Glaucoma in Dogs
If you’re a dog parent, you know how much your pup relies on you—from food and belly rubs to protection and care. But there’s one health issue many of us don’t think about until it’s too late: glaucoma.
This sneaky condition can come on suddenly and, if left untreated, lead to severe pain and even blindness. Scary, right? The good news is that by staying informed and acting early, you can protect your dog’s vision and keep them comfortable.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about glaucoma—what it is, what to watch for, and how to prevent or manage it.
What Exactly Is Glaucoma, and Why Does It Happen in Dogs?
Imagine your dog’s eye as a tiny, self-regulating system. Normally, a clear fluid circulates through the eye, nourishing tissues and draining out through special pathways. But sometimes, those pathways get blocked. The fluid builds up, creating pressure that can damage the optic nerve—the part of the eye that sends visual information to the brain. That’s glaucoma in a nutshell.
There are two main types:
- Primary glaucoma: This is genetic, meaning certain breeds are simply more prone to developing it.
- Secondary glaucoma: This type happens because of another problem, like an eye injury, infection, or inflammation. Conditions like cataracts can also trigger it.
Some breeds are at higher risk. If you’ve got a Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Beagle, Siberian Husky, or a similar breed, you’ll want to be extra vigilant.
Spotting the Symptoms: How to Know If Your Dog Might Have Glaucoma
Dogs can’t tell us when their eyes hurt, so it’s up to us to recognize the signs. Glaucoma can hit fast, sometimes within hours, which makes early symptoms easy to miss if you don’t know what to watch for.
Here’s what you should keep an eye on:
- Red, bloodshot eyes
- Cloudy or bluish tint over the eye’s surface
- Squinting or holding one eye shut
- Excessive tearing or eye discharge
- Clumsiness or bumping into objects
In more advanced cases, you might see the eye become visibly enlarged or swollen
How Vets Diagnose Glaucoma (It's Quick and Painless)
If you notice any of those symptoms, don’t wait—schedule a vet visit ASAP. Diagnosing glaucoma involves a few simple, painless tests:
- Tonometer test: The vet uses a device to measure intraocular pressure (IOP). It’s like the eye pressure test you might have had at your own eye doctor. A healthy dog’s IOP is typically between 10-20 mmHg. Glaucoma can push it well over 30 mmHg.
- Eye exam: The vet will check your dog’s eyes for any damage to the optic nerve or drainage issues.
Vets say they’ve seen too many cases where owners wait, thinking the symptoms will pass. By the time they come in, the eye is permanently damaged. Let’s not let that happen to your pup!
Treatment: Here's What Happens If Your Dog Has Glaucoma
The goal of treatment is to lower the eye pressure and protect your dog’s vision. Depending on the severity, your vet may recommend:
- Eye drops: These help reduce fluid buildup or improve drainage. You might have to apply them multiple times a day.
- Oral medications: Pills can help control pressure and reduce pain.
Surgery: In severe cases, laser procedures can improve fluid flow or reduce fluid production. - Eye removal (enucleation): The vet may recommend removal if the eye is beyond saving and causing pain.
Preventing Glaucoma: Is It Possible?
While genetic glaucoma can’t always be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Schedule regular eye exams: High-risk breeds should get routine eye checkups, especially as they age.
- Know the symptoms: Stay alert to early signs like redness, cloudiness, and clumsiness. Early intervention can save your dog’s vision.
- Treat underlying issues: Conditions like cataracts or uveitis (eye inflammation) can increase the risk of secondary glaucoma.
- Final Thoughts: Protect Your Pup’s Sight
What Natural Remedies Can Help Dogs with Glaucoma?
- Carrots: Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which helps to fix damaged eye cells, support the development of visual pigments in the retina, and protect the cells that line the eye. If you feed you dog carrots regularly, it can help to improve their eyesight.
- Blueberry: Blueberries are a great addition to your dog’s diet as they contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two vital carotenoids in maintaining good eye health. Along with that, these little berries also contain anthocyanins, which are known to enhance your dog’s nighttime vision. Additionally, the flavonoids in blueberries can help prevent your dog’s retina from degeneration, thus reducing the risk of retinal atrophy.
- Broccoli: Broccoli is great for eye health as it is rich in lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene. Boil broccoli for two minutes and serve as a side dish. Broccoli leaves contain even more beta-carotene than the stems and florets. Sulphuraphane in broccoli and broccoli sprouts protects the retina from free radical damage.
- Spinach and Kale: Spinach and Kale is a leafy green that contains lutein and zeaxanthin carotenoids. These carotenoids protect the eyes from harmful UV light and avoid dog age-related macular degeneration.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acid: Omega-3 fatty acids promote optimal eye health and reduce dog inflammation. Incorporating foods rich in omega-3s, such as salmon or flaxseed oil, can provide your furry friend with the necessary nutrients to support their eye health and overall well-being. Additionally, omega-3s have been shown to help alleviate symptoms associated with dry eye, a common condition in dogs.
- Astaxanthin: Astaxanthin reduces eye pressure by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. It also helps to protect the eyes from oxidative stress, which can exacerbate the condition. While astaxanthin can be found in small amounts in some types of seafood, supplements are also available specifically for dogs.
- Bilberry: Studies have shown that the bilberry fruit, which contains high levels of antioxidants and anthocyanins, may benefit dogs. It has been found to improve their vision in low light conditions, protect the retina from oxidative stress, and reduce intraocular pressure, which can help prevent eye diseases such as glaucoma.
Our dogs bring so much joy into our lives. The least we can do is protect their health, including their eyes. Glaucoma may sound scary, but with early action and proper care, it doesn’t have to steal your dog’s sight or happiness.
Stay observant, keep up with regular vet visits, and trust your instincts. After all, no one knows your dog better than you.
If you found this information helpful, share it with your fellow dog lovers! And don’t forget to schedule your dog’s next checkup to catch any early signs of glaucoma or other health issues.