Overview:

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can affect both dogs and cats, leading to increased pressure within the eye. This pressure can damage the optic nerve, potentially resulting in pain, vision loss, or even blindness if not treated promptly. At Mission Veterinary Clinic, we understand the urgency of eye-related issues, which is why we provide immediate care for conditions like glaucoma.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma occurs when the fluid within the eye, known as aqueous humor, does not drain properly. This leads to a build-up of pressure that can damage the optic nerve and retina. Causes of glaucoma in pets include:

  • Genetics: Certain breeds are more predisposed to developing glaucoma.
  • Trauma: Injury to the eye can disrupt fluid drainage.
  • Infections: Severe eye infections can lead to secondary glaucoma.
  • Tumors: Growths in or around the eye may block fluid drainage.

Symptoms to Watch For:

Early detection of glaucoma is crucial for effective treatment. Watch for the following symptoms in your pet:

  • Redness in the eye
  • Cloudy or bluish cornea
  • Dilated pupils
  • Excessive tearing or discharge
  • Visible enlargement of the eye
  • Squinting or blinking
  • Apparent loss of vision
If your pet is showing any of these signs, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately. At Mission Veterinary Clinic, we are here to help with urgent eye conditions, and we only see clients on a walk-in basis—no appointments are needed.

Diagnosis:

Glaucoma is diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination and specialized tests. Tonometry is a key test that measures the pressure inside the eye. Your veterinarian may also perform a gonioscopy to examine the drainage angle of the eye and an ophthalmoscopy to assess the health of the optic nerve and retina.

Treatment Options:

The goal of treatment for glaucoma is to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the eye. Treatment options may include:

  • Medications: Eye drops or oral medications to reduce eye pressure and fluid production.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve pressure and save vision. Options include laser surgery, drainage implants, or even enucleation (removal of the eye) in extreme cases.

Managing Glaucoma:

Glaucoma is often a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor eye pressure and adjust treatment as needed. Pet owners should also be vigilant in administering prescribed medications and watching for signs of a flare-up.

Prevention and Care:

While some cases of glaucoma are unavoidable, regular eye exams can help catch the condition early. For pets predisposed to glaucoma, such as certain dog breeds (e.g., Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Shih Tzus), early screening is particularly important.

Contact Us:

If you suspect your pet may be suffering from glaucoma or any other urgent health issue, don’t hesitate to visit Mission Veterinary Clinic. We are located in the San Fernando Valley at 16915 San Fernando Mission Blvd, Granada Hills, CA 91344. We are open from 9 am until 11 pm, seven days a week, and are available to see patients on a walk-in basis only.

Phone: 818-363-8143
Website: missionvet.com

Your pet’s eye health is our priority, and we are here to provide the urgent care they need.