Several diseases can affect the eyes of dogs and one of them is canine glaucoma. As with humans, this is a very serious disease that needs to be treated with caution, since depending on the severity of the case it can even leave the dog blind. Therefore, it is important to know how to recognize the symptoms of this pathology, causes and how to treat it.glaucoma in dogs, we talked to veterinarian Thiago Ferreira, who specializes in ophthalmology in Florianópolis. See what he clarified about the disease below!

Glaucoma in dogs: understand what the disease is

According to the veterinarian, canine glaucoma is a syndrome that causes degeneration of the optic nerve and is associated with increased intraocular pressure. The manifestation of this disease in the dog's eye occurs, mainly, with redness around the eyes, blueness of the cornea and, depending on the severity of the situation, with an increase in the size of the eye. "The cornea is a lens that is located in the eye.When it is transparent, it is possible to see the iris, which is the colored part of the eye. When it is edematous, it takes on a bluish color and this is typical in glaucoma", explains Thiago.

The causes behind canine glaucoma

Glaucoma in dogs can occur in a primary or secondary form. In the first case, the veterinarian points out that the causes are associated with anatomical deformities in the drainage system of a liquid present inside the eye, called aqueous humor. It is a condition that has a hereditary character, that is, it is usually passed from parents to the puppy. In secondary glaucoma, other causes also occurcan interfere with drainage: "The causes can be due to cataracts in very advanced stages, inflammation or even tumors that can grow inside the eyes".

Glaucoma: which symptoms can dogs develop?

It is not difficult to notice glaucoma in dogs. Usually, the animals have a different coloration in the eye area, which can become bluish or reddish around (sometimes even inside). In addition, puppies can also tear excessively and, in more severe cases, there is also an enlargement of the eyeball. "Pain is also common and the canine patient manifests it by rubbing his face againstIn addition, sometimes the dog simply becomes apathetic and stops eating," warns Thiago.

Glaucoma in dogs: how is the disease diagnosed?

When you notice one or more symptoms of glaucoma in dogs, it is essential to take your four-legged friend for a consultation with a veterinarian, preferably with a specialization in ophthalmology. Only then will it be possible to make the correct diagnosis of the disease, which, according to Thiago, should be done through an ophthalmological examination, tonometry (measurement of intraocular pressure) and the"Assessment of the optic nerve, when possible, is also important to assess damage to this important structure," he says.

Eye diseases in dogs: photos to identify glaucoma

12 breeds most predisposed to developing canine glaucoma

1) English and American Cocker Spaniel

2) Sharpei

3) Chow-chow

4) Shih Tzu

5) Siberian Husky

6) Giant and Miniature Schnauzer

7) Fox terrier

8) Beagle

9) Akita

10) Basset Hound

11) Boston terrier

12) Poodle

Eye drops for glaucoma in dogs work up to a point

First of all, it must be borne in mind that canine glaucoma is a very complicated disease to deal with. According to Thiago, unfortunately the eye drops for glaucoma in dogs have an effect to a certain extent, and the treatment of this disease in the dog's eye can vary from medications to surgical interventions. "Those responsible should be advised of the advantages and disadvantages of allthe options, but unfortunately the disease can evolve to the removal of the patient's eye, or to complementary treatments such as the placement of prostheses ", he explains.

Glaucoma in dogs: is it possible to prevent the disease?

If your puppy was born with a genetic eye defect, it is quite difficult to prevent canine glaucoma from manifesting itself. However, as Thiago suggests, it is possible to perform early and detailed examinations, such as tonometry, gonioscopy or even a more advanced examination, called ultrasonic biomicroscopy, which help to detect signs of this disease in the dog's eye. With theEarly detection makes it easier to start treatment early and helps prevent glaucoma from manifesting itself too aggressively. Talk to a trusted veterinarian!