Disorder - Glaucoma

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Alternative Names
Buphthalmus

Brief Description

Glaucoma cannot be defined as a single disease. It is in fact many disorders in which the pressure of the fluid within the eye is too high to allow normal functioning of the nerves within the eye.

Presenting Signs

One or both eyes may be affected, but presenting signs of glaucoma will vary according to the stage of the disease when the dog is first examined. Glaucoma is very painful and affected dogs will rub the eye(s) with the paws or on carpets and furniture. Many dogs are sensitive to bright light and will therefore hide under the furniture or in a dark corner of the room. One of the main causes of pain is due to an increase in the size of the eye, which is due to high pressure of fluid within the eye and stretching of tissues within the eye. The blood vessels within the eye are also affected, causing degeneration of the optic nerve, the nerve that carries messages from the eye to the brain. This is thought to be the main cause of eventual loss of vision.

Groups Affected
Gundog
Hound
Non Sporting
Terrier
Toy
Utility
Working dog


Breeds Affected
Afghan hound
Akita
Alaskan malamute
American cocker spaniel
Basset hound
Beagle
Boston terrier
Bouvier de Flandres
Bullmastiff
Cairn terrier
Chihuahua
Chow chow
Cocker spaniel
Dachshund (long, smooth and wire haired)
Dalmatian
Dandie Dinmont terrier
English springer spaniel
Fox terrier (Smooth)
Fox terrier (Wire)
Great Dane
Italian greyhound
Keeshond
Maltese
Manchester terrier
Norwegian elkhound
Poodle (Miniature)
Poodle (Standard)
Poodle (Toy)
Samoyed
Schnauzer (Giant)
Sealyham terrier
Shar Pei
Siberian husky
Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)
Welsh springer spaniel
Welsh terrier


Treatment

Surgical/Medical

Related Disorders

Phthisis bulbi
Primary lens luxation
Secondary lens luxation
Melanocyte glaucoma

PubMed References
Glaucoma

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
411


Contributor
Stella Chapman