Glaucoma in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Guide

Glaucoma in dogs is a serious eye condition caused by increased pressure inside the eye due to improper drainage of ocular fluid called aqueous humour. This increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) can damage the optic nerve and retina, leading to pain, vision loss, and potentially irreversible blindness. Understanding glaucoma helps dog owners recognise symptoms early and seek prompt veterinary care to preserve their pet's sight.

What is Glaucoma in Dogs?

Glaucoma occurs when the fluid within the eye, the aqueous humour, is produced normally but cannot drain properly. Normally, this fluid maintains the eye's shape and pressure, but when drainage fails, pressure rises and causes damage. This pressure harms delicate eye tissues like the retina and optic nerve, which are essential for vision. The condition requires urgent veterinary intervention.

Types of Glaucoma

Primary Glaucoma

Primary glaucoma is usually hereditary and arises from inherited abnormalities in the eye's drainage system. The iridocorneal angle or drainage channels are malformed or narrowed, which prevents proper fluid outflow. This type is common in certain breeds, especially those predisposed genetically or with specific anatomical features such as brachycephalic facial structure.

Breeds commonly affected by primary glaucoma include the Pug puppies, Siberian huskies, and poodles. Monitoring these breeds closely for early symptoms is particularly important to prevent vision loss.

Secondary Glaucoma

Secondary glaucoma develops as a result of other eye problems such as injury, infection, inflammation, tumours, or lens displacement. These conditions interfere with the eye’s drainage pathways, causing fluid to accumulate and pressure to increase. Unlike primary glaucoma, any breed can be affected due to the underlying cause.

Recognising Glaucoma Symptoms in Your Dog

Early detection is vital. Symptoms may vary between dogs and can overlap with other eye conditions. If you notice any of these signs, consult a vet promptly:

• Excessive blinking or squinting
• Redness or inflammation around the eye
• Cloudiness or blue-grey haze on the cornea
• Enlargement or bulging of the eyeball
• Dilated or unresponsive pupils
• Visible eye discharge, sticky or gummy eyes
• Eye pain signs: rubbing or scratching the eye, keeping the eye closed
• Reduced or loss of vision
• Sunken eyeball into the socket in advanced cases

Because glaucoma can be painful and distressing, behavioural changes like lethargy or irritability can also be indicators your dog needs urgent examination.

Diagnosis and Veterinary Care

Veterinarians diagnose glaucoma using techniques such as tonometry, which measures intraocular pressure, along with thorough eye examinations and sometimes imaging. Early and accurate diagnosis enables the best chance of preserving vision.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on whether the glaucoma is primary or secondary, the affected eye(s), and severity. Approaches include:

• Medications: Eye drops or oral drugs that reduce fluid production or improve drainage; common classes include prostaglandin analogues, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and beta blockers.
• Fluid drainage procedures: Sometimes surgical interventions like laser therapy or shunt placement help restore fluid outflow.
• Cryotherapy: Used to decrease fluid production in certain cases.
• Enucleation (eye removal): For chronic, painful, and advanced glaucoma where vision is lost; this relieves pain and improves quality of life.

Early treatment can slow disease progression and preserve sight for longer, highlighting the importance of routine veterinary checks, especially for predisposed breeds.

Preventing and Managing Glaucoma

While primary glaucoma can't be prevented due to its genetic nature, responsible breeding by using reputable breeders who screen for eye conditions helps reduce incidence. Secondary glaucoma prevention focuses on prompt treatment of eye injuries and infections to protect drainage channels.

Regular veterinary eye examinations for at-risk breeds and early intervention when symptoms appear are essential to maintain your dog's vision and comfort.

Conclusion

Glaucoma is a potentially blinding condition in dogs caused by increased eye pressure due to fluid drainage issues. Recognising early signs like eye redness, cloudiness, or changes in behaviour and seeking swift veterinary care can make a significant difference to your dog’s quality of life. Responsible breeding practices and routine eye checks remain the best defence against this disease.

For more about breed-specific risks and to find reputable breeders, visit puppies for sale at trusted UK sites.

What is glaucoma in dogs?

Quick Answer: Glaucoma in dogs is a painful eye condition caused by increased pressure inside the eye due to failure of fluid drainage, damaging vision.

It occurs when the aqueous humour builds up because the eye can't properly drain it, leading to pressure rise. This pressure injures the optic nerve and retina, crucial for sight, causing discomfort and potentially permanent blindness without timely treatment.

What are the early symptoms of glaucoma in dogs?

Quick Answer: Early signs include red or cloudy eyes, enlarged pupils, excessive blinking, eye pain, and behaviour changes like rubbing the eye or lethargy.

These symptoms indicate distress in the eye and call for immediate veterinary advice. Early diagnosis improves outcomes as treatments can reduce pressure and protect vision if started promptly.

How is glaucoma treated in dogs?

Quick Answer: Treatment involves medications to lower eye pressure, surgical drainage procedures, or in severe cases, surgical removal of the eye to relieve pain.

Common treatments include eye drops that decrease fluid production and improve drainage. Surgery may be used to help fluid outflow or remove the eye if damage and pain are severe. Regular monitoring by a vet is essential to manage this lifelong condition effectively.