Glaucoma is an excess of fluids retained in internal parts of the eye, which produce pressure, pain and can even seriously hinder our dog’s vision.
There are several types of glaucoma and different degrees of severity, so it is interesting that you know how they originate, what are its symptoms and if it has any type of cure. Ready @? Let’s go there.
Index of contents
- 1 What is glaucoma?
- 2 Why does glaucoma come out?
- 3 What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
- 4 How is the treatment to cure glaucoma?
- 5 What care does a dog with eye glaucoma need?
What is glaucoma?
Canine glaucoma is a excess fluid in the internal areas of the eye. This is because the dog’s body does not have enough time to drain intraocular fluids and accumulate.
The consequence of this dysfunction is a considerable increase in pressure inside the eye, which can affect both the optic nerve and the retina.
Why does glaucoma come out?
Sometimes glaucoma appears from hereditary causes, while other times it is the consequence of a primary disease. In the latter case, the prognosis is usually better. Further, you have to differentiate between two types of glaucoma in dogs : the acute and the chronic.
The incidence increases with age, making it more common in dogs and adults, although it may appear due to genetic causes. You should know that certain breeds, like the Cocker, the Maltese Bichon or the French bulldog, they have one greater predisposition to develop this problem.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
When glaucoma occurs, there may be no visible signs in the early stages. The dog is undergoing a progressive reduction of his visual field, but it adapts without causing excessive problems.
However, when it is already advanced or a acute attack glaucoma, the symptoms are very evident:
- The dog experiences severe pain in the affected eye.
- Very red eyes.
- Blurry vision.
- Tears excessively.
- Vomits.
- The eye has a fixed and expressionless appearance, due to the dilation of the pupil and the tarnished appearance of the cornea.
- Dog behavior can be more aggressive.
If you suspect that a dog may have such a problem, get him to the vet as soon as possible so he can get a good look at it.
How is the treatment to cure glaucoma?
Glaucoma treatment will depend on the state of each dog, although the vet will normally recommend applying a specific eye drop to keep the intraocular fluid under control.
The specialist can also prescribe pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs, especially when glaucoma is causing severe pain.
In certain cases, this may not be sufficient and the possibility of operating the dog may arise. In fact, there are specialized centers that perform this procedure through laser technology.
What care does a dog with eye glaucoma need?
In addition to following the veterinaryn’s recommended treatment to the letter, the dog with glaucoma will need a series of extra care and attention that will help him feel better.
The main recommendations are:
- Make all the cures and be very attentive to the evolution of glaucoma and the state of the other healthy eye, which could also develop this same problem.
- Prevents the dog from wearing a collar, as this element increases intraocular pressure.
- You can also try some home remedies for canine glaucoma. These are not substitutes for drug treatment at all, but they can alleviate symptoms.
All these cares must be done correctly so that they are not counterproductive. Therefore, the best advice is to consult the vet for any questions you have about how to care for your dog if he has glaucoma.