Knowing when glaucoma in dogs is an emergency

Caring for your dog means being alert to health emergencies, especially those that can cause severe pain and permanent damage like acute glaucoma. This guide helps you recognise when glaucoma in dogs is an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention, so you can act swiftly to protect your beloved pet's sight and comfort.

Understanding acute glaucoma in dogs

Acute glaucoma is a painful condition caused by increased intraocular pressure in one or both eyes, which can rapidly damage your dog’s vision and even lead to blindness. The eye's natural drainage system fails, causing fluid build-up and pressure. Immediate treatment is critical to prevent permanent damage.

Recognising emergency signs of glaucoma in dogs

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately:

• Bulging or enlarged eye: Noticeable swelling or protrusion signals dangerous pressure build-up.
• Sudden vision loss: Your dog may bump into objects or appear blind in one or both eyes.
• Intense eye redness or bloodshot appearance: Conjunctival swelling indicates inflammation and damage.
• Cloudy or bluish cornea: Corneal oedema causes a greyish haze on the eye surface.
• Persistent eye pain signs: Pawing, squinting, rubbing the head, or reluctance to open the eye.
• Fixed and dilated pupil: The pupil stays large and unresponsive to light, indicating eye dysfunction.
• Behavioural changes: Withdrawal, irritability, or distress often accompany severe eye pain.

Causes of acute glaucoma in dogs

Several underlying causes can lead to glaucoma in dogs, including genetic conditions and secondary issues:

• Certain breeds may be predisposed due to pectinate ligament dysplasia, a congenital disorder affecting eye drainage.
• Neoplasia (tumours) inside the eye can block fluid drainage.
• Lens trauma or rupture from injury causes debris to clog the drainage system.
• Severe eye inflammation like uveitis or conjunctivitis can disrupt normal fluid flow.
• Pupillary block or lens luxation may physically obstruct drainage.

Why early diagnosis and treatment matter

The window to save your dog’s vision in acute glaucoma is narrow. Intraocular pressure can rise dangerously high (>40-50 mmHg), demanding emergency medical management. Vets typically use specialised instruments like tonometers to measure eye pressure and assess damage.

Initial treatment aims to relieve pain and reduce pressure with medications such as prostaglandin analogue eye drops, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, or beta blockers. Prompt treatment not only protects eyesight but also dramatically improves your dog’s comfort and quality of life.

Delaying veterinary care risks irreversible blindness and intense, prolonged pain for your pet.

What to do if you suspect glaucoma in your dog

1. Observe your dog closely for any of the emergency signs listed above.
2. Do not attempt to touch or examine the eye yourself; this can worsen the condition.
3. Contact your veterinary surgery immediately and explain the symptoms.
4. If out of normal hours, seek an emergency veterinary hospital or ophthalmologist.
5. Follow vet instructions carefully, including administration of prescribed medications.
6. Support your dog calmly during transport to the vet to reduce stress.

Final thoughts

Acute glaucoma in dogs is a severe, painful emergency that requires quick recognition and veterinary treatment. By knowing the signs and understanding the urgency, you can give your dog the best chance at preserving their sight and avoiding unnecessary suffering. Responsible pet ownership includes staying vigilant about eye health and promptly seeking expert help when warning signs appear.

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