Glaucoma in Dogs

Glaucoma is an increase in intraocular pressure that causes visual function to deteriorate and, in many cases, causes blindness. It's more a symptom than a disease, since many eye conditions ultimately lead to an increase in intraocular pressure.

There are two types of glaucoma and different levels of severity, so it's worth knowing how they develop, what their symptoms are, and whether there's any type of treatment. Ready? Let's get to it.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an increase in intraocular pressure. Normally, aqueous humor (which normally drains from the eye's anterior chamber) flows from the posterior chamber to the anterior one without any problem. Greater resistance to this fluid's flow can cause an increase in intraocular pressure.

There are two types of glaucoma: primary and secondary. Both have a different origin.

1. Primary glaucoma: 20% of cases in small animals. This is a hereditary, genetic, bilateral glaucoma (both eyes). It's rare in cats (more common in Burmese). Predisposed dog breeds: Cocker Spaniel, Shar Pei, Samoyed, Great Dane, Basset Hound, Husky, Chow Chow, Akita.
2. Secondary glaucoma: 80% of cases in dogs and almost 100% in cats. In this case, there's a history of an eye disturbance causing the increased pressure. So, it's a consequence of another primary eye condition that alters the normal flow of aqueous humor. Generally, these are unilateral and non-hereditary.

Symptoms of Glaucoma in Dogs

When glaucoma occurs, its symptoms depend on how quickly it develops, how long it lasts, how severe it is, and the cause behind it. Vision loss is proportional to the increase in intraocular pressure (15-30mm Hg is normal).

These are the symptoms we may notice in our dog:

• Pain
• Congestion of intraocular blood vessels
• Corneal edema
• Mydriasis (dilated pupil)
• Cataracts

If you suspect a dog may have a problem like this, take it to the vet as soon as possible so they can properly examine it.

Treatment to Cure Glaucoma

Treatment for glaucoma generally comes with a poor prognosis, since damage to the retina and optic nerve is irreversible (in more chronic cases). The only goal of treatment is maintaining vision by preventing further damage to this nerve.

So, this involves reducing intraocular pressure: it will focus on reducing aqueous humor production, as well as shifting it into the blood vessels, increasing its outflow.

The specialist can also prescribe pain relievers or anti-inflammatories (corticosteroids), especially when the glaucoma is causing intense pain.

In certain cases, this may not be enough, or the eye may be completely blind, in which case the most sensible option will be considering surgery on the dog (removing or enucleating the affected eye).

What Care Does a Dog With Eye Glaucoma Need?

Besides strictly following the treatment recommended by the vet, a dog with glaucoma will need a series of extra care and attention that will help it feel better.

The main recommendations are:

1. Follow every dosing guideline the vet may send home — this is the only way, outside the vet's office, to maintain our pet's eye health in this case.
2. You can also try traditional Chinese medicine or its integration alongside Western medicine, obviously at a center specialized in it.

All this care needs to be given correctly so it doesn't backfire. Because of this, the best advice is to ask the vet any questions you have about how to care for your dog if it has glaucoma.