What Happens If Glaucoma Is Left Untreated in Dogs?
Glaucoma is a serious ocular condition in dogs that can result in chronic pain and permanent vision loss if not addressed promptly. This disease occurs when the fluid in a dog’s eye, known as aqueous humor, fails to drain correctly, causing a dangerous buildup of intraocular pressure (IOP). Let’s explore the causes, consequences, and urgent need for timely treatment of glaucoma in dogs.
Understanding Glaucoma in Dogs
Glaucoma occurs when the normal drainage of aqueous humor through the
iridocorneal angle becomes impaired. This isn't due to increased fluid production, but insufficient outflow. The resulting pressure damages crucial eye structures, primarily the
retina and
optic nerve. These parts are essential for translating and transmitting visual information to the brain.
There are two main types of glaucoma in dogs:
- Primary Glaucoma: Inherited and linked to anatomical defects within the eye's drainage angle. This type often affects specific breeds such as Akitas, Beagles, and Cocker Spaniels.
- Secondary Glaucoma: Triggered by other ocular issues, including uveitis, trauma, or lens displacement. It is the more common form.
The Consequences of Untreated Glaucoma
Untreated glaucoma can cause devastating and irreversible consequences for your pet’s vision and overall quality of life:
- Permanent Vision Loss: Elevated IOP damages the optic nerve and retina, leading to blindness that cannot be reversed once nerve tissues are destroyed.
- Chronic Eye Pain: Dogs often experience significant discomfort. Signs include eye rubbing, pawing at the face, and general behavioral changes.
- Ocular Structural Damage: Continued pressure can lead to globe enlargement, corneal cloudiness, and lens displacement.
- Loss of Appetite and Lethargy: Pain and inability to see properly could cause dogs to lose interest in food or become less active.
Signs That Indicate Glaucoma
Recognizing early warnings is key. Some signs to look for include:
- Redness or bloodshot appearance of the eye
- Cloudiness or bluish tint of the cornea
- Squinting or excessive blinking
- Swelling or bulging of the eyeball
- Dilated pupils unresponsive to light
- Disorientation or bumping into furniture
Diagnosis and Monitoring
Veterinarians diagnose glaucoma based on increased intraocular pressure readings using a
tonometer. Normal IOP in dogs ranges from 20–28 mmHg. They may also use:
- Ophthalmoscopy to inspect the optic nerve and retina
- Gonioscopy to assess the drainage angle
- Ultrasounds to identify any other structural damage
A comparison with the opposite eye is often crucial for accuracy.
Treatment Options
Timely and appropriate treatment is essential to manage glaucoma:
- Topical medications: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (like dorzolamide), beta blockers (like timolol), and prostaglandin analogues (like latanoprost) help lower IOP.
- Systemic drugs: Oral medications or injections such as mannitol can rapidly reduce eye pressure in emergencies.
- Pain management: Analgesics to improve comfort.
- Surgical interventions: Laser therapy, shunt implantation, or enucleation (eye removal) may be necessary if other treatments fail.
Prognosis and Lifelong Management
Even with prompt intervention,
glaucoma is progressive. Most affected dogs experience vision decline and may ultimately become blind. However, dogs generally adapt well to blindness and can live happy lives with supportive care.
Is Glaucoma Preventable?
- Primary glaucoma cannot be prevented, but early screenings in at-risk breeds can help delay its onset.
- Secondary glaucoma may be preventable by promptly treating predisposing eye conditions and preventing trauma.
Final Thoughts
Glaucoma in dogs is a serious condition that demands immediate veterinary attention. Untreated, it results in pain and irreversible blindness. With prompt diagnosis, treatment, and continuous management, it's possible to preserve your dog’s comfort and vision, delaying or preventing total vision loss. If your dog is showing any signs of eye problems, don't wait — early intervention is critical.
