Glaucoma is a condition that commonly affects dogs. Certain breeds can be more predisposed to this condition; however, any dog is at risk of developing glaucoma. In humans suffering from glaucoma one of the early symptoms described can be migraines and headaches.
Dogs are unfortunately not able to communicate their symptoms to us, and we must be based on certain signs to diagnose these conditions.
Why Proper Diagnosis of Glaucoma Matters
Diagnosis of glaucoma is paramount as in certain cases it will:
- Prolong vision and delay the damage caused by end-stage glaucoma in dogs
- Ensure your dog remains pain-free following diagnosis and management of glaucoma
- Allow us to monitor and offer targeted treatment to delay or prevent the same problem affecting your dog’s other eye
- Help your dog adjust to their changing needs, especially if they have lost their eyesight
Clinical Signs of Glaucoma That Lead to Diagnostic Testing
Certain signs should raise your concerns and prompt you to arrange a review with your local vets to assess if your dog might be suffering from glaucoma. Glaucoma can, in some cases, develop overnight while in other cases is a more progressive disease.
Despite the onset of the problem, there are certain signs which should not be missed or ignored at home. If you dog is experiencing one or multiple of the signs described below, we would recommend an urgent appointment with your veterinary care provider
- Squinting excessively in one or both eyes
- Showing signs of excessive redness affecting the white part of the eye
- One, or both, eyes appear to be “bulging” and seem enlarged
- The cornea (surface of the eye) is clouded or blue
- Your dog is suddenly struggling to navigate and acting blind
- The pupil of the eye is large (dilated) and not constricting when a bright light is shone to the eye
- The third eyelid (pink membrane at the middle corner of the eyes) is elevated and covering the eye(s)
The 5 Key Tests Used to Diagnose Glaucoma in Dogs
A variety of tests are available to allow vets and veterinary ophthalmologists to screen dogs for glaucoma. The first test performed upon arrival at the clinic and examination of your dog is called the “menace response” which assesses your dog’s vision.
Once we have established if your dog can see or not, we will then perform additional tests to narrow down the problem and establish if your dog is suffering from glaucoma or a different condition. Part of our referral ophthalmic examinations involve:
- Assessing the light reflexes of the eye
- Measure the intraocular pressure of the eye with a device called tonometer
- Review the iridocorneal angle of the eyes (this is the part responsible for the normal outflow of fluid from the eye)
- Perform serial measurements of the pressure of the eye (intraocular pressure curve)
- Perform advanced, high frequency scans of the iridocorneal angle of the eyes (high resolution ultrasound scan)
How Long Does Diagnosis Take?
In the majority of the cases, assessment of the problem and diagnosis of the condition takes place during the consultation appointment. Following diagnosis of the problem and establishing what is the extent of the damage to the eye (early or late-stage glaucoma), treatment options will be discussed at the same time, and a plan will be formulated.
In cases of secondary glaucoma, additional tests and investigations might be required which can lead to a slightly longer time prior to reaching a conclusive diagnosis.
When to Seek Urgent Veterinary Help
Glaucoma can, unfortunately, lead to irreversible blindness in a very small period of time (even within hours) and the window of opportunity to treat the problem adequately and maintain your dog’s sight is very small.
If you notice any of the signs described in this article, we urge you to seek immediate veterinary help. Request an appointment and get in touch with one of our specialised ophthalmologists.
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