Glaucoma: A Disease that must be Detected Early
Services Contacts Staff Info Pet Links Pet News What's New? Take a Tour Senior Pages		Glaucoma is an increase in pressure inside the eye beyond that compatible with maintenance of normal eye function. It is a major cause of blindness in people and animals. CAUSE Primary glaucoma is not associated with any other event or problem within the eye. It is usually breed related and often hereditary in nature.  Any breed of dog or cat can be affected by glaucoma. Secondary glaucoma is the result of a second event within the eye. The causes of secondary glaucoma include infection, cancer and trauma. These breeds are predisposed to Primary Glaucoma: Cocker spaniel English Springer spaniel Miniature poodle Beagle Basset hound Siberian husky Norwegian elkhound Samoyed Malamute Chow Chow Shar Pei Afghan CLINICAL SIGNS (symptoms) "Red eye" Bluish color to eye Dilated pupil Eye discharge Squinting Bulging eye Blindness - Glaucoma is a true medical emergency because blindness can easily result if not treated. DIAGNOSIS Although the history, breed, and clinical signs are all important in the determination of glaucoma, the definitive diagnosis can be made only through measurement of eye pressure using a sophisticated instrument called a tonometer. Normal eye pressure in the dog and cat is 15-25 mm Hg. Tonometry takes several measurements of eye pressure and is routinely performed in people. It is a non-painful procedure and can be performed at Metzger Animal Hospital in a matter of minutes. Treatment can be grouped into medical and surgical approaches. In acute glaucoma, immediate aggressive medical therapy is required to reduce the eye pressure to within normal range. Failure of medical therapy to lower and maintain eye pressure at a normal level indicates the need for surgical intervention and the possible referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist. TREATMENT Evaluate eye pressure as part of the routine yearly physical examination in all breeds predisposed to the development of primary glaucoma. A sustained, gradual increase in eye pressure, even if still within normal limits, is sufficient cause to initiate preventative topical therapy. PREVENTION An animal with primary glaucoma in one eye should be examined two to three times per year for eye pressure in the opposite eye. An animal with primary glaucoma in one eye can receive preventative treatment in the opposite eye. Early detection and early treatment is the only effective therapy for glaucoma if blindness is to be prevented.