Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) that damages the optic nerve and retina, leading to vision loss. Primary glaucoma is inherited and involves abnormal drainage angle anatomy. Secondary glaucoma results from other ocular diseases. It is a painful condition requiring emergency treatment.
Symptoms & Signs
- Red, painful eye
- Cloudy cornea (corneal edema)
- Dilated, unresponsive pupil
- Enlarged eye (buphthalmos) in chronic cases
- Squinting or rubbing the eye
- Vision loss
- Lethargy and decreased appetite due to pain
Causes & Risk Factors
Primary (hereditary): goniodysgenesis (abnormal drainage angle development). Secondary: lens luxation, uveitis, intraocular tumors, hyphema, or post-surgical complications. Both types result in impaired aqueous humor outflow, causing pressure buildup.
Diagnosis
Tonometry (measuring IOP; normal 10-25 mmHg, glaucoma >25 mmHg). Gonioscopy evaluates drainage angle anatomy. Ophthalmoscopy assesses optic nerve damage. Ultrasound biomicroscopy for detailed anterior segment evaluation.
Treatment
Emergency: IV mannitol, topical prostaglandin analogs (latanoprost), carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Long-term: combination topical therapy. Surgical options include laser cyclophotocoagulation, gonioimplants, or enucleation for blind painful eyes.
Prevention
Gonioscopy screening of breeding stock in predisposed breeds. Prophylactic treatment of the unaffected eye (50% develop glaucoma within 8 months). Early treatment of predisposing conditions.
Prognosis
Primary glaucoma carries a guarded long-term prognosis for vision preservation. Many affected eyes eventually become blind despite treatment. Early aggressive treatment provides the best chance of maintaining vision.
Affected Breeds (5)
| Breed | Species | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Bouvier des Flandres | Dog | Large |
| Flat-Coated Retriever | Dog | Large |
| Vizsla | Dog | Medium |
| Welsh Springer Spaniel | Dog | Medium |
| Campbell's Dwarf Hamster | Small Mammal | Tiny |