Understanding Glaucoma in Pets
A Painful Eye Condition You Shouldn’t Ignore
Glaucoma is a serious and painful eye condition that can affect both dogs and cats. At Two Rivers Vet Hospital in Fargo, ND, we treat glaucoma as an emergency because it can cause irreversible vision loss if not diagnosed and treated quickly. This condition occurs when the pressure inside the eye—called intraocular pressure (IOP)—becomes too high, damaging the optic nerve and internal structures of the eye.
What Causes Glaucoma?
There are two main types of glaucoma in pets:
Primary glaucoma is inherited and more common in certain dog breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Shiba Inus.
Secondary glaucoma occurs due to another eye problem—such as inflammation, trauma, lens dislocation, or a tumor—that blocks normal drainage of fluid from the eye.
Symptoms of Glaucoma in Dogs and Cats
Glaucoma can progress rapidly, especially in dogs. If you notice any of the following signs, don’t wait—call us immediately:
Redness of the white part of the eye (sclera)
Cloudy or bluish appearance to the eye
Dilated pupils that don’t respond to light
Squinting or excessive blinking
Pawing at the eye or signs of discomfort
Sudden vision loss or bumping into objects
An eye that appears visibly swollen or bulging
In cats, signs may be more subtle and include lethargy, hiding, or decreased interest in food or play.
How We Diagnose Glaucoma
At Two Rivers Vet Hospital, we use a painless tool called a tonometer to measure your pet’s intraocular pressure. This quick test helps us determine if your pet’s symptoms are caused by glaucoma or another issue like KCS or a corneal abrasion.
Treatment Options
The goal of treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure and preserve vision if possible. Options may include:
Eye drops to decrease pressure or reduce fluid production
Oral medications to manage fluid balance
Surgical procedures to relieve pressure in advanced or unresponsive cases
Pain management, especially if vision is already lost
In some cases, if the eye is blind and painful, we may recommend surgical removal of the eye (enucleation) for your pet’s comfort.
Don’t Wait—Early Treatment Is Key
Glaucoma is painful and progresses quickly. If your pet is showing symptoms of an eye problem, contact us at Two Rivers Vet Hospital right away. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can preserve your pet’s vision and quality of life.
