Why should some dogs be screened for glaucoma?
Our veterinarians offer gonioscopy, an additional examination performed on specific dog breeds to determine 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 condition 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 it is strongly recommended to mate them with dogs that are completely free of the disease. 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 its eye and/or squints its eyes regularly.
- The eye becomes more prominent.
- The eye looks red due to enlarged blood vessels.
- Impaired vision.
- Decreased appetite and general condition.
How is glaucoma treated in dogs?
If suspected glaucoma in the dog you should contact your veterinarian. It may be necessary eye lighting or other eye examinations to determine if there are any underlying causes of the disease. The condition is usually treated with medications that lower the pressure in the eye or various eye drops that facilitate drainage. The condition can be painful so the dog will also be given painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications.
Which dog breeds should be examined for glaucoma?
- Samoyed.
- English springer spaniel.
- Flat-coated retriever.
- Beagle.
- Siberian husky.
- Long-haired vorstehdog.
- I am a cocker spaniel.
- Chow-chow.
- Bouvier des Flandres.
- Basset.
How gonioscopy is performed
Gonioscopy is a test used to evaluate the chamber angle of a dog's eye, specifically to assess the risk of developing glaucoma. This procedure is important for breeds that are 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 so that the procedure is 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 adjunct to standard eye exams for breeds with a known predisposition to hereditary glaucoma. The exam is usually performed once after the dog is one year old, often in conjunction with the first eye exam. For details on eye exams 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.
