Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can potentially result in total blindness. Glaucoma is an increased pressure inside the eye which is incompatible with the health of the eye. Glaucoma occurs when fluid withing the eye cannot exit causing the pressure to rise. Breeds commonly affected include Afghan hound, Cocker spaniel, Beagle, Chow Chow, Basset hound, Dalmatian, terrier breeds, Shar Pei and other breeds.
There are two types of Glaucoma:
Primary Glaucoma occurs without other eye diseases or injury. Females are reported to be more predisposed to primary glaucoma in such breeds as American Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Cairn Terrier, Chow Chow, English Cocker Spaniel, Samoyed, and Siberian Husky. Male Australian Cattle dog and St Bernard are more frequently affected than female dogs.
Secondary Glaucoma occurs with some other eye diseases inside the eye such as inflammation, injury, or tumor. Secondary glaucoma associated with cataract formation represent 81% of all the canine secondary glaucomas. Breeds predisposed to secondary glaucoma and cataracts include American Cocker Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodle, English Springer Spaniel, Bichon Frise, and Labrador Retriever. The other forms of secondary glaucoma occur less frequently, and include those glaucomas with lens luxation or displacement and after cataract surgery. Glaucoma usually is dignosed in dogs between 4 and 10 years of age.
Signs of Glaucoma include red eye, cloudy eye, enlarged/swollen eye, pain(squinting, discharge from the eye, depression, loss of appetite, dilated (large) pupil and trembling.
 If the disease is caught early, many dogs respond to medical and surgical treatment. However, most dogs with primary glaucoma will lose their vision over time. Additionally, these dogs may develop glaucoma in the other eye. Yearly pressure measurements are recommended.
Treatment of Acute Glaucoma requires emergency treatment and is based on lowering pressure within the eye to a normal range. Medical treatment of glaucoma is first attempted. The medication is used to decrease intraocular fluid production and to increase drainage of the fluid from within the eye. This medical treatment can consist of intravenous medication, oral medication, and/or eyedrops.
If medical treatment is not effective, then surgical treatment may be considered. surgical treatment may consist of procedures to decrease fluid production within the eye (laser surgery) or implantation of valves to remove fluid from the eye. dogs with controlled glaucoma will need to have their pressure measured every 2-3 months, or as directed. Therapy is life long.
Dog breeds that are predisposed to glaucoma
References:
College of Veterinary Medicine (OSU), Comparative Ophtalmology Service
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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