Glaucoma Treatment for Dogs and Cats
Glaucoma is an increase in pressure inside the eye that is aggressive, painful, and often blinding. Time is critical. At Animal Eye Clinic, Dr. Robert M. Gwin, a former National Institutes of Health research fellow who studied primary glaucoma in dogs, provides urgent medical and surgical glaucoma care at our Tulsa and Oklahoma City offices.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with a blockage of the eye’s drainage system for aqueous humor, the fluid that maintains the shape of the eye and nourishes the lens and cornea. When fluid can’t drain properly, pressure builds and damages the optic nerve and retina.
Glaucoma is categorized as primary, meaning inherited, or secondary, meaning it is caused by another problem in the eye. Secondary glaucoma can occur from infection, trauma, inflammation such as uveitis, lens luxation, or complications of cataracts. Primary glaucoma can occur in one or both eyes, and if it starts in one eye, the second eye often becomes involved within days, weeks, or months.
Several breeds of dogs are known to have inherited glaucoma, including Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Shar Peis, and Border Collies.
Signs of Glaucoma
- A red, cloudy, or bluish eye
- Squinting, tearing, or eye pain
- A dilated pupil that doesn’t respond to light
- An enlarged or bulging eye
- Sudden loss of vision
Basset Hound Glaucoma
This is the most aggressive glaucoma we see. If one eye develops glaucoma, it can become cloudy, red, painful, and blind within one to four days. Do not wait for the second eye to become involved. If your Basset Hound shows any signs of glaucoma, call us immediately.
Glaucoma Treatment
Medical Therapy
Medical therapy for acute glaucoma may include intravenous mannitol, an osmotic diuretic that pulls fluid out of the eye much like a water pill. Topical medications are used to decrease the production or increase the outflow of aqueous humor. This therapy must be specific and aggressive to bring eye pressure into the normal range of 10 to 20 mm of mercury. Intraocular pressure needs to be checked at every evaluation, because if pressure is not carefully monitored, loss of vision is almost inevitable.
Surgical Therapy
As with medical therapy, surgical treatment for glaucoma is very involved. Surgery either decreases the production of aqueous humor, such as with cyclocryo surgery or ciliary body ablation, or increases its outflow to bring the pressure down. If pressure is poorly controlled and vision is lost, enucleation or an intraocular prosthesis can relieve pain and provide long-term comfort. Learn more about our surgical procedures.
Glaucoma FAQs
Is glaucoma an emergency in pets?
Yes. Glaucoma can cause permanent blindness within hours to days, so a red, cloudy, or painful eye should be seen immediately.
Which dog breeds are prone to glaucoma?
Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Shar Peis, and Border Collies are among the breeds known to have inherited glaucoma.
Will glaucoma affect both of my dog’s eyes?
Primary glaucoma often affects the second eye within days, weeks, or months after the first, so preventive monitoring and treatment of the other eye are important.
What is normal eye pressure for a dog?
Normal intraocular pressure is generally 10 to 20 mm of mercury.
Can glaucoma be cured?
Glaucoma usually can’t be cured, but it can often be controlled with aggressive medical therapy and, when needed, surgery.
What if my pet has already lost vision from glaucoma?
If the eye is blind and painful, enucleation or an intraocular prosthesis can eliminate pain and keep your pet comfortable.
How often will my pet need eye pressure checks?
Eye pressure is checked at every visit, and the schedule depends on how well the pressure is controlled.
Act Fast to Protect Your Pet’s Vision
If you suspect glaucoma, call (918) 632-0508 (Tulsa) or (405) 751-3821 (Oklahoma City) right away. Time is critical.