Excessive tearing, also called epiphora, can sometimes occur in cats. Thus, the owner has the impression that the cat is crying. Many more or less serious causes can be at the origin of an epiphora in cats and it is recommended to consult your veterinarian as soon as excessive tearing appears to determine the cause and treat it.

To understand how excessive tearing occurs, it is necessary to understand the normal flow of tears. Tears are produced by the tear glands located on the upper eyelids and on the outer side of the eye. There are also other glands that produce tears (Meibomian, nictitating and mucinic). The tears will flow continuously at the level of the eyes to moisten them, nourish them and ensure their protection, in particular to protect the cornea. Then, they will be evacuated by the tear ducts located at the level of the medial canthus (inner corner of the eye) which allow their elimination towards the nasolacrimal duct which runs along the nose to end up in the nasal cavity.

The epiphora

Epiphora is the scientific name for excessive tearing. This is abnormal discharge from the eyes, more precisely from the medial canthus. This is quite common in cases of eye damage because it is a defense mechanism of the body. By producing more tears, the eye tries to protect itself, for example from irritation or infection. But it can also be an abnormal flow due to failure to evacuate tears due to an obstruction of a duct or an anatomical abnormality.

In addition, it should be noted that the eyes of cats, like those of dogs, are provided with a 3rd eyelid also called a nictitating membrane. It sits at the inner corner of each eye and provides additional eye protection. Normally, it is not visible.

In general, an epiphora occurs when there is either an abnormal overproduction of tears, especially in cases of inflammation, or following a dysfunction of the nasolacrimal duct, more particularly an obstacle, preventing the tears produced which will therefore be drained. flow to the outside.

Thus, we can observe an abnormal tearing of which it is important to observe the appearance (translucent, colored, etc.). In cats with white or light hairs, traces may be visible along the nose where the hairs are colored due to repeated tearing. Other signs may also be visible, such as redness of the eyelids, swelling, blinking or squinting. Thus, we can cite the following factors which can be at the origin of an epiphora in cats:

• A pathogen: a bacterium, a parasite or a virus;
• A foreign body: dust, grass, sand;
• Glaucoma: disease characterized by increased pressure within the eye;
• A corneal ulcer;
• A fracture of a facial bone;
• A tumor: eyelids (including the 3rd eyelid), nasal cavity, sinuses or even jawbone.

A predisposition according to the races

In addition, the race is also a point to take into account. Indeed, an epiphora can also result from ocular damage due to an anatomical abnormality that can be transmitted genetically. Indeed, some breeds are predisposed to the development of certain eye disorders such as entropion (eyelid rolled up towards the inside of the eye which thus prevents access to the tear ducts) or even distichiasis (presence of abnormally implanted eyelashes). We can in particular cite certain breeds of brachycephalic cats (with a flattened face and a shortened nose), such as the Persian. In addition, other hereditary eye abnormalities may be involved, such as the absence of an eyelid.

Whenever you observe excessive and abnormal tearing in your cat, it is necessary to make an appointment with your veterinarian so that he can perform an eye examination to determine the cause. Note if other clinical signs are present in order to report them to your veterinarian. Additional examinations can be carried out. The management will therefore depend on the identified cause and your veterinarian will prescribe treatment accordingly. Sometimes, surgery may be necessary in certain cases, especially in cases of anatomical abnormality.

Prevention

In prevention, it is necessary to regularly examine the eyes of your cat, in particular if it has access to the outside. Check carefully after each ride that no foreign object is lodged in his eyes or that he has not been injured. If necessary, you can then clean his eyes to remove any dirt. Do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice on which product to use to clean your cat’s eyes.

In any case, as soon as an epiphora appears but also any trouble in your cat’s eyes, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian, who remains your referent, for rapid treatment before starting. possible complications do not set in.