number of factors. Antibiotics are essential for large scratches or abrasions which will take longer to heal up and for scratches caused by something unclean - such as a tree branch, pet scratch, etc. The most common cause of conjunctivitis in cats is upper respiratory infections. Yes, cat-scratch disease can be prevented or avoided. Squeeze the cotton balls gently to remove excess water before applying it to your pets eyes. A corneal abrasion disrupts the protective outer layer of cells of the cornea (called the corneal epithelium), creating an open wound that increases your . Follow this step-by-step guide to dealing with the situation. Step 3b: If the cat is scratching at the eye continuously, cut a large piece of cardboard into an Elizabethan-type collar. If the bleeding doesnt stop, you should see a doctor. Next, wash the wound with mild soap and water. These cells work similar to how our skin works - protecting everything else inside from the outside. If your cat gets an infection due to the scratch, look for signs of discharge leaking from the eye. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. So, if you have any concerns, be sure to see a doctor. Animals, particularly cats, are frequently exposed to toxic or otherwise dangerous human medications. Cats rely on their vision; as crepuscular predators, they need their eyes to identify, track, and take down prey. If your cat is avoiding bright lights, keeping its eye closed or squinting, it's likely that the eye is injured. 2023 CatsCaress.Com All Rights Reserved. (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/22/10/16-0115_article). The surface layer of the eye called epithelium will take anywhere from a few hours up to 3 days to restore itself following a scratch - depending on how large the scratch is. Finally, cover the wound with a bandage. But if you give it time, youll see it start to fade. A veterinarian should be consulted for any eye injury, no matter how minor it appears to be. Keep your cats indoors to help reduce the risk of flea bites. An irritation can lead to a mild inflammation of the tissue around the eye (conjunctivitis) or severe damage to the cornea. Blunt trauma is also more severe than a sharp trauma to the eye.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kittyinsight_com-leader-3','ezslot_14',184,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kittyinsight_com-leader-3-0'); Your vet might issue eyedrops to prevent infection in the cat, and they may also prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatories. So to get rid of all that pain and to prevent the unprotected cornea from becoming infected, we want this epithelium to heal over as quickly as possible. These layers all work together to protect the cornea and make sure that it stays transparent. But then you will need to do some investigative work to get to the root of the cause. But either way, scratches are painful. Even if the eyelids need to be glued or sutured, they will heal in a matter of days. Cat scratch disease is relatively uncommon, with only about 12,000 people diagnosed every year in the U.S. Cat scratch disease rarely causes serious illness and usually goes away on its own. It is best not to touch or manipulate the eyelid and seek veterinary care immediately. If it looks like your kitty is avoiding bright lights, theyre closing one eye or squinting, or they have swelling on one side of the face, its a sign they need to go to a vet for diagnosis as soon as possible. So, how can you protect yourself from these dangers? What are the Types of Scratched Eye Injuries in Cats? Fluorescein eye stain. It may be. All sorts of signal molecules are involved to make sure that everything goes as planned. Anyone whos around cats is at risk for cat scratch disease, but its most common in children under 15. If you notice any symptoms of a possible eye problem, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. There are a few different ways that you can treat a scratch on your face, depending on the severity of the scratch. Symptoms include rash or bumps on your skin, swollen lymph nodes and fever. Eye problems can bring out a completely different cat, one that rubsits eyes, blinks, or squints excessively. It should not be swollen in any way. They could be blinking unusually or rubbing their faces against the couch or rug. In rare cases, take a sample of fluid from one of your lymph nodes to test for, Taking over-the-counter medicines for pain relief, like. Untreated eye injuries can greatly damage your cat's eye, even leading to blindness in severe cases. There isn't anything much more painful than a scratch on the eye. The healing of the epithelium, however, is a very complex process. After this completes, there still is some additional time until the eye is back to full strength. Penetration injuries have a better chance of recovery than perforation injuries. Your cat will also likely paw at the affected eye due to the discomfort. The risk of infection is greater for people who have weakened or compromised immune systems. If the cat scratch has broken your skin, immediate action should be taken: After the initial treatment of the cat scratch wound, watch out for the following signs: ALERT! by Barrett Eubanks, M.D. If youve got a scratch, whether its from a cat, a fall, or some other mishap, youll want to heal it up as soon as possible. Because the actual healing will only take about an hour, when you add some lag time, you can expect the epithelium to cover this scratch within a few hours. If it is raised and looks red, the eye is inflamed. Left undiagnosed and untreated, it can cause severe damage to your cat's vision and even blindness. Corneal lacerations or scratches are quite painful and require medical attention. What to Know About Corneal Ulcers in Cats - WebMD Pet Health Center If the soft tissues around the eye are swollen and there is a danger the eyelids may not be able to blink properly and cover the cornea, then the eyelids may be partially sutured closed for several days. Administer all medications as prescribed by your veterinarian. Cat scratch fever (cat scratch disease) is an uncommon bacterial infection you can get from a cat scratch or bite. In general, it takes about three to four days for a scratch to heal. Atropine not only relieves pain but also dilates the pupil significantly. Do not stop giving it medication until your veterinarian tells you to, and always return for a follow-up visit to ensure that everything has healed entirely before having your cat return to its normal routine. Step 5 Place your kitty in her carrier and call the vet for an appointment. To avoid the spread of infection, make sure to apply separate cotton balls for each eye. First Aid for Eye Scratches - American Academy of Ophthalmology Check to see if the lining is healthy and pink. If your cat does scratch you, the best thing to do is to wash the wound with soap and water as soon as possible. CatsCaress.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Most of the time, an eye scratch heals on its own after several days. Any additional injuries to the eyelids and face are also repaired. Blood is visible in the white of the eye. Superficial injuries may be treated like corneal ulcers with topical antibiotics, topical pupil dilators, and application of an Elizabethan collar to prevent self-trauma. One of the most common is that a scar can never completely go away. Cat scratch disease, or CSD, is a bacterial infection that is spread through contact with a cat or kitten. If youve ever been the victim of a cat scratch, you know how difficult they can be to get rid of. three to five days Should I take my cat to the vet for a scratched eye? If you have ever gotten a scratch on your nails, you know how annoying it can be. The visibility of the scar will depend on the depth of the scratch, the location of the scratch, the direction of the scratch, and your bodys natural healing process. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'kittyinsight_com-box-3','ezslot_7',158,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kittyinsight_com-box-3-0');Is your kitty pawing at her eye? Discontinue the medicine and contact your veterinarian if your cat appears to be in more pain after taking it. Because this occurs from all sides of the scratch, it means that the diameter of the scratch will close at around 0.1mm per hour. In any case, make sure to keep the wound clean and covered with plaster until it heals. Keep the affected area clean and dry, and apply an antibiotic ointment if the scratch is open and bleeding. Cats are naturally curious and get into many places and things in the household. Depending on the severity of the wound, different medications will be used. You can also try using a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel to apply to the scratch. Use warm water and soap to clean the area around the scratch. This is the ONLY spot in the cornea where new cells can be produced. If the injury is deep within the eye, vision loss is possible. [deleted] 8 yr. ago. At this point, most people will consider the scratch healed over. Until your cat becomes accustomed to having their nails handled and trimmed, as well as not scratching you in play, it may be worthwhile to equip yourself with some clothing armor to avoid injury, like long sleeves and pants. This often leads to scratches of the eyes or, in more serious cases, perforations or punctures. They can become infected with Bartonella henselae from flea bites and flea dirt (droppings) that get into their wounds when scratching or biting at fleas, and infected dirt gets in their nails or between their teeth or fighting with other cats that are infected. Finally, if the scratch is deeper than a quarter inch, you may need to see a doctor to have it treated.

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