Cat Tear Duct __top__

The cat tear duct system is a tiny, complex drainage pathway. Tears produced by the lacrimal gland (above the eye) wash over the eyeball to keep it moist and clean. Instead of spilling down the face, tears normally drain into two tiny openings (puncta) located at the inner corner of each eye (near the nose). From there, tears travel through small canals (canaliculi) into the nasolacrimal duct, which empties into the back of the nasal cavity.

This is the gold standard for evaluating the excretory system. cat tear duct

Dysfunction of the nasolacrimal system generally manifests in two distinct ways: overproduction/overflow (epiphora) or underproduction (dry eye). However, structural blockages of the duct itself present unique clinical challenges. The cat tear duct system is a tiny, complex drainage pathway

Treatment of tear duct pathology depends on the underlying cause. From there, tears travel through small canals (canaliculi)

A blocked duct becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Signs include a thick, yellow-green or bloody discharge from the corner of the eye, swelling just below the inner eyelid, and sometimes pain.