Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness, and treatment of glaucoma in dogs usually requires medications to help lower the pressure within the eye. Dogs with glaucoma often require treatment with eye drops to help lower the pressure within the eye, and if left untreated, this condition can lead to blindness. Glaucoma can progress quickly, so it's important to get started on treatment right away. Keep a close eye on your dog's condition and progress. This article will discuss in detail the treatment of glaucoma in dogs. If you notice any changes in their vision or behaviour, be sure to contact your vet right away.
What is glaucoma in dogs?
Glaucoma is a condition that affects the eye and can lead to blindness. It occurs when the pressure inside the eye becomes too high. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including blockage of the drainage channels or a buildup of fluid in the eye. Glaucoma is a serious condition that requires treatment. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve and lead to blindness. Treatment of glaucoma usually involves medications that lower the pressure inside the eye. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary. If your dog has been diagnosed with glaucoma, it is important to follow your veterinarian's treatment recommendations to help prevent further damage to the eye and preserve your dog's vision.
Symptoms of glaucoma in dogs
The most common symptom of glaucoma is a change in the appearance of the eye. Other common symptoms include:
- Redness to the eye
- Squinting (blepharospasm)
- Photophobia (ocular discomfort in the presence of light)
- Dilated pupil
- Ocular discharge
Treatment of glaucoma in dogs
Treatment of glaucoma usually involves medications that lower the pressure inside the eye. These medications can be administered topically (eye drops) or systemically (oral or injectable). In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to treat glaucoma. Your veterinarian will recommend the best treatment option for your dog based on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause.
Acute glaucoma therapy
Acute glaucoma is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. The goal of treatment is to lower the pressure inside the eye to prevent damage to the optic nerve. Treatment is usually performed by your veterinarian in an attempt to quickly reduce the intraocular pressures. Medications used to treat acute glaucoma include:
Prostaglandin analogs (e.g. latanoprost) - are typically given every 15 minutes for 3-5 doses.
Mannitol - is administered intravenously (IV) over a period of 45-60 minutes. Mannitol has only short-term effects (<8-12 hrs), so it isn't used for long-term management of glaucoma.
Maintenance treatment of glaucoma in dogs
Once the acute phase of glaucoma has been controlled, treatment is typically continued with one or more medications to help lower the pressure inside the eye. Medications used for long-term treatment of glaucoma include:
Prostaglandin analogs (e.g. latanoprost) - These are effective for treating primary glaucoma in dogs, both in the short and long term. Dosing every 12 hours is recommended for the best effect.
Beta-blockers (e.g. timolol) - These are used in dogs that don't respond well to treatment with prostaglandin analogs or in cases where the side effects of prostaglandin analogs are not tolerable. Timolol is typically given twice daily.
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (e.g. dorzolamide) - These are used in dogs that don't respond well to treatment with prostaglandin analogs or beta-blockers. Dorzolamide is typically given 3 times daily. This class of medications can cause irritation to the eye and local allergic reactions, especially with long-term use.
Surgery as the treatment of glaucoma in dogs
While medications are the mainstay of treatment for glaucoma, surgery may also be necessary in some cases. Surgery is typically reserved for dogs that don't respond well to medical treatment or in cases where the medications are not tolerable. The goal of surgery is to improve the outflow of fluid from the eye and lower the intraocular pressure. There are several different surgical procedures that can be used to treat glaucoma, including:
Trabeculectomy - This is the most common surgical procedure performed for the treatment of glaucoma in dogs. The goal of this surgery is to create a new drainage pathway for fluid to leave the eye.
Cyclodestructive procedures - These procedures are typically reserved for dogs with advanced glaucoma that are not responding well to medical or surgical treatment. These procedures involve destroying a portion of the eye to lower the intraocular pressure.
Surgical therapy for blind eyes as a result of glaucoma
Salvage procedures are occasionally considered for irreversibly blind eyes, especially when the intraocular pressures become refractory to the aforementioned therapies.
Enucleation - This is the surgical removal of the eye. It is typically reserved for cases where the intraocular pressure cannot be controlled and the eye is blind and painful.
Evisceration - This is a procedure where the contents of the eye are removed, leaving the white sclera intact. It may be considered an alternative to enucleation in some cases.
FAQs about treatment options for glaucoma in dogs
What is the goal of treatment for glaucoma in dogs?
The goal of treatment is to lower the pressure inside the eye to prevent damage to the optic nerve. This can be done with medication or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
How long does treatment usually last?
Treatment typically needs to be continued for the rest of the dog's life.
Are there any side effects of treatment?
Side effects can occur with any of the medications used to treat glaucoma. The most common side effects include irritation and redness of the eye. More serious side effects are rare but can include ulceration of the cornea and local allergic reactions. Surgery can also cause complications, such as infection, bleeding, and intraocular pressure that is too low.
What happens if treatment is not successful?
If treatment is not successful, glaucoma will progress and the dog may eventually go blind. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the eye if the condition cannot be controlled.
The prognosis for dogs with glaucoma
The prognosis for dogs with glaucoma depends on the underlying cause, the severity of the condition, and how early treatment is initiated. Dogs that receive prompt treatment typically have a better prognosis than those that do not. In general, the goal of treatment is to control the intraocular pressure and preserve vision. In some cases, however, the damage to the eye may be irreversible and the goal of treatment will be to make the dog as comfortable as possible.
In conclusion, glaucoma in dogs is a condition that affects the pressure inside the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness. Treatment of glaucoma in dogs typically involves the use of medications or surgery to lower the pressure inside the eye and prevent damage to the optic nerve. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preserving vision. If you notice any changes in your dog's vision or behaviour, be sure to contact your veterinarian right away.