Canine Glaucoma Information

Cause

• Glaucoma is caused by the buildup of too much fluid inside the eye. This fluid is known as the aqueous humor. A healthy eye features a filter at the point where the cornea meets the sclera to allow excess fluid to escape. In an animal with glaucoma this filter is not working properly, and the fluid level increases too much.
  
  

Symptoms

• The symptoms of glaucoma include a bulging eye or eyes and eye redness. Another symptom is an enlarged pupil. Dogs suffering from glaucoma may be lethargic and squint frequently. Symptoms are sometimes subtle, and the condition can develop rapidly, so a veterinarian should examine a dog displaying symptoms of eye trouble as quickly as possible to avoid serious consequences. Increased pressure inside the eye can damage the optic nerve and cause blindness.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of canine glaucoma involves a full veterinary ophthalmic examination. A test called tonometry measures the pressure inside the eye, and a gonioscopy evaluates the filtration system of the eye. The veterinarian will also conduct a complete blood test in order to check for diseases that may be at the root of the glaucoma.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment for canine glaucoma takes the form of both medication and surgery. Medication works both to improve the drainage of the aqueous humor and to reduce the amount of fluid produced. Some cases of glaucoma do not react well to medication, so a veterinary surgeon will often attempt to achieve the same ends through laser or cryosurgery. If the eye is very painful or vision can no longer be saved, the surgeon may be forced to remove the eye and replace it with a prosthesis.
  
  

Prevelance and Predisposition

• Canine glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness in middle-aged dogs, according to an article from Deepwoods Veterinary Clinic of Virginia. It occurs in about 8 percent of all dogs in the United States, but certain breeds seem more prone to developing the condition than others. The beagle, basset hound, samoyed, Siberian husky, chow and Cocker spaniel are all breeds that develop canine glaucoma more frequently than most others.