Glaucoma can happen to humans or dogs, and it manifests with vision loss and optic nerve damage. Here are the common types of canine glaucoma.
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
POAG is very rare and occurs due to an ADAMTS10 gene mutation. It is most common in beagles and is somewhat similar to the kind that humans may experience. It progresses over time and is mostly characterized by iridocorneal angle narrowing due to pore shrinking, debris accumulation, and drainage changes. Symptoms include:
- Pupil dilation
- Eye discomfort
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Optic nerve atrophy
- Loss of all vision
- Intraocular pressure
- Eye lens dislocation
Most dogs are diagnosed in their middle-aged years, as POAG becomes more noticeable around this time, but it can be seen from the age of eight months. Treatment is often expensive and difficult, and there is no cure. Surgery may be necessary, but dogs with POAG still typically develop some vision loss, even with treatment.
Primary Closed Angle Glaucoma
PCAG is the most common form of canine glaucoma. A structural abnormality is typically to blame, and PCAG may present at birth or develop further as a dog ages. The most at-risk dog breeds are:
- American cocker spaniel
- Basset hound
- English cocker spaniel
- Chow chow
- Siberian husky
Common symptoms of PCAG include:
- Corneal swelling
- Discomfort of the eye
- Loss of all vision
- Congestion within the eye
- Optic nerve atrophy
- Intraocular pressure
PCAG may involve long-term congestion or triggered congestions that occur due to light exposure or other triggers. Treatment typically is similar to POAG treatment. There is no cure for PCAG and symptom management is crucial.
Secondary Glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma occurs when something happens to an eye to cause it, instead of it being a natural genetic defect. Injury, cataracts, and trauma can all cause secondary glaucoma when the eye is injured or damaged.
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