Glaucoma in Dogs: How It Affects Your Dog’s Vision

By July 30, 2022 Dog Diseases, Dog Health, Eye Health, Supplements for Dogs, Vision Support 0 Comments

Glaucoma in Dogs: How It Affects Your Dog's Vision

Glaucoma in dogs is an eye condition that causes increased intraocular pressure. It is widespread in genetically susceptible dog breeds such as Samoyeds, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Chow Chows and Siberians.

Unfortunately, regardless of medication or surgical therapy, 40 percent of dogs with glaucoma will become blind in the afflicted eye within the first year.

Early identification is critical to achieving the best possible result for your pet. That is why we have prepared this article to inform you about the warning signals to watch for and the treatment choices that are now available. Let’s go through what you should be aware of.

Table of Contents

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What Is Glaucoma in Dogs?

Glaucoma in dogs is a disorder that causes an accumulation of aqueous fluid and increases pressure in the eye. When too much fluid is produced or too little fluid is emptied, the pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP), rises. That can cause retinal and optic nerve damage, which may eventually lead to blindness.

What Is Intraocular Pressure and How Does It Remain Consistent?

Intraocular pressure is the fluid pressure within the eye that can be maintained if aqueous humor fluid absorption or drainage and production are equal. The normal intraocular pressure ranges from 10 to 25 mm Hg.

Glaucoma in dogs is diagnosed when the eye cannot discharge enough aqueous humor fluid and the pressure rises (typically over 30 mm Hg). A tonometer may be used to measure the pressure in the eye.

What Causes an Increase in Intraocular Pressure?

When excessive intraocular pressure is detected, the optic nerve and retina might be damaged or degenerated. This is a problem since the retina’s role is to transduce pictures into nerve impulses, which are then carried by the optic nerve to the brain to generate vision.

Thus, a rise in intraocular pressure will nearly invariably result in blindness in the afflicted eye due to retinal or optic nerve injury.

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma in Dogs

Glaucoma causes more acute pain in dogs than in humans. However, since dogs do not display pain in the same manner that people do, it may be difficult to tell whether they are in discomfort.

We also must mention that the “sudden onset / glaucoma in dogs” combination is also typical. Clinical symptoms to watch for include:

  • Eye pain: rubbing up against the floor or something else, or using the paw.
  • Redness of the eye.
  • Cloudy cornea.
  • Squinting.
  • Tearing.
  • Avoidance of light.
  • Weak blink response.
  • Fluttering eyelid.
  • Pupils appear different in size.
  • The presence of vessels in the eye’s white.
  • Bulging swollen eye.
  • Vision problems: bumping into things, having trouble finding something, walking carefully.

As the dog ages, clinical indications may appear in one eye first, then the other. It seldom happens in both eyes simultaneously or with equal pressure. It may potentially take years for the second eye to be affected.

If you see any glaucoma symptoms in your dog, have him checked out right away. When it comes to this illness, time is essential. It is not only unpleasant, but if left untreated, it will result in irreparable blindness.

What Causes Glaucoma in Dogs?

The fluid flow rate into or out of the eye is aberrant in primary glaucoma, which raises pressure. It is frequently inherited due to a hereditary propensity in certain breeds.

It is not caused by an underlying condition, as in secondary glaucoma. The problem may occur at any age. Although most dogs with primary glaucoma are identified in their early to mid-life, between the ages of 3 and 7.

Secondary glaucoma develops as a consequence of another eye problem. Bleeding, edema and inflammation may occur, scar tissue may develop and fluid outflow may be hampered if not completely stopped.

Secondary glaucoma is more frequent in dogs than initial glaucoma. Triggers might include the following:

  • Tumors.
  • Advanced cataracts.
  • Infections.
  • Inflammation.
  • Eye cancer.
  • Chronic retinal detachment.

Whether your dog has primary or secondary glaucoma, the end consequence is the inability to drain fluid efficiently and maintain a safe level of pressure in the eye. As a result, the eye cannot maintain its health and vision is lost.

Before recommending a treatment plan, your veterinarian will evaluate the kind of glaucoma your dog has. Suppose your dog is diagnosed with secondary glaucoma. In that case, the underlying ailment that produced glaucoma must be addressed as soon as possible.

For example, in dogs with surgically removed cataracts, therapy may be beneficial in halting the advancement of glaucoma symptoms. The pressure inside the eye can be alleviated with medication or laser treatment.

Assume your dog has been in an accident that has resulted in considerable damage to the eye structure. In that case, the best approach may be to remove the eye entirely to relieve discomfort and prevent glaucoma from becoming a chronic problem.

Diagnosing Glaucoma in Dogs

Time is of the essence when treating glaucoma in dog’s eye, which is why a dog that exhibits symptoms must visit a veterinarian. The veterinarian will do an ophthalmologic exam in addition to acquiring as much medical history as feasible.

Your veterinarian may send you to an ophthalmologist in certain situations for a more thorough examination of both eyes.

The veterinarian will measure the intraocular pressure (IOP) using a tonometer. These devices are classified into three types: those that directly contact the eyeball, those that simply touch the eyelid and those that do not touch the eye.

To measure the indentation, one kind of tonometer shoots a puff of air into the eye. Another method of measuring pressure is to push a little plastic disk on the eyeball. Before keeping the dog comfortable during the exam, a drop of anesthetic is often supplied.

In the case of an eye abscess, injury, or tumor, an X-ray or ultrasound may be performed to better understand the region surrounding the eye.

The pupil responds slowly to light, the blink reflex is weak or nonexistent, the cornea is swollen or clouded, the eye is red and irritated and the dog may squint.

In chronic glaucoma, the pupil has no sensitivity to light, and the blink response is missing. The cornea is hazy, the eye is red and irritated, and the pupil is often dilated. Tearing is possible and vessels on the cornea might be observed.

Treatment for Glaucoma in Dogs

When we talk about glaucoma in dogs, treatment is the most essential thing. It is determined by the severity of glaucoma and any underlying disorders that may be causing the problem in the first place.

Those must be addressed and handled to avoid the problem from recurring. Among the treatment possibilities are:

  • Medication is administered to reduce the pressure inside the eye and return it to normal as quickly as possible to preserve the dog’s eyesight. Most drugs are topical or ointments that must be applied up to three times a day. Oral medications are also available to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with the illness. In extreme situations, your veterinarian may advise that your dog be hospitalized. So injectable drugs (such as mannitol) may be administered to decrease IOP more rapidly.
  • Cyclocryotherapy uses cold temperatures to destroy the cells that create intraocular fluid. The fluid may be evacuated, and the fluid generating cells changed to prevent fluid accumulation inside the eye. With early identification, this surgery may reduce or halt the progression of glaucoma.
  • Surgery: Unfortunately, in most long-term cases, the eye must be removed. The longer glaucoma continues undiagnosed, the more likely the optical nerve may be injured beyond repair, necessitating surgery and even eye removal. The empty socket may be closed or the eye cavity filled with an orb to maintain the ocular space occupied after removing the eye.

How Much Does Glaucoma Treatment in Dogs Cost?

The cost of treating glaucoma varies depending on the method recommended by your veterinarian. Glaucoma treatment may include medications, periodic exams (specialists, such as an ophthalmologist, are typically more expensive) and other charges.

They may mount up to thousands of dollars throughout a dog’s life. If surgery is required, although the initial expense may be substantial, it is typically not repeated.

Regarding the cost of treating your dog’s glaucoma, not all vets charge the same amount and geographic location might play a factor.

Because treatment may be costly, pet insurance may be an option. Whether you don’t already have a plan, find out if a new one will cover your dog’s ailment after a grace period.

There are various aspects to consider while deciding on the optimal course of therapy. The cost, aesthetic preference (when an eye must be removed), visual potential, and the kind of glaucoma your dog has all add up.

Because there are no assurances, assessing the expenses against the possible benefits is wise and deciding what’s best for your dog.

Recovery and Management of Glaucoma in Dogs

Suppose the eye must be extracted due to glaucoma-related visual loss. In that case, your dog must wear an Elizabethan collar / cone for protection until the stitches are removed.

The effects of anesthesia and the risk of pain may be present in the first few days following surgery but may be handled with medicine.

A few days later, a checkup is necessary, although the sutures will not be removed for 10 – 14 days. Complications are uncommon and conceivable, and most dogs that have the procedure recover ultimately.

Medications will be recovered if glaucoma is diagnosed early, and your dog’s care plan will include follow-up check-ups.

Whether care consists of medicine and monitoring or going a step further with surgery, the goal is to provide your dog relief.

How to Prevent Glaucoma in Dogs?

Secondary glaucoma may be avoided by keeping your dog safe, avoiding injuries and accidents, staying on top of health concerns, and obtaining treatment for any illness, particularly eye-related infections, as soon as possible.

Primary glaucoma, on the other hand, is unavoidable due to heredity. However, precautions may be performed ahead of time to attempt to delay any degenerative changes in your dog’s eyes and lower their risk of acquiring glaucoma.

  • Antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamins E and C, and nutraceuticals may all be used to lessen the damage to the eye’s cells.
  • Reducing stresses in your pet’s surroundings may aid in managing oxidative damage throughout the body, including the eyes.
  • Eliminating neck strain is also crucial since we don’t want any restrictive collar or harness system to boost inter-cerebral or intraocular pressure.
  • Ensure your veterinarian checks your dog’s ocular pressure during wellness visits for aged dogs and high-risk breeds.

Regardless of the kind of glaucoma your dog has, early identification is the most effective approach to avoid the condition’s development and the blindness that is often linked with glaucoma.

Detecting small pressure changes in the eye and treating them medically as soon as possible is the best method to avoid additional harm.

The Takeaway

Canine glaucoma is a painful disorder that causes fluid and pressure to build up in the eye. The pressure damages the eye, causing blindness and necessitating the removal of the eye.

Dog owners should be on the lookout for any indicators of eye discomfort or changes in the appearance of their dog’s eyes.

If something like this happens, take him or her to the vet as soon as possible. Ensure your dog has an excellent vision to see the world around him.

Nutrition Strength Eye Care for Dogs

Nutrition Strength Eye Care for Dogs

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Image source: Wikimedia / Erwin Loh.

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