GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness in dogs. It is characterized by
increased pressure within the eye. The increased intraocular pressure can lead to
irreversible damage to the eye and loss of vision. Any problem that increases the fluid
pressure inside the eye can cause glaucoma. This can be due to overproduction of the
fluid, but most often the pressure rises due to inadequate drainage of the intraocular
fluid.
Signs of glaucoma include a reddened conjunctival tissue (red eye), weeping, light
sensitivity, and eventually enlargement of the eye. As pressure increases, the pupil can
become dilated and the cornea cloudy. In the earliest stages, the owner of the dog may
notice that the eyes have a glassy look or seem to be dilated more than normal for the
amount of light available. At this point, the eye should be evaluated by a veterinarian
who can measure the pressure in the eye. Intraocular pressure measurements should be done
in the morning, since the pressure will vary up to 10 mm/Hg during the day for dogs
affected with glaucoma and up to 3-4 mm/Hg for normal dogs. Early diagnosis and treatment
can allow control of the pain involved and may help preserve the dog’s vision.
Glaucoma has long been recognized as an inherited disorder in a number of breeds.
Recent evidence has come to light indicating that glaucoma may also be an inherited
disorder in Welsh Terriers. When Welsh Terriers develop primary, inherited glaucoma, the
disease usually appears in dogs aged four years or older. If you notice one of the signs
or symptoms of glaucoma in your Welsh Terrier, ask your veterinarian to check the
intraocular pressures to rule out glaucoma. You will probably be referred to a veterinary
ophthalmologist, if your veterinarian is unable to perform this exam in the office.
Research into the genetic origins of this disease is underway. The WTCA health
committee is cooperating with researcher Gary Johnson, DVM of the University of Missouri
College of Veterinary Medicine in collecting DNA samples from affected Welsh Terriers and
their non affected relatives. For more information click on "Canine Genetic Disease
Network " below.
Click here for related sites:
Glaucoma/Lens Luxation
Research Update at Canine
Genetic Disease Network.
Participate in GLAUCOMA RESEARCH - The Time is NOW.
New Research Proposal, University of Missouri.
AKC CHF White Paper "Canine Glaucoma and Cataracts Can
We Eliminate Them?" (reprinted with the permission of the Canine Health
Foundation.)
"In the Blink of an Eye," Dog Fancy, October
1999 (reprinted with the permission of Dog Fancy.)
Canine Eye Registration
Foundation (CERF) - Contains a
state by state list of American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Diplomates.
If you have comments or suggestions, email me kogrady1@ec.rr.com