Scarlett is a 9-month-old rescue kitten who suffered severe ocular disease due to very bad cat flu as a neonatal kitten which had effected the function and structure of both eyes. She can still see and was adopted into a fantastic new home and quickly adapted to her new environment. Sadly 10 days into her new life one of her eyes became very weepy, she was withdrawn and obviously in pain
Scarlett came in to see Dr Jeremy who gave her a thorough health check. The left eye (the ‘good’ one) had anterior luxation of the lens. This where the lens that normally sits behind the opening in the eye has fallen through to the front of the eye. The right eye was very painful and swollen, there was a very deep corneal ulceration surrounding an area of extreme thinning of the corneal wall (Desmetocele)
Poor Scarlett was in a lot of pain and we were gravely concerned that if the eye and pain couldn’t be treated quickly and efficiently we will need to remove the eye (enucleation). Dr Jeremy came up with a plan which including significant pain relief and a number of different eye drops given 4 times per day to manage and treat the condition. One of the eye drops was made from Scarlett’s own blood (Autologous serum) which have properties that are very similar to natural tears and contain components that are important for corneal healing and integrity.
Unfortunately, that same night Scarlett worsened and the very thin layer of corneal tissue remaining ruptured and she admitted immediately for surgery.
The operation involves a general anaesthetic and the hair around the eye is clipped; the eye is completely removed and the eyelid skin is then stitched closed over the eye socket (the bony space within the skull that protects the eye).
The surgery went smoothly and was a success, Scarlett recovered from the anaesthetic quickly and was immediately up and eating and was so much happier with the source of her pain removed. She went home the same day much to her owner’s delight.
She has since been back for her post op checks and was full of love and cuddles! She has had a rocky start to life but is such a hero. She has a great pain- free new life with her carer and adopted sister.
Well done Scarlett!