Glaucoma in Dogs & Cats

Types   Symptoms   Diagnosis   Self help

Glaucoma is typically increased pressure within the eye, and affects animals in the same way that it affects humans. Cells inside the eye produce a clear fluid called "aqueous humor" that maintains the shape of the eye and nourishes the tissues inside the eye. The eye is constantly producing more aqueous humor, and draining the excess to maintain the proper balance and eye pressure. Most cases of glaucoma occur when the drain becomes clogged, resulting in the increase in eye pressure. This can result in the stretching and enlarging of the eye, as well as eventual blindness if not treated.

A sudden rise in pressure can damage the retina (which acts like the film in a camera) and the optic nerve (which sends information from the eye to the brain). And unfortunately, the damage is permanent and irreversible, resulting in partial or total vision loss.

Primary & Secondary Glaucoma in Pets

Glaucoma is classified as either primary or secondary in animals.

Primary Glaucoma in Dogs & Cats

Primary glaucoma is an inherited condition, and is the most common cause of glaucoma in dogs, particularly American Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Chow Chows, Shar Peis, Labrador Retrievers, and Arctic Circle breed dogs (Huskies, Elkhounds, etc). Primary glaucoma is rare in cats.

Secondary Glaucoma in Dogs & Cats

Secondary Glaucoma occurs when other eye diseases cause decreased fluid drainage. Common causes of secondary glaucoma are inflammation inside the eye (uveitis), advanced cataracts, cancer in the eye, lens subluxation or luxation, and chronic retinal detachment. Glaucoma in cats is usually secondary to chronic uveitis.

Determining if your pet has primary or secondary glaucoma is important because the treatment needed and the prognosis for vision is different for each type. Veterinary ophthalmologists use slit lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and gonioscopy to determine the type and cause of glaucoma in your pet. Gonioscopy helps determine how predisposed the remaining visual eye is to develop glaucoma when primary glaucoma is suspected. This test involves placing a special contact lens on the eye, which allows examination of the drainage angle. Gonioscopy is usually performed under sedation or anesthesia.

Open & Closed Angle Glaucoma

Glaucoma is also divided into open angle and closed or narrow angle glaucoma. Narrow angle glaucoma is the most common in dogs although beagles have a high incidence of the open form. It occurs as a result of other diseases within the eye, such as inflammation, eye tumor, trauma or a displaced lens that blocks drainage.

Symptoms of Glaucoma in Dogs and Cats

  • Enlarged pupil that doesn't constrict normally in bright light.
  • Red, teary and cloudy eyes (the problem is mistaken for conjunctivitis or an eye allergy)
  • Dilated pupil
  • Cloudiness in the cornea
  • Pain, which may be exhibited by:
    • Squinting
    • Holding the eye closed or keeping the third eyelid up over the eye
    • Crying out, if eye is bumped
    • Your pet may rub at his eye with a paw, or rub his face against furniture and carpets. He may also flutter his eyelids, or squint.
  • Personality changes, such as depression, lethargy and sleepiness

Diagnosis of Pet Glaucoma

Although many veterinarians have the equipment needed to check for glaucoma, an animal ophthalmologist will be able to give you a more accurate diagnosis using a small device called a tonometer that tests the eye pressure. If the test indicates that glaucoma is present, a second test, called gonioscopy which determines if the glaucoma is the wide angle or narrow angle type. The doctor will also examine the shape and color of the optic nerve and examining the drainage channels. If the ophthalmologist finds that the pressure is elevated, or if the optic nerve looks unusual, s(he) will examine the drainage channels to determine what type of glaucoma your pet has.

Conventional Treatments

The treatment your doctor recommends will depend on the type of glaucoma your pet has. It may include: eye drops or pills to reduce the fluid pressure surgery treatments-ranging from laser treatment to removal of a blinded eye-or a combination of treatments Interestingly, the same medication is given to humans as those given to pets for glaucoma.

The important thing to remember is that immediate medical attention is needed in order to preserve your pet's eyesight, if you suspect that it has glaucoma. At the same time, though, you can support your pet's vision by giving it nutritional support.

Natural Treatments for Glaucoma in Cats and Dogs

  • CoQ10 30 as a supplement available for pets. CoQ10 30 is comprised of 100% pure pharmaceutical grade Coenzyme Q10.
  • Fatty acid blends from high-grade marine lipid concentrate rich in the Omega 3 constituents EPA and DHA.
  • Whole food concentrate for nutritional support.
  • Eyebright and bilberry, two herbs integral to holistic cataract treatment. Bilberry extract (nicknamed the "vision herb") is derived from a fruit similar to the blueberry, contains active ingredients for eye health and proper vision. The berries are rich in the antioxidant anthocyanosides, the red pigments that are beneficial in ophthalmology and vascular diseases.
  • Vitamins A, C and E have antioxidant properties which fight free radicals that can damage the lens of the eye.
  • Zinc is a mineral linked to good vision and may protect eye tissue from damaging light and inflammation. Zinc is found in healthy retinal tissue.
  • Taurine is an amino acid found to be "neuroprotective", meaning it helps protect nerves of the body from damage such as the optic nerve.
  • Quercetin is a natural antioxidant bioflavonoid that protects cells from damage by free radicals.
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid is the "universal antioxidant" because it works in both water and fatty tissues, providing antioxidant protection to all your pet's cells. It restores numerous biological functions that become diminished with aging and helps to prevent cataracts. Note: supplementing with alpha lipoic acid for cats can be toxic in high dosages, and should be limited to only 25mg per day.
  • Mixed Carotenoids contain antioxidants found in carotenoid-rich food, that is, produce that are rich in color. Two specific carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, provide antioxidant protection in the macular region of the eye and have been found to reduce the incidence of cataracts. Lutein is a carotenoid found in dark, leafy greens, is also found in the retina of healthy eyes where it acts as a shield against harmful light and may help protect the eyes against damage from ultraviolet radiation.
  • Grape Seed Extract has a high content of compounds called oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which are potent antixodiants. They provide a wide range of antioxidant benefits: supporting healthy skin, providing cardiovascular support, improving blood circulation.