Your Pets and Glaucoma
Glaucoma is increased pressure within the eye. Cells inside the eye produce a clear fluid (”aqueous humor”) that maintains the eye’s shape and nourishes the tissues inside the eye. The balance of fluid production and drainage is responsible for maintaining normal pressure within the eye. In glaucoma, the drain becomes clogged, but the eye continue producing fluid, resulting in increase eye pressure, which can actually can cause the eye to stretch and enlarge, in addition to blinding the eye. Glaucoma is not limited to humans – it can affect your pets, too!
Glaucoma is classified as either primary or secondary in animals. Primary Glaucoma is an inherited condition, occurring breeds ranging from American Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds to Chow Chows, Shar Peis, Labrador Retrievers, and Arctic Circle breeds (Huskies, Elkhounds, etc). Touhg it is rare in cats, it can occur and is usually secondary to chronic uveitis. Primary Glaucoma generally begins in one eye, but in most pets, it eventually involves both eyes, leading to complete blindness. Secondary Glaucoma occurs when other eye diseases cause decreased fluid drainage. Common causes of secondary glaucoma are inflammation inside the eye (uveitis), advanced cataracts, eye cancer and chronic retinal detachment.
