GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma is a disease caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP).  This increased pressure in the eye affects the optic nerve and retina, resulting in loss of vision.

Glaucoma develops when the normal outflow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye is impaired.  Aqueous humor is the fluid which fills the eyeball.  It is produced in the forward chamber of the eye and drains into the blood vessels of the eye.  Primary eye disease involves a narrow or closed filtration angle and usually has a genetic predisposition.  Primary glaucoma tends to be a bilateral disease and the other eye may also become affected.  Secondary glaucoma is a result of other eye diseases such as lens luxation, anterior uveitis (inflammation), tumor, or trauma.

The following are dog breeds with a predisposition to glaucoma:  Afghan, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Basset Hound, Beagle, Border Collie, Boston Terrier, Bouvier Des Flandres, Cairn Terrier, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, Dalmation, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, English Springer Spaniel, Giant Schnauzer, Great Dane, Maltese, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Norfolk Terrier, Norwegian Elkhound, Norwich Terrier, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Poodle, Saluki, Samoyed, Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Shih Tzu, Siberian Husky, Smooth-Coated Fox Terrier, Tibetan Terrier, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Welsh Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Whippet, and Wire-Haired Fox Terrier.

The following are cat breeds with a predisposition to glaucoma:  Persians, Siamese, and some Domestic Short-hairs.  Primary disease is rare.  Secondary disease is usually seen in patients with signs of long-standing uveitis or with lens luxation.

Clinical signs of glaucoma are varied and can include pain, ocular discharge (serous/watery or mucoid), cloudy or red eye, vision loss, lens luxation in anterior chamber, dilated pupil and enlarged eye.

Diagnosis is made by painlessly measuring the intraocular pressure with a tonometer.  Normal intraocular pressure in dogs and cats is 20-30mmHg.  Glaucoma is diagnosed when IOP’s are over 30mmHg.

EARLY DETECTION IS THE ONLY WAY OF CONTROLLING GLAUCOMA.  We recommend that all at-risk breeds have intraocular pressures checked on an annual basis beginning at 3 to 4 years of age.

Glaucoma is a progressive disease that is best treated surgically, before optic nerve and retinal damage occurs.   Even with surgery, there is still a high risk of blindness.  Medical treatment, at best, slows the process down so that the eye is less painful.  Blind, painful eyes may need to be surgically removed for the comfort of the pet.

Recommend referral to ___________________________________________________.

Apply topical medication _______________________ every ______ hours to the  Left / Right eye.

Apply topical medication _______________________ every ______ hours to the  Left / Right eye.

Recommend recheck exam on _______________.

Please call us should you notice any of the following:

1. Your pet shows a sudden increased level of discomfort and pain.

2. Eye appears more reddened or cloudy.

3. Vision loss.

Note: This article is provided by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital® for informational purposes only.