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Anisocoria is a condition where the pupils of a cat’s eyes are two different sizes. Unequal pupil sizes is a symptom of an underlying condition. This underlying condition must be diagnosed before the vet can treat the anisocoria since the treatment is based on the diagnosis. To treat anisocoria, treat the underlying condition by giving the cat medication or getting the cat surgery.
Things You Should Know
- Differently sized pupils, changes in the appearance of the eye, and eye pain are all possible symptoms of anisocoria.
- Take your cat to the vet so your pet can be properly diagnosed and tested.
- The treatment for anisocoria depends on what's causing it. Medication may be an option in some cases, while other cases might not have any treatment options.
Steps
Diagnosing Anisocoria
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Take the cat to the vet. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, you should take it to the vet immediately. These symptoms may be connected to a life-threatening condition. Treatment is based on the underlying condition, so the vet will need to figure out what caused the anisocoria. [4] X Research source
- The vet will do a physical exam and ask you about any recent trauma that your cat has undergone. You will need to give them a complete medical history and list of any medications your cat is taking.
- The vet will try to determine if the problem is due to a problem with the eye or a neurological problem.
- If they cannot figure out what is wrong, they may send the cat to a ophthalmologist.
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Have the cat’s eyes tested. The vet may start by checking your cat’s eyes and pupils. They may check the blinking reflexes, how well the cat follows an object, and how sensitive the pupils are to light. The vet may also test the production of tears. [5] X Research source
- The vet may stain the cornea with a dye to look for ulcers, scratches, or trauma.
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Get imaging tests done. The vet may try to determine if the problem comes from an issue with the eye or the pupil nerve. To do this, they might do a range of imaging tests, including MRI, ultrasound, CT scans, or x-rays.
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/anisocoria-in-cats
- ↑ https://www.vetinfo.com/anisocoria-in-cats.html
- ↑ https://www.vetary.com/cat/condition/unequal-pupil-size
- ↑ https://www.vetary.com/cat/condition/unequal-pupil-size
- ↑ https://www.vetinfo.com/anisocoria-in-cats.html
- ↑ https://www.vetinfo.com/anisocoria-in-cats.html
- ↑ https://www.vetary.com/cat/condition/unequal-pupil-size
- ↑ https://www.vetary.com/cat/condition/unequal-pupil-size
- ↑ https://www.vetary.com/cat/condition/unequal-pupil-size
About This Article
If you think your cat has anisocoria, check its eyes to see if the pupils are different in size and look for any cloudiness or changes in shape, as these are the main symptoms of the condition. Take your cat to the vet for testing so you can be certain of the diagnosis and also rule out any other problems. If your vet prescribes medication, such as antibiotics or eye drops, make sure to administer these following your vet’s instructions. If it helps, set up a schedule so you don’t forget to give the medication regularly. For more advice from our Veterinarian co-author, including what to do if your cat needs surgery to fix anisocoria, keep reading!
