Black/brown eyes

sylorna

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I know I've mentioned my concerns about Coals eyes a few times recently. Just looking for perspective here.
His eyes are brown/almost black, and the vet says it's probably scaring from having a chronic URI/herpes as a kitten. His eyes do not effect him in any way (no pain, no oozing, no sight issues, etc). The vet is new to me, but very highly recommended in my area of the city by a lot of people. His plan is to treat URIs as needed and use topical antibiotics if/when his corneas get infected. I also give him l-lysine twice a day and a probiotic daily, as his poops stink but I think its also good for his immune system.
I've never see eyes like his, and I've spent so many hours researching what it could be. With the antibiotics we just did, the cloudiness went away and they now reflect the light as they should. I honestly think we may need to start the topical again soon, it appears to be getting a bit cloudy on the left side around the edges again. His FIV/Felv tests came back negative (not snap, but sent in to a lab so more accurate).
The vet doesn't seem worried, and I have an anxiety disorder, so I'm probably over thinking it. Im not sure it's worth taking him to my old vet who would often do unnecessary tests in an effort to be very very thorough IMO. My current vet says that if we go down the anti viral route we will end up with a lot of expenses/invasive tests and basically right back to where we are currently, but including possible side effects from the antivirals and steroids long term.
Maybe I just have the most Halloween black cat in the world? I keep on telling myself to wait till there's another problem and not jump the gun as he currently seems healthy and happy, just with creepy eyes.
Thoughts? 20211001_175814.jpg 20210930_211448.jpg
 

Mamanyt1953

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I kinda agree with your new vet. Do what is needed, WHEN it is needed. I'd take a deep breath, file this away for now, and if he starts having issues with his eyes, then request a referral to a specialist. I am not fond of over-medicating, of throwing a bunch of things at an issue and hoping something sticks. It can lead to a body's resistance to antibiotics and antifungals, leaving your pet defenseless when there is a bacterial or viral infection, and we know that long-term steroid use is not good. Generally speaking, least is best. Just...watch the eyes. If the cloudiness returns, or there is a lot of weeping, and gunk, take him in and get that referral.
 

fionasmom

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I realize you are concerned about this, but she is the most beautiful little girl with those eyes. I also have to agree with the new vet. One of my human doctors always said that once you start to run the "let's see" kind of tests...imaging, markers, etc.....you will be presented with the possibility of needing more follow up, some of which might be in itself serious or invasive. Or, you have to be resolute enough to just walk away from the results of the tests and then to remain calm enough not to worry yourself to death.
 
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sylorna

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I realize you are concerned about this, but she is the most beautiful little girl with those eyes. I also have to agree with the new vet. One of my human doctors always said that once you start to run the "let's see" kind of tests...imaging, markers, etc.....you will be presented with the possibility of needing more follow up, some of which might be in itself serious or invasive. Or, you have to be resolute enough to just walk away from the results of the tests and then to remain calm enough not to worry yourself to death.
Thanks for that. It helps.
My friends tell me he looks evil and creepy. He is the sweetest animal, just wants love and attention at all times. I don't know why I have such a hard time with his eyes. I have this need to fix what's wrong with pets immediately and this isn't like that. Its not like I could go back in time and rescue him any faster.
He has started reverse sneezing again so my vet is trying him on a broad spectrum antibiotic to try to kick anything that is lingering in his system. Hopefully it does the trick and that he takes pills better than liquid. :crossfingers: makes sense that the infection could be hard to treat, it's been living in his system his whole life.
 
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sylorna

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I kinda agree with your new vet. Do what is needed, WHEN it is needed. I'd take a deep breath, file this away for now, and if he starts having issues with his eyes, then request a referral to a specialist. I am not fond of over-medicating, of throwing a bunch of things at an issue and hoping something sticks. It can lead to a body's resistance to antibiotics and antifungals, leaving your pet defenseless when there is a bacterial or viral infection, and we know that long-term steroid use is not good. Generally speaking, least is best. Just...watch the eyes. If the cloudiness returns, or there is a lot of weeping, and gunk, take him in and get that referral.
Thank you. I did exactly as you said and took a deep breath. You're right and your point about medication resistance is very valid.
 

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Hi. It really has nothing (so much) to do with your particular situation, but I thought I would share my situation anyway, I have noticed that Feeby (`17 yo) has eyes that are almost entirely black. Like as in dilated pupil - very little coloring otherwise. Well, for her, that is true, but it is brought on by a condition that is not affecting her eyesight at all. One vet called it 'nuclear sclerosis', another labeled it as 'iris atrophy with lack of pupillary constriction'.

I guess what I am saying, if it is not affecting Coal's eyesight or her health, consider it unique to her and embrace it. That is what I am doing with Feeby!
 

CindyH66

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Coal is beautiful and unique ! not creepy ! how's he doing Sylorna ? How are YOU doing ? hope all is well ! so glad his tests were negative and hope his eyes clear up some more. as you might remember, my Bella struggled with the herpes eye issue her whole life, and was on Lysine the whole 13 years we had her. They went from pretty normal to IFFY , and back again... you got one cutie pie there!:purr:
 
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sylorna

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Hi Cindy!
We just finished our second round of antibiotics and fingers crossed🤞 I think it may have taken care of the URI. His left eye is funny because it has a white film around the edge, but also is the one that you can see his pupil on better when the light hits it.
I'm getting more comfortable with the whole situation. I realized that I've been looking at just his eyes obsessively for weeks and if I actually scan out, he's a very handsome dude. I also recently realized that some of my reaction has been due to 12ish years of my old cat Chester possibly dying at any moment...and that Coals eyes are not going to kill him, even under the worst case scenario. It's helping.

He definitely prefers me over the rest of the family but is very good about spoiling everyone with his constant nerd for belly rubs and nose kisses.

We collared him a few weeks ago. He is small and black and sneaky...got out in the hallway of our apartment one day and it was hell getting him back in. I'll remove the collar when he learns to stay in the apartment. In the meantime, he got a new collar tonight and is officially the most Halloween of all the kitties.

Thanks for checking in! How's your little babe?
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CindyH66

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aw, he is so darn cute !! I'm glad you are getting more comfortable with him . His eyes look pretty good these days !! He must feel pretty good if he is being a rascal and sneaking out...:dancingblackcat:silly boy ... love his collar ! Peanut is doing well. She has settled in and is just so darn cute. My brother keeps threatening to "kidnap' her and make me get another kitty, he loves her to pieces. LOL ... I discovered Peanut has nightmares. Poor little thing. :( I was on my pc and she curls up on a chair next to me . she started whimpering , and I looked over.. she was sound asleep. She stared wailing .. tail flicking ...then practically stood up, stilly wailing .. still asleep ! her eyes opened , but she wasn't really awake ..had that ' glassy' look ..ya know ? not really awake yet ? I said " Peanut .. its ok! you're just dreaming " ..she blinked a few times ... she then woke up ..panting ...once she was awake, I reached over and pet her . she calmed down, and started purring ...I think she loved being comforted . she curled up and went back to sleep. I noticed she has been sleeping on the bed with me more since. I think she has some abuse in her past , or its from when she was a stray. If any of us make a sudden move, she will flinch and run ... but comes right back. its like a knee- jerk reaction . I know she isn't afraid of any of us, but it seems so ingrained . when I get in my recliner , she jumps us and starts rubbing my face , and giving me kisses. my husband said " you 2 are so cute together " .. he adores her .. I cant imagine anyone mistreating this sweet little love bug ! or abandoning her , but it happened . she was a pregnant stray who spent 3 months at the animal shelter before we got her. who knows what her life was like before that ?? I know she has it made in the shade now !! every room has scratchers, toys , beds .. a kitty tree .. and she can pretty much do what she wants. she is never scolded ..but then she never really does anything to deserve it ! ONE time she jumped up on my kitchen table and I gently said " peanut , no no,. not on the table honey " she jumped right down.. and has not been up there since . she really is a good girl !! so , I would say things are going well .. my hubby and brother spoil her silly <3 she is getting braver every day ! thanks for asking and I am glad to hear all is going well with your panther !! Have a good Halloween ! you have the perfect kitty for that ! LOL... :bigeyes:🎃 C ya Later !
 
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