Recognizing Glaucoma Symptoms in Dogs
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that affects many dogs, often leading to pain and potential blindness if not addressed quickly. Understanding the symptoms is crucial for early detection and treatment.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma develops when the pressure inside a dog's eye—called intraocular pressure (IOP)—rises because fluid (aqueous humor) can't drain properly. This pressure damages sensitive structures like the retina and optic nerve. The retina converts images into signals for the brain; the optic nerve sends those signals along. If either gets damaged, vision loss or blindness can follow.
Types and Causes
There are two main types:
- Primary glaucoma: Inherited and linked to anatomical abnormalities in the drainage angle. Breeds at higher risk include Akita, Dalmatian, Norwegian Elkhound, Alaskan Malamute, Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Beagle, Samoyed, Boston Terrier, Great Dane, Siberian Husky, and Miniature Schnauzer. It usually starts in one eye but can affect both over time.
- Secondary glaucoma: More common; caused by injury or other diseases such as uveitis (eye inflammation), bleeding inside the eye, lens luxation (dislocation), tumors, or lens damage. These problems may block fluid drainage.
Early Symptoms to Watch For
The early signs of glaucoma can be subtle—sometimes easy to miss if you’re not looking closely. Here’s what you might notice:
- Redness in the white part of the eye
- Squinting or keeping the eye partially closed
- A cloudy or bluish tint to the cornea (the clear front part of the eye)
- Watery discharge from the affected eye
As pressure increases or if glaucoma progresses:
- The eyeball may swell or bulge outward noticeably
- Pupils become dilated and don’t respond well to light changes
Your dog may also show general signs of discomfort:
- Lethargy (seeming tired or less active than usual)
- Loss of appetite
Pain is common—dogs might paw at their face or rub their eyes against furniture or carpet.
Vision Loss Signs
If vision is affected (which happens as damage progresses), you might see your dog:
- Bumping into walls or furniture
- Acting hesitant in new environments
Acute vs Chronic Glaucoma Symptoms
- Acute glaucoma comes on suddenly with rapid discomfort and visual changes.
- Chronic glaucoma develops slowly—sometimes so gradually that it goes unnoticed until vision loss is severe.
Diagnosis: What Your Vet Will Do
If you spot any of these symptoms—especially red eyes that look cloudy or swollen—don’t wait. Vets diagnose glaucoma by measuring intraocular pressure with a special tool called a tonometer. Normal IOP for dogs ranges up to about 20–28 mmHg but varies by breed and individual. Vets usually compare both eyes for accuracy. They may also use ophthalmoscopy (to look inside the eye), gonioscopy (to check drainage angles), and sometimes ultrasound.
Treatment Overview
Treatment aims to lower intraocular pressure fast—to prevent permanent damage. Options include:
- Medications: Eye drops like carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (dorzolamide), beta blockers (timolol), prostaglandin analogues (latanoprost), parasympathomimetics (pilocarpine), plus oral/injectable agents such as mannitol for emergencies.
- Pain relief: Analgesics are often needed because glaucoma hurts.
If medications can’t control symptoms or save vision—and especially if pain persists—surgery may be necessary. Surgical options range from laser therapy to shunt implantation; sometimes removal of the affected eye is recommended if nothing else helps.
Lifelong Management & Prognosis
Treating glaucoma isn’t a one-time fix—it requires ongoing management and regular veterinary checkups to monitor IOP and adjust medications as needed. Even with perfect care, many dogs eventually lose sight in one or both eyes due to this progressive disease. Fortunately, most dogs adapt well if blindness becomes permanent—they rely on other senses and can still enjoy life with support from their families.
Prevention Tips for Owners
- You can’t prevent primary (genetic) glaucoma but regular screening helps catch it early in high-risk breeds.
- Treat underlying eye problems promptly to reduce risk of secondary glaucoma.
The Takeaway: Act Quickly!
If your dog’s eyes look red, cloudy, swollen—or if you notice squinting or bumping into things—see your vet right away. Early intervention offers your dog the best chance at comfort and preserving vision as long as possible.
