3 Different Vets, Still No Answers

I have a senior gal whose left eye keeps leaking. Clear fluid, watery eyes that eventually leak. Shes had it for a couple months now, and we keep seeing the vet with no luck. The vet originally said it could be worms, which I knew wasnt the case, but dewormed her anyways. Vet number 2 said it was an eye infection. Gave her the antibiotics for two weeks with no improvement. Vet number 3 said this could be a herpes flare up, but it's been going to long and there are no other symptoms. We do know she has allergies and herpes. But I doubt only one eye would be doing this if it was her allergies.
Has anyone experienced this mysterious crying?

SDerailed said:

I have a senior gal whose left eye keeps leaking. Clear fluid, watery eyes that eventually leak. Shes had it for a couple months now, and we keep seeing the vet with no luck. The vet originally said it could be worms, which I knew wasnt the case, but dewormed her anyways. Vet number 2 said it was an eye infection. Gave her the antibiotics for two weeks with no improvement. Vet number 3 said this could be a herpes flare up, but it's been going to long and there are no other symptoms. We do know she has allergies and herpes. But I doubt only one eye would be doing this if it was her allergies.
Has anyone experienced this mysterious crying?

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Has the vet suggested an antiviral? My cat has conjunctivitis due to herpes, and it always flares up in her right eye only - squinting, tearing, etc. Interferon clears it up within a couple days of use. Other eye ointments previously prescribed by the vet don’t work nearly as well as the interferon drops, which is an antiviral (although I heard interferon is quite expensive in comparison to other eye medicines, so it’s not always prescribed as a first option).

Also, did the vet do a proper eye exam? It might be an issue with the eye itself, so a slit lamp exam or eye stain could help identify whether this is the case.

Hello, chronic teary eyes are often a problem.
The fact is, it could have been any of the diseases the vets mentioned, since as a result of any inflammation, the tear duct could then become obstructed causing this symptom. Anyway, my advice is to see a specialist and maybe take an ocular swab: it's the only way to be sure if there are bacteria or viruses. Also, a specialist could make sure there is no involvement of eye structures such as the cornea. Try not to worry too much

Thank you both. I had no idea interferon was available for cats. And while I made my husband take her to the vets both times (his work schedule is easier to work that in) I doubt they did the eye exam you mentioned. I'll see if we have any eye specialists here, I might have to go down to Virginia for the specialists again. Luckily she loves car rides.

You can search for a veterinary ophthalmologist here: Ophthalmologist Search — ACVO Public

SDerailed said:

Thank you both. I had no idea interferon was available for cats. And while I made my husband take her to the vets both times (his work schedule is easier to work that in) I doubt they did the eye exam you mentioned. I'll see if we have any eye specialists here, I might have to go down to Virginia for the specialists again. Luckily she loves car rides.

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I think it is worth seeing a specialist, or at least a vet who is well versed in eye issues for cats and can do the standard eye tests (you can try calling around and asking). Interferon was not raised to me for my first few conjunctivitis visits - I was only given antibiotics or ointments that didn't work very well. A vet that was more experienced with cat eye issues prescribed the Interferon, and it has been extremely effective in helping her conjunctivitis (if I catch it early, 1 day of drops is enough for her to fully recover). The vet told me Interferon is very safe for cats, it is just not a common option due to the price (it was $60 for a tiny bottle, but lasts for 6 months so not a bad option for chronic sufferers).

As mentioned, teary eyes can be the result of a number of issues, so seeing a specialist should help identify the underlying problem. It could be bacterial, viral, or an abnormally growing eyelash! Good luck, I hope kitty gets better soon