The animal eye is a complex system consisting of many components with different functions. One of these components,
the ciliary body inside the eye, produces a liquid called the "aqueous humor", this liquid flows
around the eye carrying various vital materials to various parts of the eye. Eventually, the aqueous humor utilizes
a vast network known as the Iridocorneal Angle of the eye, to drain the fluid away.
If more fluid is being produced than is being drained away, excess fluid
will build up inside the eye causing an often painful increase in pressure within the eye itself.
This imbalance in fluid production and drainage, and subsequent pressure produced inside the eye is known as
Glaucoma.
There are a few different types of glaucoma including open angle, closed angle, goniodysgenesis and pigmentary glaucoma. The
disease may also be characterized as Primary or Secondary. Primary Glaucoma occurs as it's own disease, whereas Secondary Glaucoma
is a product of another issue such as lens dislocation,
a detached retina, cancer or advanced cataracts, or, simply a trauma to the eye.
Regardless of the cause or classification, glaucoma can be very serious and the onset quick with little warning. If left untreated,
the high pressure within the eye can destroy the dog's eye's internal structures eventually resulting in permanent blindness.
Glaucoma often affects just one eye in the beginning, but will usually spread to both eyes eventually.
Glaucoma is rare in cats but seen more frequently in dogs. Glaucoma is often genetically inherited, particularly
among certain breeds, including but not limited to; huskies, cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, boston terriers,
norwegian elkhounds, damnations,
basset hounds, samoyeds, shar peis, cairn terriers and labrador retrievers.
But, mixed and other breeds can also develop the eye disease.
Canine Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment
Glaucoma can often be felt by your pet as an intense headache and
is believed to be more painful in dogs than it is in people, however, the symptoms are often difficult to
recognize. Their discomfort may hide itself within their behavior, including a loss of appetite, disinterest in play or
simply irritability. You can also look for changes in behavior, general vision loss,
cloudy eyes, dilated pupils, increased tearing or red, bloodshot eyes. Sensitivity to light as observed by squinting, or,
eye pain as seen by the dog rubbing on it's eyes may
also be a sign of developing Glaucoma in your pet's eye. Once severe levels are reached, glaucoma can result in
large, bulging eyes, but, by the time this symptom is seen it is often too late to save your dog's vision in that eye.
In other words, the earlier the glaucoma is diagnosed, the better the outlook for
your pet's vision.
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Treatment and expectations will vary depending upon the cause and kind of glaucoma in your particular pet, consequently
proper diagnosis is very important. There are several diagnostic methods available to
veterinary ophthalmologists, but your pet will often have to be sedated to perform the proper tests.
Once diagnosed, there are some treatments available to temporarily help your pet,
however, glaucoma is usually not considered a curable disease and surgery will often be required in the long run.
One of the first non-surgery options for glaucoma is often eye drops, such as
xalatan,
timolol or
trusopt,
which
help decrease fluid production or pressure within the eye.
An orally administered tablet, such as the diuretic
acetazolamide
or
methazolamide which helps
decrease fluid production in the eye, may also be prescribed.
If medication is not enough and surgery is necessary, the surgery chosen by your
veterinarian will often depend on how much vision is left in the eye.
If your pet's vision
is still present, ophthalmologists will often use a drainage implant surgical procedure. Another surgical option is to
inject the eye with a drug, often the antibiotic gentamicin, that will kill the affected fluid producing
cells within the eye. This procedure will usually leave the eyeball cloudy with a significant decrease in size.
Or, your veterinarian may choose to install an implant creating a semi-artificial eye.
It is important to note that surgeries that do not involve complete removal of the eye are
not 100% guaranteed and additional surgeries are sometimes required. Eye surgery procedures can be
costly. Constant monitoring and follow-up treatment are usually necessary for the lifetime of your pet.
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If permanent blindness has already occurred, the eye is sometimes removed completely and replaced with a prosthetic eye. There
are two common options regarding which prosthetic outcome to choose for your pet. One option is to install a prosthetic eyeball and
then sew the eyelids shut over it. The prosthetic eye is then left in place to prevent a sunken-in appearance at the eye socket.
The second option is to install a black prosthetic ball and leave the eyelids open. Your pet will not be able to see out of
this eye but they will be able to move it as well as blink around it.
Preferably, your pet's glaucoma can be diagnosed early enough to avoid eye removal. Glaucoma is the leading cause of
blindness in dogs and it should be considered a very serious condition in your pet. Glaucoma can also cause irreversible damage
very quickly in your pet, sometimes within hours. Consequently, we advise playing it safe, always
take your dog to an experienced veterinarian ophthalmologist
immediately upon noticing any signs of potential glaucoma.
Always Visit With Your Veterinarian First
It's important to buy the right health products for your specific pet's special needs. Pet medicines can also have certain risks
and side effects that you need to discuss thoroughly with your Veterinarian before you decide which meds to buy.
Buying pet medications online is a great way to save money & add a little convenience to your busy life.
However, it is not meant to be a replacement for visiting your local veterinarian to obtain advice
and prescriptions suited to your pet's specific medications needs.
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