Clogged Tear Duct Cat
Dust, seeds, or debris can become lodged in the narrow canal. 3. Symptoms to Monitor
Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands to lubricate the eye. Normally, tears drain through small openings in the eyelids (puncta) into the nasolacrimal duct, which empties into the nasal cavity.
Understanding Epiphora: Causes and Treatments of Blocked Tear Ducts in The Brachycephalic Impact on Feline Tear Drainage Systems 1. Introduction: The Mechanics of clogged tear duct cat
A , clinically known as nasolacrimal duct obstruction , occurs when the small tubes that normally drain tears from the eyes to the nose become blocked. This blockage causes tears to overflow onto the face ( epiphora ), leading to persistent wetness and characteristic reddish-brown staining. Symptoms of a Blocked Tear Duct
Clogged Tear Duct (Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction) Species: Feline Common Terminology: Epiphora (excessive tearing), blocked tear duct Dust, seeds, or debris can become lodged in the narrow canal
Obstruction can be categorized as congenital (present at birth) or acquired.
Define Epiphora —the clinical term for an overflow of tears onto the face, often caused by a "clog" or blockage in this drainage highway. 2. Primary Causes of Blockage Normally, tears drain through small openings in the
Under sedation, a vet may insert a tiny tube (cannula) into the punctum to flush saline through the duct to identify the exact site of the clog. 5. Treatment and Management
Topical antibiotics or steroid drops may be used if the blockage is caused by active inflammation or infection.
A veterinarian will perform a simple fluorescein dye test – placing a drop of harmless green dye in the eye. If the dye does not appear at the nostril on the same side within a few minutes, the duct is likely blocked. Advanced imaging or flushing of the duct under sedation may be needed.
