Symptoms of dog glaucoma, a terrifying disease that may lead to blindness

Sep 24,2024
3Min

Symptoms of glaucoma in dogs

1. The onset of glaucoma occurs quickly in 1 to 2 days, and in slower cases, it can take several months to become blind. The light reflection of the dog's eyes disappears or reacts slowly, the conjunctiva of the eyeball becomes red, painful, and the cornea is edema. Viewed from the side, the eyeballs are bulging. Measured with a tonometer, intraocular pressure increases.
2. Primary glaucoma is caused by certain structural abnormalities of the eye, which is common in some polar animals such as Siberian Husky. Others include Basset, Chow, Poodle, Maltese and Shih Tzu.
3. Secondary glaucoma caused by lens ectopia is common in Boston, Dalmatian, West Highland White Terrier, etc., with an average age distribution of 2 to 6 years old.


The causes of glaucoma in dogs

1. Primary: special breeds have a high incidence of glaucoma, such as Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, etc.
2. Secondary: some ophthalmia, uveitis, lens detachment, bleeding, etc.
3. Lens detachment causes uveitis, which affects the drainage of intraocular fluid and increases intraocular pressure.


Measures to deal with glaucoma in dogs

1. Medication to reduce intraocular pressure is effective at the beginning of the disease, but has poor effect in the later stages. 1% cortisone eye drops can be used. 2% pilocarpine eye drops, once every 6 hours (but atropine is prohibited). After that, the dog should be given an appropriate amount of potassium supplement at 2.2 to 4.4 mg/kg of body weight, transitioning from once/8 hours to once/12 hours.
2. Primary glaucoma is mostly bilateral and can be treated with drugs or surgery. Without appropriate treatment or surgery within one year of onset, approximately 40% of cases will become blind.
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