Certain conditions that commonly affect our pets’ eyes can be slowly progressive and develop gradually over the years either due to an underlying problem or due to old age.
Unfortunately, glaucoma is a condition that can develop and progress very rapidly and, even in a matter of days or even hours, lead to devastating complications and end-stage changes to the eye.
Is Glaucoma in Dogs Always Fast-Progressing?
Glaucoma in dogs is classified as primary or secondary, depending on the underlying problem leading to the increase in pressure in the eyes. Unfortunately, glaucoma in dogs is in most cases fast-progressing, or at least perceived to be fast-progressive, because they cannot express the symptoms they are experiencing to us, and we have to be based on the signs they show us.
In some cases, these signs appear very rapidly making glaucoma present as a fast-developing and fast-progressing condition.
Acute vs Chronic Glaucoma in Dogs
The terminology acute glaucoma is used to describe a rapid, almost instant, increase in pressure in a dog’s eye while the term chronic is used to describe a more gradual and slowly progressive condition. In most cases, dogs suffer from the former type of glaucoma and develop signs of a problem very acutely, even overnight.
Chronic cases of glaucoma are most commonly associated with underlying conditions, an example of which is ocular melanosis in Cairn Terriers. The definition of chronic glaucoma is also used for dogs who suffer from this condition for a prolonged period of time, without receiving any medication.
We must remember that in the vast majority of cases glaucoma is a painful condition and should not be ignored or left to become chronic.
Typical Timeline of Glaucoma Progression
The progression and timeline of the changes of glaucoma in dogs depends on two main factors, our ability to recognise the changes early and the owner’s commitment to treatment. In most cases, glaucoma develops very rapidly, almost overnight, in dogs.
If glaucoma is recognised early and treated adequately with either medical drops or surgical procedures, the progression is usually slow and, although the pressure inside the eye can become increased once again in the months to come, adjustment of the treatment protocol can maintain an eye visual, comfortable or both for a prolonged period of time.
Glaucoma is a condition that requires commitment from the owners, consistent monitoring and commitment to treatment. However, in cases where glaucoma is not amenable to medical or surgical therapies, its progression, rapid increase in pressure and secondary pain and discomfort is inevitable, and this is something that can occur in a matter of days or even hours.
What Influences the Speed of Progression?
The speed of progression of glaucoma in dogs is influenced by the severity of the underlying abnormality of the drainage system of the eye, i.e., how “blocked” this system is and by the aetiology leading to glaucoma in the first place.
Some cases can be slowly progressive as the structure of the draining system changes over time (usually over years) while other cases associated with complete blockage of the draining system of the eye, injuries, bleeding or inflammation can progress dramatically and lead to problems within a matter of hours.
Can Treatment Slow Down or Stop Progression of Glaucoma?
Stopping the progression of glaucoma in dogs in most cases is not possible, and end-stage changes develop in most cases. However, in cases where a primary underlying problem, such as bleeding or a growth in the eye, can be addressed effectively and treated completely, progression of glaucoma can be stopped.
However, in the largest proportion of cases our aim is to slow down the progression of the pressure increase.
What Dog Owners Should Expect After Diagnosis
After diagnosing the condition, our ophthalmologists will formulate a tailored plan for the treatment of your dog’s condition combining drops, procedures and surgical options and discussing the long-term management and review appointments.
When Glaucoma Becomes an Emergency
If you are concerned that your dog is experiencing signs of glaucoma, you should contact your vets and arrange an emergency appointment.
Addressing the problem early is of utmost importance and your vets can liaise with our specialists to formulate a plan for the initial treatment, before an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists is arranged.