Find a Veterinary Ophthalmologist
While your primary veterinarian can likely perform some of the critical functions in diagnosing glaucoma and prescribing medication, a dedicated specialist will have skills and tools available that are necessary to accurately diagnose the cause/type of glaucoma and recommend or perform more invasive treatments such surgery. Find a specialist associated with the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology here: https://www.acvo.org/ophthalmologist-search
Support Group for Diagnosed Patients
Facebook Support Group: Fannie Mae – Glaucoma – Support for dog eye diseases and Blind Dogs “A place to share information, pictures and personal stories of eye diseases or blindness your dog might have. Please feel free to ask questions, share treatments, learn training tricks or just post a cute pic of your baby.”
Reading for Patients
Article: Glaucoma in Dogs By Tammy Hunter, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM via VCA Animal Hospitals
Article: An overview of canine glaucoma by Ron Ofri, DVM, PhD, DECVO dvm360 – A veterinary ophthalmologist outlines the classification, diagnosis and treatment of a leading (and painful) cause of blindness in dogs.
Article: Glaucoma in Dogs By Kirk N. Gelatt , VMD, DACVO, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida
Article: Tonometry (Eye Pressure Testing) in Dogs – Tonometers are used to measure internal eye pressure in both humans and animals.
Commonly Used Medications:
Prostaglandin analogs – such as Latanoprost and Xalatan, increase the outflow of fluid from the eye and can help lower intraocular pressure. Latanoprost is a type of medication called a prostaglandin analog that works by increasing the outflow of fluid from the eye, which helps to lower the pressure inside the eye. It is typically administered as eye drops, and it is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by a veterinarian.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors – such as Dorzolamide, reduce the production of fluid in the eye and can help to lower intraocular pressure. Dorzolamide belongs to a class of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, which work by reducing the amount of fluid produced in the eye, thereby decreasing the intraocular pressure. Dorzolamide is typically administered as an eye drop, and it can be used alone or in combination with other medications such as latanoprost to treat glaucoma in dogs. As with any medication, it is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by a veterinarian and to monitor the dog for any potential side effects.
Beta-blockers – such as Timolol, work by reducing the amount of fluid produced in the eye, which can help lower intraocular pressure.
Alpha-agonists – such as Brimonidine, work by reducing the production of fluid in the eye and increasing the outflow of fluid, which can help to lower intraocular pressure.
Commonly Performed Surgical Procedures
Laser surgery: Laser surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a focused beam of light to reduce fluid buildup in the eye. This can be done as an outpatient procedure, and most dogs recover quickly.
Cyclophotocoagulation: This is a more invasive laser surgery that destroys the cells that produce fluid in the eye. It is usually reserved for more advanced cases of glaucoma.
Trabeculectomy: This is a surgical procedure that creates a new drainage channel in the eye to help reduce fluid buildup. It is often recommended for dogs with moderate to severe glaucoma.
Gonioimplantation: This is a newer surgical procedure that involves placing a small implant into the drainage angle of the eye to improve fluid outflow. It is most commonly used in dogs with primary glaucoma.
It’s important to note that surgery is not always the best option for every dog with glaucoma, and the decision to perform surgery will depend on the severity of the condition, the age and overall health of the dog, and other factors. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best course of treatment for your dog.