Just like in humans, maintaining healthy vision in dogs depends on healthy eyes, and that includes keeping the pressure inside the eye within a normal range. This pressure is called intraocular pressure (IOP).
If the IOP gets too high, it can cause glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. So understanding what constitutes normal canine ocular pressure is super important.
This article will cover what normal IOP looks like in dogs, why it matters, and what factors can affect it.
Understanding Intraocular Pressure (IOP)
Let’s talk about intraocular pressure. What does that even mean?
Intraocular pressure (IOP) refers to the fluid pressure inside your dog’s eye. It’s determined by how much aqueous humor the eye produces versus how much it drains.
Aqueous humor is produced by the ciliary body and flows through the eye, bringing nutrients to the lens and cornea.
The fluid drains out through the irido-corneal angle. If that angle gets blocked, the IOP can increase.
What’s a normal range for eye pressure in dogs?
Generally, a healthy dog will have an eye pressure between 15-20 mmHg, but some vets consider up to 28 mmHg normal. A variety of individual differences may account for these variations.
For example, a dog’s breed and age can influence its eye pressure. Eye pressure can also change throughout the day, and some medications can affect it.
Vets use a tool called a tonometer to measure eye pressure. It’s important that they use the correct technique to get an accurate reading.
Glaucoma: What happens when ocular pressure is too high
Glaucoma is a condition that occurs when increased intraocular pressure (IOP) damages the optic nerve and retina, sometimes resulting in vision loss or blindness.
Types of glaucoma
There are two types of glaucoma:
- Primary glaucoma, which is often inherited or breed-related and is common in breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Beagles.
- Secondary glaucoma, which is caused by an underlying eye problem, such as uveitis, lens luxation, or a tumor. Uveitis is a common cause, especially in cats and horses.
Signs of glaucoma
If your dog has glaucoma, you might notice symptoms like:
- Red eye
- Corneal edema (swelling of the cornea)
- Blindness
Other signs include squinting and a dilated pupil.
Diagnosing and managing elevated IOP
If your veterinarian suspects that your dog’s IOP is elevated, they’ll likely perform a few diagnostic tests and then recommend a course of treatment based on their findings.
Diagnostic procedures
- Tonometry: Measuring IOP with a tonometer is a key part of diagnosis.
- Gonioscopy: In this procedure, the vet examines the drainage angle of your dog’s eye to look for any abnormalities.
Treatment options
- Medical management: Medicated eye drops and other medications can help lower IOP. Prostaglandin (PG) analogue eye drops are often a first choice.
- Surgical interventions: Cyclophotocoagulation and gonio-implantation are surgical options that may be appropriate. Surgical shunts can also help keep your dog comfortable.
Salvage procedures
- Enucleation or evisceration: In severe cases, the vet may recommend enucleation (eye removal) or evisceration.
- Intravitreal gentamicin injection: Intravitreal gentamicin injections may also be considered.
Why is early detection and monitoring so important?
If you want to save your dog’s sight, early detection and treatment are critical. This is why regular veterinary check-ups are so important.
If your dog has glaucoma, regular IOP monitoring can help your veterinarian manage the condition and reduce the risk of further vision loss.
Dog owners should familiarize themselves with the signs of glaucoma and seek veterinary care as soon as possible if they notice anything out of the ordinary.
In Summary
Keeping your dog’s ocular pressure within the normal range is essential for preventing glaucoma and safeguarding their eyesight. If you notice any signs of eye problems in your canine companion, take them to the veterinarian right away.
Regular monitoring and prompt veterinary care are the keys to managing intraocular pressure and ensuring your dog’s health, comfort, and overall well-being.