Glaucoma in Dogs

8th September 2023 | Author Coquet Vets

 

Image: Tom Wheatley via Unsplash

 
 

Glaucoma is a progressive disease of the eye in which the pressure within the eye, called the intraocular pressure (IOP) is increased. It affects the retinal and optic nerve tissues of the eye.

Intraocular pressure is measured using an instrument called a tonometer.

Glaucoma is caused by inadequate drainage of aqueous fluid; it is not caused by overproduction of fluid. Glaucoma is further classified as primary or secondary glaucoma.

Primary Glaucoma

Primary glaucoma results in increased intra-ocular pressure in a healthy eye. Some breeds are more prone than others. It occurs due to inherited anatomical abnormalities in the drainage angle.

Dog breeds predisposed to primary glaucoma

  • Akita

  • Beagle

  • Boston Terrier

  • Chihuahua

  • Chow Chow

  • Cocker Spaniel

  • Dachshund

  • Dalmatian

  • Great Dane

  • Poodle

  • Samoyed

  • Shar pei

  • Siberian Husky

  • West Highland White Terrier

  • Whippet

  • Wire Haired Fox Terrier

Secondary Glaucoma

Secondary glaucoma is frequently seen in both dogs and cats. The most common causes of glaucoma in dogs include:

  • Uveitis (inflammation of the interior of the eye) or severe intra-ocular infections, resulting in debris and scar tissue blocking the drainage angle.

  • Anterior luxation of lens - The lens falls forward and physically blocks the drainage angle or pupil so that fluid is trapped behind the dislocated lens.

  • Tumours can cause physical blockage of the iridocorneal angle.

  • Intra-ocular bleeding - If there is bleeding in the eye, a blood clot can prevent drainage of the aqueous humour.

  • Damage to the lens - Lens proteins leaking into the eye, as a result of a ruptured lens, can cause an inflammatory reaction resulting in swelling and blockage of the drainage angle.

Signs of Glaucoma in Dogs

Common signs include:

  • Pain of the eye - holding it closed or rubbing

  • Redness - in and around the eye

  • Cloudiness

  • Eye can look like its protruding

If you notice any of these signs, please call us immediately on 01665 252 250, as glaucoma can cause total loss of vision and, on occasion, irreversible damage leads to the eye needing to be taken out.