Glaucoma & Cataracts

This came from a newsletter sent by Pedigree. They have a large article library on their website. Susan in Vermont

Know the symptoms of glaucoma
Glaucoma is caused by pressure in the eye, and frequently causes blindness.When the fluid builds up and can't escape, your dog's eye will become increasingly uncomfortable. Since glaucoma is such a serious condition, it's important to look for the telltale signs. If you notice any of the followingsymptoms, you should take him to your vet at once.
a. A red, cloudy-looking eye, often with discharge
b.Tipping his head to help release the pressure from the affected side
c. Keeping his eyes closed while awake
d. Pulling away when you go near him
e. Depression or loss of appetite
f. Rubbing or pawing at the affected eye


Treating Glaucoma
If your vet suspects glaucoma, the first thing the doctor will do is measure the pressure in the dog's eyes with a device called a tonometer. If the vet discovers that the pressure is high, then emergency treatment may be required to relieve the pressure and prevent loss of vision. Your vet may refer you to a veterinary opthalmologist.

Primary glaucoma, also called hereditary glaucoma, is a different condition and cannot be completely cured. There's nothing physically plugging the drain. Instead, the pressure in the eye builds up for other reasons. If your dog's breed is prone to this disease, have his eye pressure checked once a year, so any increase can be picked up and treated at once. Treating glaucoma can be expensive, and options may include surgery and/or medications.

Secondary glaucoma occurs when there are other problems in the eye that cause the fluid to build up. Treatment of the underlying cause, as well as the glaucoma itself, are necessary.

Check your dog's eyes for cataracts
A dog gets a cataract when something interferes with the protein of the eye's lens, causing it to become opaque or whitish in color. A cataract may affect just a small area or the whole lens, possibly causing blindness.


Cataracts can't be cured by medications, but if your dog's eyesight is badly affected, your vet may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist to discuss surgery to remove the cataract. Modern cataract surgery is delicate and involves a fair amount of care after the operation. However, once the cataract is removed, your dog may be able to see perfectly well again. In some cases, a vet may not recommend surgery because of the dangers the anesthetic may pose to a particularly old orat-risk animal, or because vision cannot be restored, even with surgery. The good news is that cataracts don't cause pain to your dog, so you don't have to rush into making a decision.