Cat Blocked Tear Duct File
Feline Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: Etiology, Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management
The gold standard diagnostic test. A drop of fluorescein dye is placed in the conjunctival sac. Under normal conditions, dye should appear at the ipsilateral nostril within 5–10 minutes. Failure to observe dye suggests complete obstruction. Delayed transit (>20 minutes) indicates partial obstruction. cat blocked tear duct
A 4-year-old Persian cat presented with chronic left-sided brownish ocular discharge. Schirmer tear test and corneal staining were normal. Fluorescein dye failed to reach the left nostril after 15 minutes. Nasolacrimal flushing with saline encountered mild resistance, followed by reflux of mucoid debris. No foreign body or mass was seen on skull CT. The cat was diagnosed with chronic idiopathic partial obstruction. Treatment consisted of weekly ductal flushing under sedation and topical antibiotic-steroid ointment for 4 weeks, resulting in decreased discharge. The owner was advised of possible recurrence. Failure to observe dye suggests complete obstruction