I’m fostering a kitten that was thrown into the bushes by a homeless cat colony that I help care take. Her left eyeball is enlarged. I spoke to a kind vet who does the sterilizations for our ferals when we do trap/neuter/return, and he mentioned the possibility of conjunctivitis from what I told him. Someone in our feral friends group shared that a couple applications of apple cider vinegar massaged between the shoulder blades would clear up Conjunctivitis. I tried and it only seemed to get a little bit better. Also, I’ve been using a homemade preparation of saline solution with goldenseal tincture drops added as eye drops. It seems to be gradually improving. Can you confirm the possibility of conjunctivitis and what do you think of the drops I’m using? I can’t really afford to take foster kittens to a vet. I can barely buy food for all the homeless cats I’m helping to feed. Your thoughts will be appreciated. Thank you,
Forgot to ask: If you think my preparation is a good idea for her, how many times a day should I apply it?
Hello,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. Unfortunately I cannot confirm the possibility of conjunctivitis with out examining the kitten. If the eyeball itself is enlarged, it does not sound like conjunctivitis but a compromised globe. If the eyeball is truly enlarged then most likely the vision is lost and it should be removed because it is a very, very painful condition.
I am also unfamiliar with the tincture you are using, but if it appears to be working then feel free to continue it. Most tinctures work best administered twice daily. Also, an excellent supplement for eye and vision health is Ocu-clear by Thorne, it promotes circulation to the eye and supports vision. Best of luck.
Regards,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA, CVCP