Glaucoma isn’t just a problem that humans have to deal with; our four-legged canine friends also have to contend with this disease. The good news is that conscientious dog owners can take steps to protect their pets’ vision.
At-Risk Breeds
Some breeds of dog are more likely to develop glaucoma than others. T following breeds tend to be affected by this ocular problem at relatively high rates:
• Samoyeds
• Cocker Spaniels
• Poodles
• Siberian Huskies
• Chow Chows
• Boston Terriers
• Great Danes
Spotting the Symptoms
As with people, dogs with glaucoma experience internal eye pressure and vision loss. The front of the eye can take on a cloudy appearance, and the eyeball itself might even begin to recede into the dog’s head. Other symptoms include frequent eye blinking, dilated pupils and blood vessels in the whites of eyes.
It can be difficult for owners to identify the onset of glaucoma in dogs. Minor injuries to eye could possibly signify that something is amiss. When trying to diagnosis glaucoma, veterinarians will usually rely on a tonometer, enabling them to measure your dog’s internal eye pressure. In cases where the disease has rapidly developed, your vet might advise you to seek the input of a veterinary ophthalmologist, who can perform a more detailed analysis.
