Glaucoma In Dogs

Below are some answers to common questions we often get about glaucoma in dogs and cats. Click on each question for more information.

Glaucoma in dogs and other animals is a pressure build-up inside of the eye cause by trapped fluid. Like a faucet, fluid is made in the eye and drains out. When the drain narrows or clogs, fluid can’t get out of the eye and builds up, causing pressure.

Glaucoma in dogs typically causes eye redness and cloudiness. Lots of eye diseases can cause these signs, though, so it can be difficult to know if your dog has glaucoma. Glaucoma feels like a headache, so many times, dogs will not experience squinting or pawing at the eye, but may sleep more instead or not act like themselves. A full pet eye examination is important to know if your dog has glaucoma.

Testing for glaucoma is done by using a small device called a tonometer to gently touch the eye and measure pressure inside the eye.  It’s like the “puff” of air at the human eye doctor, but the pressure test can’t be felt, which is great for our pets.  If the pressures are higher than normal, we walk you through what it means and discuss the options for treatment.

Yes, glaucoma can be damaging to the delicate eye tissues because they can get damaged from all the pressure. Depending on how high the pressure is, glaucoma in dogs can cause sudden or slow blindness. It also causes migraine headaches. Because our dogs can’t tell us their head hurts or if they aren’t able to see as well, it’s important to measure the pressure to know if it is high.

Glaucoma in dogs is usually treated with eye medications, similar to how glaucoma in people is treated. Treatment of glaucoma in dogs should be done as soon as possible (within hours) to avoid continued damage to the eyes. Sometimes, glaucoma in dogs needs to be treated with a glaucoma procedure or surgery to decrease the pressure. Because we specialize in eye diseases, we will know just the right treatment approach. We will also talk to you about all your treatment options.

If you think your dog has glaucoma or any other eye problems, you should schedule an appointment at our office. 

  • Glaucoma in dogs may cause the eye to be very cloudy and red, as seen here. The pressure inside the eye is very high and this is considered a very urgent dog eye problem. This dog was blind in the eye, but the vision returned when the glaucoma was treated.
  • Glaucoma in dogs causes redness of the tissues around the eyes, as seen here. Because this is just one of the causes of eye redness in dogs, it’s important for your dog to have a full eye examination if the eye is red.
  • This dog has had her glaucoma treated. The eye is normal and she can see normally, as well. Her owners reported she is in good spirits, and able to see her toys!

We would love to meet your pet and talk with you about any eye condition your pet may have. Come visit us!

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