Glaucoma in dogs encompasses various diseases characterized by increased intraocular pressure, potentially causing significant damage to the retina and optic nerve, leading to progressive vision loss. There are three main forms of glaucoma:
- Congenital Glaucoma: due to a birth anomaly affecting ocular pressure.
- Primary Glaucoma: genetically linked abnormality of the iridocorneal angle affecting aqueous humor drainage.
- Secondary Glaucoma: resulting from other ocular diseases (cataracts, lens luxation, tumors).
Common Symptoms of Glaucoma in Dogs
The symptoms typically observed are clear:
- Eye redness or cloudiness
- Eye pain (the dog may resist head handling)
- Reduced vision or blindness (the dog may bump into objects)
- Increased ocular reflectivity due to dilated pupils
- Abnormally enlarged eyeball
Accurate Diagnosis of Glaucoma
To confirm glaucoma and differentiate it from other ocular diseases such as uveitis or conjunctivitis, veterinarians perform:
- A comprehensive eye exam including tonometry (measurement of intraocular pressure).
- Additional examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist to determine the exact cause and assess damage to the retina and optic nerve.
- Ultrasound may be necessary for a complete diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Glaucoma
Treatment primarily aims to lower intraocular pressure to preserve vision and eliminate pain:
- Medical treatment: specific medications to reduce intraocular pressure.
- Surgical treatment: may be required depending on severity and response to medication.
For primary glaucoma, preventive treatment of the unaffected eye is recommended to delay disease onset, potentially up to 30 months.
Importance of Prompt Treatment
Without appropriate treatment, glaucoma generally leads to blindness. Rapid and intensive care is therefore crucial to maximally preserve the animal’s vision. In severe cases, hospitalization and emergency treatment may be required.
