As in most conditions, prevention is always preferable to treatment. Unfortunately, glaucoma in dogs is a condition that is predisposed hereditarily in some breeds and absolute prevention of the clinical signs of glaucoma is not possible. For that reason, early treatment is of paramount importance as it provides a better chance in maintaining eyesight for longer.
What Is Glaucoma in Dogs?
The medical term glaucoma is used to describe the increase in pressure in a dog’s eye. Glaucoma is a condition that can develop due to a variety of conditions, some of which are hereditary and can be passed down from one generation to other, while other factors, such as trauma to the eye, inflammation of the eye, surgery of the lens of the eye, growths of the eye or growths affecting other parts of the body that metastasise to the eye lead to secondary glaucoma.
The way that glaucoma develops is very similar in all these cases and is associated with inability of the fluid generated in the eye, called aqueous, to exit the eye. However, depending on the type of glaucoma some conditions can be more amenable to treatment compared to others. In addition, depending on the type of glaucoma, one or both eyes may be affected.
Why Early Treatment of Glaucoma Is Critical?
The eye is built to withstand a certain degree of pressure within. Once the pressure starts to increase over a certain range, the structures of the eye start to sustain irreversible damage, especially the optic nerve, which after a certain point becomes irreversible.
This is the main reason that early intervention and treatment of glaucoma in dogs, aiming to reduce the pressure back to normal levels, protects the eye from ongoing damage. If glaucoma is not treated early and targeted, end-stage glaucoma occurs in a very short period of time in most cases.
Early Warning Signs of Glaucoma in Dogs
The signs of glaucoma in dogs, at least at the very early stages, can be insidious and pet owners should be vigilant to pick small changes and alterations in their pet’s behaviour and appearance of the eyes as early detection can make a huge difference in the progression of the disease and our treatment options.
The most important changes that should never be ignored are a severely red and congested eye, clouding over the surface of the eye, keeping their eyes shut or the third eyelid coming across the surface of the eye and changes in the size of the pupil (appearing bigger compared to the other eye).
How Veterinary Eye Specialists Diagnose Glaucoma
Diagnosis of glaucoma in dogs is based on a combination of a thorough examination by an ophthalmology specialist, in addition to certain diagnostic tests which are performed at the time of the appointment.
The most common and most important test to be performed is called tonometry, which estimates the pressure in a dog’s eye. Special equipment is required for this test and is not available at all veterinary practices.
In addition to tonometry, examination of the unaffected eye by a procedure called gonioscopy can be used as a predictive test to understand if there is a risk of glaucoma developing in the other eye.
How Vet Eye Care Can Help Manage & Treat Glaucoma
At Vet Eye Care our ophthalmologists are trained and being trained to the highest standards and we are equipped with all the required kit to be able to perform these tests and diagnose glaucoma early in dogs.
In addition to diagnosis, we are able to offer treatment with medical drops or surgical procedures on the spot, ensuring that no time is lost and the best outcome is achieved for your dogs.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams in pets
Regular eye tests are extremely important in pets and should be part of the routine annual examinations. This includes not only measuring the eye pressure, which is a test for the diagnosis of glaucoma, but also assessing your dog’s vision, tear production and monitoring the health of the eyes over the years or the early development of conditions, such as ulcers and high pressure in the eyes.
If you are concerned about your dog’s eyesight we would recommend a review with an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Request an appointment and get in touch with one of our specialised ophthalmologists. Also, feel free to explore our prices. Your pet’s health is in good hands!