Glaucoma is a common disease that affects the eyes of generally older individuals. The eye continuously develops new fluid replacing the old. When the old fluid cannot escape from within the eye through normal drainage, the resulting condition is called glaucoma.

Several dog breeds are predisposed to some of the problems associated with glaucoma including cocker spaniels, terrier breeds, poodles, and basset hounds. Although it may affect pets at any age, it is usually diagnosed in middle-aged dogs, approximately four to six years old.

An eye affected with glaucoma may be red, swollen, sore, or become clouded in appearance. There are two types of glaucoma seen in dogs: Primary glaucoma occurs when the drainage system is formed incorrectly and secondary glaucoma occurs when an animal has a normal drainage system, but that drain is blocked.

Your vet can perform routine assessment of your pet’s eye pressure with a fairly straightforward procedure. Since the most common time for inset of symptoms is between the ages of four and six, this is the time to establish an eye baseline.

If a pet is diagnosed to have glaucoma, immediate treatment is necessary to prevent the animal from going blind. Medication in the form of drops and/or pills may be used or in some cases, a surgical procedure is recommended.

Veterinary ophthalmologists have special training in the appropriate surgical procedures. You can learn additional information about canine eye care and treatement at the Animal Eye Care site.

Animal Eye Care

Posted by Barbara.