Subscribe To
This Site
Dog Glaucoma"Dog glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness in dogs. It is a condition where fluid builds up in the eye causing an increase in pressure. It can be inherited or caused by eye inflammation or trauma. Treatment options include medication or surgery. Severe or acute glaucoma requires immediate treatment to avoid vision loss." Glaucoma is a condition where the fluid pressure in the eye is higher than normal. It results in loss of vision and be painful for your dog. The condition is progressive meaning it gets worse over time. Glaucoma in dog is caused by pressure from a build of fluid where the iris meets the cornea. When the fluid doesn't drain normally pressure builds. The condition is either inherited (primary glaucoma) or a result of another disease (secondary). Secondary glaucoma can be caused by: * Inflammation in the eye If the glaucoma is severe (acute) then emergency treatment is needed to relieve the pressure. Not doing so can result in vision loss. Glaucoma in dog is difficult to diagnose. A device is used to measure the pressure. Accurate readings are influenced by the breed, time of day, restraints and age. For this reason several readings are often taken.
Breeds Susceptible to GlaucomaThere are over 40 breeds where glaucoma can be inherited (called primary glaucoma). These include:* Cocker Spaniels Symptoms of Dog GlaucomaCanine glaucoma symtoms include:* Redness
Picture of Dog Glaucoma
Treatment of Dog GlaucomaGlaucoma in dog is difficult to treat. Treatment includes oral and topical medications. Surgical options include laser surgery and cryosurgery to help drainage or insert a drainage device.If treatment is not an emergency, the medications will be tried first to see if the eye pressure (IOP) can be brought into normal range. Your veterinarian will need to monitor your dog's eye condition every 2 weeks for the first month. If eye pressure cannot be controlled then surgery may be needed. If you dog is in pain then the eye may need to be removed (called enucleation) or replaced with silicone. Even with surgery and medications, irreversible blindness may still occur. SourcesAVCOCanine Glaucoma. Recent Advances in its Diagnosis and Treatment Daniel Herrera, MV, PhD Diplomate of the Latin American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists University of Buenos Aires Argentina Glaucoma: What Can I Do Before I Send It? From Dog Glaucoma to More on Eye Health
|
