Why should some dogs be screened for glaucoma?
Our vets offer gonioscopy, an additional examination that is carried out on specific dog breeds to investigate whether they are predisposed to glaucoma.
Glaucoma in dogs, also known as glaucoma, is a painful condition that results in increased pressure inside the dog's eye. Unfortunately, this disorder is hereditary, and by using gonioscopy we can reduce the incidence of glaucoma in breeds that are prone to it.
In terms of breeding, dogs with narrow iridocorneal angles or PLD pectinate ligament deformities can be used, but mating them with dogs that are completely free of the disease is highly recommended. Although not all dogs with PLD develop glaucoma, the disease is more likely to develop if the changes are significant. Therefore, it is important to be aware of glaucoma in dogs and take necessary measures to prevent and deal with it.
Table of contents
What are the symptoms of glaucoma in dogs?
- The dog rubs against the eye and/or squints regularly
- The eye becomes more prominent
- The eye appears red due to enlarged blood vessels
- Reduced vision
- Decreased appetite and general condition
How is glaucoma treated in dogs?
If suspected glaucoma in the dog yours, you should contact your veterinarian. It may be necessary eye lighting or other eye examinations to find out if there are any underlying causes of the disease. The condition is usually treated with preparations that lower the pressure in the eye, or various eye drops that facilitate drainage. The condition can be painful, so the dog will also receive painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication.
Which dog breeds should be examined for glaucoma?
- Samoyed
- English Springer Spaniel
- Flat coated retriever
- Beagle
- siberian husky
- Long-haired Vorstehhund
- Am Cocker
- Chow Chow
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Basset hound
How gonioscopy is performed
Gonioscopy is an examination used to evaluate the angle of the chamber in the dog's eye, especially to assess the risk of developing green eyes (glaucoma). This procedure is important for breeds predisposed to hereditary glaucoma. For more information on glaucoma, visit NSVO.
This is how gonioscopy is performed on dogs
1. Preparation
- The dog is given local anesthetic eye drops to numb the cornea, making the procedure comfortable.
- In some cases, it may be necessary to give the dog a mild sedative to ensure that it remains calm during the examination.
2. Placement of Gonioscope lens
A special convex contact lens is carefully placed on the dog's cornea. This lens allows the veterinarian to look down into the chamber angle between the cornea and the iris.
3. Examination of the chamber angle
Through the lens, the veterinarian assesses the structure of the chamber angle to identify any abnormalities, such as narrow drainage angles or pectinate ligament dysplasia (PLD). These conditions can prevent normal drainage of aqueous humor and lead to increased intraocular pressure, which can result in glaucoma.
4. Interpretation of Findings
Based on the observations, the findings are classified as "normal", "uncertain" or "affected" for pectinate ligament abnormality. This helps assess your dog's risk of developing glaucoma.
Gonioscopy is often recommended as an additional examination to standard eye examination for breeds with a known predisposition to hereditary glaucoma. The examination is usually carried out once after the dog has reached one year of age, often in connection with the first eye examination. For details on eye lighting, visit NSVO.
It is important to consult a licensed optometrist to get an accurate assessment and recommendations based on your dog's breed and individual needs.
