Pet Glaucoma in Spring, TX

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye. This condition is painful and can lead to blindness if not addressed promptly. Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing this disease.

Clinical Signs of Glaucoma

Recognizing the clinical signs of glaucoma in pets is essential for early intervention. Common symptoms include:

• Redness in the eye
• Corneal cloudiness
• Dilated pupil
• Temporary blindness

In cases of chronic glaucoma, you may notice an enlargement of the eye and permanent blindness. If you observe any of these signs in your pet, seeking veterinary care is imperative.

Causes of Glaucoma

Genetic Factors

Genetic predisposition is the most common cause of glaucoma in dogs, typically manifesting between the ages of 5 and 6. Breeds with a high incidence of genetic glaucoma include:

• Cocker Spaniel
• Basset Hound
• Miniature and Toy Poodle
• Chow Chow
• Boston Terrier
• Shar Pei
• Shih Tzu

However, any breed, including mixed breeds, can develop genetic glaucoma. Without treatment, genetic glaucoma often leads to complete blindness, affecting the second eye approximately eight months after the first.

Other Causes

In dogs, inflammation within the eye is another significant cause of glaucoma. In cats, this is the primary cause. Additional causes include:

• Lens luxation
• Intraocular tumors
• Trauma
• Chronic cataracts
• Retinal detachment

Understanding your pet’s underlying cause of glaucoma is essential for determining the most effective treatment approach.

Treatment Options for Glaucoma

Glaucoma presents a considerable challenge in veterinary medicine. The primary goal of treatment is to lower intraocular pressure to alleviate pain and preserve vision. Treatment options include medical therapy, surgery, and salvage procedures.

Medical Therapy

While medical treatment is an essential component of managing glaucoma, it is rarely effective as a standalone long-term solution. Early-stage glaucoma may benefit from medication, but long-term control of IOP and vision preservation typically require additional interventions.

Surgical Treatments

Surgical treatments are often necessary for long-term management of glaucoma. Procedures may involve the application of laser energy to reduce fluid production within the eye or placing drainage shunts to enhance fluid release. These surgeries, combined with medical therapy, have shown the most promise in controlling IOP and extending vision.

Salvage Procedures

In cases where the eye is blind and painful due to advanced glaucoma, salvage procedures may be considered. These include:

• Enucleation: Complete removal of the eye
• Ciliary body ablation: Injection of an antibiotic into the back of the eye to kill some of the cells that produce fluid in the eye

Such procedures can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life by eliminating pain.

Managing Genetic Glaucoma

For pets diagnosed with genetic glaucoma in one eye, there is a high likelihood that the second eye will be affected within eight months. However, early intervention in the unaffected eye with twice-daily medication can delay the onset of glaucoma by an average of three years. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring are essential to managing this condition effectively.