Glaucoma – Eye Emergency in Dogs

As a pet owner, learning how to recognize emergency situations in your dog can be lifesaving. One of such cases is glaucoma, which a severe condition whose symptoms require immediate attention.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye condition that is most common among humans. What most people don’t know, however, is that the situation is also widespread among dogs. Its acute glaucoma that’s life-threatening the reason as to why pet owners should always be alert. When this occurs, the pressure in your dog’s eye keeps increasing thus requires urgent medical intervention to save them from total sight loss.

Common symptoms of Glaucoma

As your dog’s eye condition worsens, it will reach a stage known as acute glaucoma, and that’s when they will exhibit the following signs;

i. You will notice sudden discomfort with pain

ii. They develop photophobia, which means your dog will try to avoid any form of light including natural light

iii. An uncontrollable release of tears that might get you worried

iv. Bloodshot eyes due to the congestion pressure

v. Dilution of the dog’s pupil that remains open under extreme lighting such as that of a flashlight.

vi. Lack of sensitivity on areas surrounding your dog’s eye.

vii. Changes in the cornea’s color to grey or even white.

viii. Blindness

Types of Glaucoma

There are two known types of Glaucoma, and that includes primary and secondary

a. Primary Glaucoma; this one occurs suddenly without warning and is mostly genetic. Here the condition starts in one eye before spreading to the next and is common between the ages of four to ten.

b. Secondary Glaucoma; this one occurs as a result of IOP increment leading t eye-related diseases such as tumors, cataracts, infections, inflammation, blood clots, dislocation of lens, injury scars, etc.

Glaucoma Diagnosis

Your dog requires immediate medical attention if you detect more than two symptoms from the above. Remember the longer you wait, the higher chances of total blindness. The vet will perform an eye examination and administer proper medication.

Glaucoma Treatment

The treatment for your pet will heavily depend on their condition. However, critical forms of treatments work to reduce the pain, reduce the production of fluids, trigger an increase in drainage and reduce intraocular-related pressure. The treatment can include oral medications for home use and surgical procedures for extreme cases.

Additionally, your vet will prescribe medicines for underlying issues leading to the present condition. The cost of treatment also varies with its seriousness and the vet station of your choice.

Sources: Pet Insurance Quotes, Pets For Homes, Melbourne Eye Veterinary