Glaucoma is a painful condition caused by pressure within your pet's eye which can occur due to several underlying conditions. Today, our Renton vets discuss the causes, signs, and treatment options for glaucoma in dogs.
Glaucoma in Dogs
Glaucoma is a painful condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure within the eye, caused by inadequate fluid drainage. Glaucoma can progress very quickly, and often leads to optical nerve and retinal damage in dogs. It is estimated that 40% of dogs will be left blind in the eye which is affected by glaucoma.
Glaucoma in dogs is caused by insufficient drainage of fluid from the eye. There are two types of glaucoma, each defined by the cause of the condition; primary glaucoma and secondary glaucoma.
Causes of Primary Glaucoma in Dogs
Primary glaucoma occurs in dogs due to inherited abnormalities in the drainage mechanism of the pet's eye. Several breeds show an increased risk of primary glaucoma including (but not limited to) Boston terriers, cocker spaniels, shar-peis, beagles, basset hounds, Siberian huskies, Labrador retrievers, samoyed, toy poodles, and Great Danes. Each breed has its own unique traits that make dogs of that breed more susceptible to developing glaucoma.
Primary glaucoma rarely affects both eyes equally or at the same time. The condition typically occurs in one eye months or even years before it affects the second eye.
Cause of Secondary Glaucoma in Dogs
Secondary glaucoma occurs as a result of an injury to the eye or disease. The most common causes include damage to the lens of the eye, inflammation of the interior of the eye, severe intraocular infections, anterior dislocation of the lens (blockage caused by the lens falling forward in the eye), tumors, and intraocular bleeding.
Signs of Glaucoma in Dogs
Dogs suffering from either primary or secondary glaucoma may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Watery discharge from the eye
- Eye pain (eye rubbing or turning away when being pet)
- Bulging of the eyeball (whites of the eye turn red)
- Cloudy, bluish appearance to the eye
- Dilated pupil – or pupil does not respond to light
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Swelling of the eye
- Less desire to play
- Vision loss
Chronic glaucoma can take some time to develop and begin causing symptoms, but acute glaucoma occurs very suddenly. If your dog is showing any of the symptoms listed above contact your vet immediately or visit the nearest emergency veterinary hospital for urgent care. Early diagnosis and treatment are your dog's best bet for good treatment outcomes.
Diagnosing Glaucoma in Dogs
Your vet will measure the pressure within your dog's eye using an instrument called a tonometer.
If your dog is experiencing blindness due to glaucoma, a veterinary ophthalmologist may use electroretinography to determine whether surgery can help to restore vision to the eye.
Treating Glaucoma in Dogs
Following diagnosis, your vet will prescribe drugs to help reduce pressure within the eye as quickly as possible. Reducing the pressure quickly may help to prevent permanent blindness in some dogs.
Typically, painkillers are also prescribed to help your dog feel more comfortable.
Other medications may be prescribed to both promote drainage and decrease fluid production as a way of reducing intraocular pressure.
In many cases, surgery will also be an essential part of the treatment for advanced cases of glaucoma. If your dog has permanently lost their vision your vet may recommend surgery to remove the eye to relieve pain.
Regular eye examinations will be an essential part of your pet's ongoing care and treatment for glaucoma. Regular appointments allow your vet to monitor symptoms and keep the condition under control over the long term.
Veterinary Ophthalmology
Working alongside your primary care veterinarian, our veterinary eye specialists provide care for all ocular diseases that can impact your dog. While some conditions may require surgery, many can be managed with medications alone.