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Glaucoma (Intraocular Pressure is Increased) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of illness: Head/Neck

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

Glaucoma is a condition of the eye in which the intraocular pressure is increased. This can lead to pain and, if left untreated, damage to the optic nerveThe optic nerve is the nerve that connects the retina of the eye to the brain and transmits visual information. Diseases or damage to the optic nerve in dogs and cats can lead to vision loss or blindness. and ultimately blindness.

The most important facts at a glance

Glaucoma in dogs is caused by increased intraocular pressure resulting from an imbalanceImbalance refers to an imbalance or disruption of normal function or composition in the body, which can lead to health problems. in the production and drainageDrainage refers to the removal of fluid from body cavities, Wounds, or inflamed areas, often using a tube or other device. It is used to prevent infection and promote healing. of aqueous humorAqueous humor is a clear fluid in the eye that circulates between the lens and the cornea. It nourishes the eye and maintains intraocular pressure.. This imbalance can damage the optic nerveThe optic nerve is the nerve that connects the retina of the eye to the brain and transmits visual information. Diseases or damage to the optic nerve in dogs and cats can lead to vision loss or blindness.. The causes can be primaryPrimary refers to the first or original cause of a disease or condition, as opposed to secondary causes or symptoms that develop from it. or secondary. PrimaryPrimary refers to the first or original cause of a disease or condition, as opposed to secondary causes or symptoms that develop from it. glaucoma is often genetic and occurs without underlying diseases, with certain breeds being more susceptible. Secondary glaucomas result from other eye diseases or injuries that obstruct the drainageDrainage refers to the removal of fluid from body cavities, Wounds, or inflamed areas, often using a tube or other device. It is used to prevent infection and promote healing. of aqueous humorAqueous humor is a clear fluid in the eye that circulates between the lens and the cornea. It nourishes the eye and maintains intraocular pressure.. Common symptoms include dilated pupils, Pain and an enlarged eyeball. DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made by measuring intraocular pressure and further examination by a veterinarian. Treatment focuses on lowering the pressure, often through medication or surgery. Early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. significantly improves the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop., while advanced cases can lead to Blindness. PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. measures are difficult for genetically determined glaucoma, but regular eye examinations are important. Research focuses on genetic causes, new diagnostic methods, and innovative treatments to improve the understanding and treatment of glaucoma.

Causes

A dog’s eye is a complex organ consisting of several layers and chambers. Intraocular pressure is regulated by the production and drainageDrainage refers to the removal of fluid from body cavities, Wounds, or inflamed areas, often using a tube or other device. It is used to prevent infection and promote healing. of a clear fluid called aqueous humorAqueous humor is a clear fluid in the eye that circulates between the lens and the cornea. It nourishes the eye and maintains intraocular pressure.. This fluid is produced in the posterior chamber of the eye and flows through the pupil into the anterior chamber, where it drains through a network of channels called the trabecular meshwork.

Glaucoma occurs when the balance between the production and drainageDrainage refers to the removal of fluid from body cavities, Wounds, or inflamed areas, often using a tube or other device. It is used to prevent infection and promote healing. of aqueous humorAqueous humor is a clear fluid in the eye that circulates between the lens and the cornea. It nourishes the eye and maintains intraocular pressure. is disrupted. This leads to increased pressure in the eye, which can damage the optic nerveThe optic nerve is the nerve that connects the retina of the eye to the brain and transmits visual information. Diseases or damage to the optic nerve in dogs and cats can lead to vision loss or blindness.. The causes of glaucoma in dogs can be primaryPrimary refers to the first or original cause of a disease or condition, as opposed to secondary causes or symptoms that develop from it. or secondary. PrimaryPrimary refers to the first or original cause of a disease or condition, as opposed to secondary causes or symptoms that develop from it. glaucoma is often genetic and occurs without another underlying disease. Certain dog breeds are genetically more susceptible to developing glaucoma.

Secondary glaucomas result from other eye diseases or injuries that obstruct the drainageDrainage refers to the removal of fluid from body cavities, Wounds, or inflamed areas, often using a tube or other device. It is used to prevent infection and promote healing. of aqueous humorAqueous humor is a clear fluid in the eye that circulates between the lens and the cornea. It nourishes the eye and maintains intraocular pressure.. Examples include inflammatory conditions of the eye (uveitis), Tumors, lens prolapseProlapse refers to the falling out or protrusion of an organ or part of it from its normal position, often through an opening. In animals, this can include, for example, a rectal mucosal prolapse or a vaginal prolapse., or an injury to the eye that can lead to scar tissue formation and blocked drainageDrainage refers to the removal of fluid from body cavities, Wounds, or inflamed areas, often using a tube or other device. It is used to prevent infection and promote healing..

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

Dogs with glaucoma often show non-specific symptoms ranging from changes in behavior to obvious eye problems. The most common symptoms include Pain, which can be expressed by frequent rubbing or Scratching the eye, closing the eye, or increased blinking. Affected dogs may also appear restless or depressed.

Another noticeable symptom is Redness of the eyes, which is caused by dilated blood vessels in the conjunctiva. The eye may also appear enlarged, which is referred to as buphthalmia, and the cornea may become cloudy due to the pressure. In some cases, an affected dog may experience sudden Blindness in one or both eyes.

Diagnosis

Glaucoma is diagnosed by a thorough clinical examination by a veterinarian, ideally an ophthalmologyOphthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye diseases. Veterinary ophthalmology concerns the eye health of animals, including dogs and cats. specialist. An essential part of the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is the measurement of intraocular pressure, which is performed with a tonometer. A normal intraocular pressure in dogs is typically between 10 and 25 mmHg. Values above this range indicate glaucoma.

In addition to pressure measurement, the veterinarian may perform gonioscopy to assess the drainageDrainage refers to the removal of fluid from body cavities, Wounds, or inflamed areas, often using a tube or other device. It is used to prevent infection and promote healing. angle of the eye, and funduscopy to check the condition of the optic nerveThe optic nerve is the nerve that connects the retina of the eye to the brain and transmits visual information. Diseases or damage to the optic nerve in dogs and cats can lead to vision loss or blindness.. Imaging techniques such as ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. can also be used to identify structural changes in the eye. An accurate historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits. and examination of both eyes are important to distinguish primaryPrimary refers to the first or original cause of a disease or condition, as opposed to secondary causes or symptoms that develop from it. from secondary glaucomas.

Therapy

The treatment of glaucoma aims to lower intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerveThe optic nerve is the nerve that connects the retina of the eye to the brain and transmits visual information. Diseases or damage to the optic nerve in dogs and cats can lead to vision loss or blindness.. In many cases, a combination of medical and surgical treatment is used. Medications such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors or prostaglandinProstaglandins are a group of physiologically active lipid compounds found in almost all tissues and organs. They play an important role in Inflammatory conditions, pain transmission, and the regulation of blood flow and platelet function. analogs are often used to reduce the production of aqueous humorAqueous humor is a clear fluid in the eye that circulates between the lens and the cornea. It nourishes the eye and maintains intraocular pressure. or improve drainageDrainage refers to the removal of fluid from body cavities, Wounds, or inflamed areas, often using a tube or other device. It is used to prevent infection and promote healing..

In more severe cases, or when medical treatment is not sufficient, surgical interventions may be necessary. Surgical options include laser therapies to reduce aqueous humorAqueous humor is a clear fluid in the eye that circulates between the lens and the cornea. It nourishes the eye and maintains intraocular pressure. production or to create new drainageDrainage refers to the removal of fluid from body cavities, Wounds, or inflamed areas, often using a tube or other device. It is used to prevent infection and promote healing. pathways. In extreme cases where the eye cannot be saved, enucleationEnucleation is the surgical procedure to remove an eyeball. This may be necessary in cases of severe eye disease, injury, or Tumors to relieve Pain and protect the animal's health., i.e. removal of the eye, may be necessary to relieve Pain.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. for dogs with glaucoma depends on the timing of diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and the effectiveness of treatment. Early detection and treatment of glaucoma offers a better chance of preserving vision. In advanced glaucoma, especially if the optic nerve is already damaged, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is less favorable and complete Blindness may be inevitable.

Regular follow-up examinations are crucial to monitor the progress of treatment and make adjustments. Even with successful treatment, there remains an increased risk of glaucoma in the other eye, which is why close monitoring is necessary.

Prevention

PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of primaryPrimary refers to the first or original cause of a disease or condition, as opposed to secondary causes or symptoms that develop from it. glaucoma is difficult due to its genetic component. In dogs belonging to a breed predisposed to glaucoma, regular eye examinations should be performed to detect early signs of the disease. Genetic counseling is advisable for breeding animals to minimize the risk of passing on the disease.

For secondary glaucomas, preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. is based on treating the underlying eye problems. Timely treatment of eye injuries, inflammatory conditions, and other conditions that could obstruct aqueous humorAqueous humor is a clear fluid in the eye that circulates between the lens and the cornea. It nourishes the eye and maintains intraocular pressure. drainage is important. Good eye hygiene and protecting the dog from traumatic injuries can also help reduce the risk of glaucoma.

Outlook on current research

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that occurs in dogs when intraocular pressure rises and damages the optic nerveThe optic nerve is the nerve that connects the retina of the eye to the brain and transmits visual information. Diseases or damage to the optic nerve in dogs and cats can lead to vision loss or blindness.. Research on glaucoma in dogs is an active field that focuses on various aspects to improve the understanding and treatment of this disease.

One focus of current research is on the genetic basis of glaucoma. Scientists are investigating the genetic markers associated with an increased risk of glaucoma in certain dog breeds. By identifying these genetic predispositions, breeders can be better informed to make responsible breeding decisions and minimize the risk of this disease in future generations.

Another important area of research is the development of new diagnostic methods. Early detection is crucial to slow the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease and improve the dog’s quality of life. Researchers are working on advanced imaging techniques and biomarkers that could enable earlier and more accurate diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients..

The treatment of glaucoma in dogs is also being intensively researched. While medications to lower intraocular pressure are currently the most common treatment method, there are ongoing studies to develop new medications and surgical techniques. These new approaches aim to control the pressure more effectively and minimize the long-term effects of the disease.

Another promising area of research is regenerative medicine. Scientists are exploring the possibility of repairing damaged eye tissue and restoring vision through the use of stem cells and other regenerative therapies. Although this research is still in its early stages, it offers hope for the future of glaucoma treatment.

In addition, the role of environmental factors in glaucoma is being investigated. Studies are examining how diet, lifestyle, and other environmental conditions can affect the course of the disease. These findings could lead to new preventive measures that help reduce the risk of glaucoma.

The interdisciplinary collaboration between veterinarians, geneticists, pharmacologists and other specialists is a crucial factor driving progress in glaucoma research. By sharing knowledge and resources, scientists hope to find more comprehensive and effective solutions for this complex disease.

Overall, current research shows promising potential for improving the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients., treatment and preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of glaucoma in dogs. While many challenges remain, there is hope that future breakthroughs could significantly improve the quality of life for affected dogs.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is Glaucoma in Dogs? Glaucoma in dogs is an eye disease in which the pressure in the eye is increased. This can lead to damage to the optic nerveThe optic nerve is the nerve that connects the retina of the eye to the brain and transmits visual information. Diseases or damage to the optic nerve in dogs and cats can lead to vision loss or blindness. and, if left untreated, to Blindness.
How do you recognize glaucoma in dogs? Symptoms may include Redness of the eyes, clouding of the cornea, dilated pupils, light sensitivity, and visible Pain. A veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients..
Which dog breeds are more susceptible to glaucoma? Certain breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Chow Chows have a higher risk of developing glaucoma, often due to genetic factors.
How is glaucoma diagnosed? A veterinarian typically measures intraocular pressure with a tonometer. A comprehensive eye examination may also be performed to assess the condition of the eye.
What treatment options are available for glaucoma in dogs? Treatment options include medications to lower intraocular pressure, laser therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., or surgery to control the pressure and minimize damage.
Can glaucoma be cured in dogs? Glaucoma cannot be cured, but treatment can help control the pressure and slow the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease.
Is glaucoma painful in dogs? Yes, glaucoma can be very painful, as the increased pressure in the eye causes discomfort and Pain.
Can dogs live with glaucoma? Yes, with the right treatment and care, dogs with glaucoma can live a relatively normal life, even if they may become blind over time.
Are there preventive measures against glaucoma? Regular eye examinations, especially in breeds with a higher risk, can help detect the disease early. A healthy diet and care are also important.
How does glaucoma affect a dog’s quality of life? Glaucoma can greatly affect a dog’s quality of life, especially if left untreated. Pain and vision loss can significantly limit the dog’s daily life.