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How to Treat Glaucoma in Dogs: Clinical Insights and Case Experience
Introduction
Canine glaucoma is both painful and sight-threatening. Understanding glaucoma in dogs treatment requires a combination of clinical knowledge and practical decision-making. This article reviews pathophysiology, early warning signs, diagnostic protocols, and highlights a veterinary case to illustrate how to treat glaucoma in dogs when the condition is advanced.
Pathophysiology
Glaucoma is caused by imbalance between aqueous humor production and outflow. Chronic pressure damages retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve fibers. In dogs, progression is rapid compared to humans, making immediate intervention essential.
Symptoms of Glaucoma in Dogs
- Eye redness with engorged scleral vessels
- Corneal edema with cloudy appearance
- Dilated, unreactive pupil
- Eye enlargement (buphthalmos)
- Sudden blindness
- Pain indicators: pawing, depression, avoidance of light
These symptoms of glaucoma in dogs are often first recognized by observant owners.
Diagnostic Evaluation
- Tonometry confirms elevated IOP.
- Fundus exam shows optic disc cupping.
- Gonioscopy reveals angle anomalies.
- Ultrasound helpful when cornea opaque.
Glaucoma in Dogs Treatment
Emergency Management
- IV mannitol
- Topical prostaglandin analogs (latanoprost)
- Topical dorzolamide + timolol combination
Long-Term Therapy
- Continued topical medication
- Prophylactic therapy in the contralateral eye
Surgical Options
- Laser cyclophotocoagulation
- Shunt implantation
- Enucleation if vision lost and pain uncontrolled
Case Study: Secondary Glaucoma from Uveitis in a Labrador Retriever
Patient: 10-year-old spayed female Labrador
History: Chronic anterior uveitis, sudden worsening with corneal haze and severe discomfort
Exam:
- IOP: 72 mmHg OD
- Vision absent
- Uveitic flare with posterior synechiae
Treatment: - Mannitol infusion + topical dorzolamide
- Pain control with oral NSAIDs
- Enucleation performed due to irreversibility
Outcome:
Dog recovered well post-enucleation, pain eliminated. Left eye monitored closely with prophylactic therapy.
Prognosis
Even with treatment, many dogs lose vision. The focus is ensuring comfort, preventing unnecessary suffering, and protecting the unaffected eye.
Conclusion
Glaucoma in dogs is a progressive, destructive disease. Recognizing the symptoms of glaucoma in dogs and knowing how to treat glaucoma in dogs with medical and surgical approaches allows veterinarians to preserve quality of life even when vision cannot be saved.