Sight is something that many of us often simply take for granted. We are familiar with the impact that sight loss has on humans and some of us know friends or family members who are affected by sight loss. Glaucoma in humans is known as the silent sight thief, as this disease can take away a person’s vision so suddenly. Unfortunately dogs are also prone to glaucoma, so on World Glaucoma Day we thought we’d take a closer look at how dogs are affected by the disease and what can be done to help our canine friends.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition in which too much pressure builds up in the eye. When the optic nerve is exposed to this excess pressure over time it becomes damaged and can result in blindness.
Are all dogs prone to glaucoma?
Glaucoma can be seen in dogs at almost any age, but is unusual in very young dogs. Certain breeds are particularly susceptible to the disease such as Cocker Spaniels, Poodles and Samoyeds for example. Sadly 40% of those who get Glaucoma will lose their sight in the first year regardless of treatment options taken. Dogs that get primary glaucoma in one eye are highly likely to develop it in the other eye too.
There are 2 types of glaucoma. Primary glaucoma occurs in dogs with a genetic predisposition to the disease. This cannot be avoided. Secondary glaucoma occurs in dogs as a result of injury to the eye. Ensuring that a dog with an eye infection has prompt treatment can help reduce the chance of secondary glaucoma developing.
Signs to look for
If a dog has glaucoma it is likely that he will be in a lot of pain. Seek medical advice from your veterinarian if your dog is:
- Pressing his head against a hard surface
- Not interested in his food
- Not interested in normal daily activities
Treatment options
When you visit the vet your dog will probably undergo a multi-stage approach to managing this disease. A course of eye drops may be prescribed to try to reduce the pressures in the eyes. You will also be encouraged to reduce any stress that your dog may be experiencing. Using a harness to walk your dog takes strain away from the head and neck areas to help reduce pressure.
Information given in this article is not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional. Please consult a vet for advice specific to your dog.
