Glaucoma Treatment for Dogs
Expert Glaucoma Treatment For Your Dog
Glaucoma is the term given to an increase of pressure inside the eye, which can quickly result in blindness if left untreated. Because glaucoma can be a painful condition, it is important to get a referral to us as soon as possible to prevent irreversible damage to your dog’s sight and ensure their comfort. View Referrals are dedicated to restoring clear vision and comfort to every pet that walks into our clinic, with extensive experience in glaucoma treatment for dogs. Make a referral via our online form, or seek advice today.
Glaucoma Symptoms To Look Out For
In dogs, there are several behavioural signs of glaucoma to look out for. These include but are not limited to:
- Rubbing the face
- Shying away from bright lights
- Weeping or watery eyes
- Bulging eyes
- Cloudy and/or red eyes
- Difficulty navigating
- Trouble finding food or toys
Symptoms can be sudden in onset or can develop gradually over a long period of time. We always advise any pet owners to keep a close eye on their dogs for any unusual behaviours or new habits, as these are the earliest signs that something may be wrong. Glaucoma can become extremely uncomfortable for dogs who do not get the help they need – View Referrals responds promptly to all glaucoma treatment enquiries with your pet’s best interests at heart.
Diagnosing Glaucoma in Dogs
If your dog is referred to us with suspected glaucoma, the most common way we will diagnose this is using tonometry. This testing measures the pressure inside the eye, or intraocular pressure (IOP). We will also aim to evaluate the delicate drainage area inside the eye where fluid normally escapes to see if this has become blocked.
Chronic glaucoma develops slowly, so it is sometimes harder to spot earlier on. It may be present for days or weeks before your dog begins to show any symptoms or signs of discomfort.
Acute glaucoma happens fast and is a medical emergency. Immediate referral to our veterinary ophthalmologists is recommended.
Our Treatment Options
View Referrals offers tailored glaucoma treatment plans designed to control intraocular pressure through appropriate medical management and surgical intervention where required.
When glaucoma strikes suddenly
In cases of acute glaucoma, the priority is fast relief. Our veterinary ophthalmologists may use medicated eye drops that work quickly to lower fluid production inside the eye and promote extra drainage of the fluid already present. These treatments can work quickly to ease the pressure and reduce your dog’s discomfort. If these fail to prove effective, more advanced measures are also available.
For long-term management
If your dog has chronic glaucoma, we can administer a combination of eye drops from different medication families- some reduce how much fluid the eye produces, others help it drain away more efficiently. Often a combination of two or three medications together gives the best results, and we’ll be able to discuss all options with you in detail at the clinic.
When medication needs a helping hand
In the right cases surgery can be a very effective next step if medical management proves insufficient, especially when your dog’s vision is still intact. These procedures work in different ways to improve the eye’s natural drainage or reduce fluid production, and many dogs do extremely well following them.
If vision has already been lost
In cases where glaucoma has progressed to the point where the eye is no longer able to see and is causing your dog pain, we will always prioritise their comfort above all else. While obviously heart breaking, removing the eye entirely may prove the best decision for all concerned. This is performed under general anaesthetic, and most dogs recover quickly, often returning to their happy, comfortable selves within days.
Our Veterinary Ophthalmologists
View Referrals was founded by veterinary ophthalmologists Michael and Richard, who bring decades of combined experience in diagnosing and treating complex eye conditions. Since graduating in 2006, both have dedicated their careers to advancing standards in veterinary ophthalmology, working within leading referral centres and developing expertise in areas including cataract surgery, retinal surgery and the management of sight-threatening diseases. Their shared commitment to clinical excellence, compassionate patient care and continual professional development underpins everything they do, helping pets across the UK access specialist ophthalmic treatment closer to home.
Access Expert Glaucoma Treatment for Your Dog
Glaucoma is a serious condition, but with the right support it is often manageable. Whether you’re at the very beginning of a diagnosis or looking for a second opinion on an existing treatment plan, our team is here to help you make confident, informed decisions for your dog.
Your regular vet can make a referral to us through our online referral form. Alternatively, please contact us for advice if you have any queries or concerns.
For emergencies, please call us on 07344 407 630.
Our services include
Cataract Extraction Surgery
Corneal Grafting & Reconstruction
We perform intricate procedures to treat deep corneal ulcers, perforations and other corneal pathology, using techniques such as corneo-conjunctival transposition grafts.
Corrective Eyelid Surgery
Expertise in resolving painful conditions like entropion (in-turning lids), ectropion, and the removal of eyelid tumours or ectopic cilia.
Glaucoma Management
Comprehensive treatment plans including medical management and advanced surgical options to control intraocular pressure.
Cherry Eye Surgery
Surgical repositioning of the prolapsed gland of the third eyelid to maintain tear production and eye health.
Comprehensive Ophthalmic Assessments
Detailed examinations using slit-lamp biomicroscopy, tonometry (pressure testing), and chromatic Pupillary light tests to assess retinal function.
Many more things
If you pet has an eye problem, then we will be here to help.