I got this really good heads-up from Dakota a few days ago.
Just wanted to put an FYI out there. Took my dog to the vet for an eye infection. A week later turns out she has glaucoma.
Today, just came back from the ophthalmologist, good news her pressure went from 55 to 32. Still need to bring that down but we will. Turns out my 5 year old Bella is now blind in her right eye. I was told by the ophthalmologist that this common in Shiba Inu’s.
Once they get it in the one eye, Bella is predisposed to getting it in they other eye. We are doing preventative measures now. But GET YOUR SHIBA’S EYE PRESSURE TESTED. I haven’t stopped crying since I got home. My biggest fear, what do I do if she goes blind in the other eye?
Get your doggies tested!!!!!
** NOTE – I am not a vet so all the information in this article is based on my readings on the internet and chats with other dog owners.
What is Glaucoma?
As I understand it, Glaucoma is a condition of the eye where the optic nerve suffers damage as a result to increased fluid pressure inside the eye.
In particular, there is a fluid called aqueous humour between the cornea and the lens of the eye. This fluid is constantly produced and is normally drained out into the bloodstream through the drainage angle (Iridocorneal angle).
Problems occur when the drainage is obstructed, thereby cause a buildup of fluid and therefore pressure in the eye.
If left untreated, this could lead to permanent damage of the optic nerve and may even lead to blindness.
Dogs and Glaucoma – Should We Be Concerned?
In general, there are two types of dog glaucoma –
- Primary glaucoma is hereditary. Dog breeds specifically mentioned include –
Primary glaucoma occurs in many breeds of dogs, including the American Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Chow Chow, Shar Pei, Jack Russell Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Arctic Circle breeds (including the Siberian Husky and Elkhound). Primary glaucoma is rare in cats.
~~[Animal Eye Care LLC]This is likely not a complete list. Dakota mentioned in her comment that Shiba Inus may also be susceptible. Since I have a Shiba and two Sibes, I am definitely concerned.
The key problem with primary glaucoma is that the symptoms are usually mild and may not be easily observable, even by a regular vet. By the time that it is detected, it could already be too late, and there could already be permanent damage to the optic nerve.
- Secondary Glaucoma usually occurs as a result of some other kind of eye disease such as inflammation in the eye (uveitis) or advanced cataracts. Since the dog is under vet care for the initial eye disease, this type of glaucoma is more easily detectable. Presumable we can also perform an eye pressure measurement test after our dog has recovered from the initial eye problem.
Detecting Glaucoma in Our Dogs
The first thing that I did after looking up dog glaucoma is to contact my Siberian Husky breeder. I asked her if she has experienced glaucoma before with her Sibes.
Since the less detectable type of glaucoma, (Primary Glaucoma) is hereditary, I wanted to check the family tree of my two Sibes. If their family tree is free of glaucoma, then they are probably less at risk of inheriting it.
My Sibe breeder tells me that none of her Huskies have gotten glaucoma before. Her mom’s Basenji had glaucoma, but that was a secondary effect from having cataracts when she was 14 years of age. My breeder also tells me that the Basenji had a lot of tearing (tears) before being diagnosed with glaucoma.
According to this very useful article on glaucoma in Samoyeds,
The early signs of glaucoma, which may not be recognized as such, may consist of mild conjunctival inflammation, which can mimic conjunctivitis; increased tearing and pain; and photophobia (sensitivity to light which results in some “squinting” of the eye).
My Shiba Inu’s breeder is not all that great and was uninterested in keeping contact with Sephy. I may get my vet to do an eye pressure test on him during his yearly exam.
Testing and Treatment for Glaucoma in Dogs
For the testing and treatment of dog glaucoma, it is best to consult with your vet or with a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Based on what I have read, there are two different glaucoma tests for dogs –
- Tonometry – This is the simpler test that measures intraocular pressure (IOP). Supposedly, more vets are equipped to do this and it can be performed with just a topical anesthetic.
- Gonioscopy – This is a more invasive test that is used when primary glaucoma is already present in one eye. This test examines the drainage angle of the remaining visual eye to see if it is also predisposed to glaucoma. It seems that this test is mostly performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
According to Animal Eyecare LLC, there are three classes of treatment for dog glaucoma –
- Glaucoma Eye Drops – These eye drops help to decrease fluid production and increase fluid drainage. Apparently, it is a short term solution and is not very effective at controlling glaucoma in the long term.
- Antioxidant Vision Supplements – These supplements can apparently help to reduce oxidative damage to the cells in the eye that are responsible for fluid drainage. It is also not a good long-term solution for dogs that already have glaucoma.
- Surgery – It is best to consult with an eye specialist for the list of possible surgical procedures.
Dogs with glaucoma or at risk of developing glaucoma should have leashes attached to harnesses and not neck collars, to prevent pressure on the jugular veins (which can in turn increase IOP and trigger a glaucoma attack).
~~[Animal Eye Care LLC]
If you have experienced glaucoma with your dogs, please share your stories with us. If you have more information on glaucoma, please let us know as well.
Many thanks to Dakota for bringing this important issue to our attention. Big hugs and best wishes to Bella.
** NOTE – I am not a vet so all the information in this article is based on my readings on the internet and chats with other dog owners.
Some Useful Sites and Resources
- Very informative article by Paula on eye-removal and what to expect.
- Dogster discussion on prosthetic eyes.
- Online forum on eye removal, care, and related issues.
- This site has some very good information on caring for a blind or visually impaired dog.
I have a 3 1/2 year old Siberian Husky. He was diagnosed with Glaucoma in July 2012. It broke my heart when we were told. We have been putting 3 different drops in his eyes 2 and 3 times a day. He also takes a pill 3 times a day. We were told in November that he is completely blind in the left eye. The right eye isn’t as affected right now. We have now scheduled eye removal surgery on his left eye on March 27th. I am so scared of the surgery. I really thought we would have to put him down. But, with a lot of research and the help of my Vet, we are going to do whatever it takes to take care of him. Hang in there everybody. I know what you are going through. I have cried a many tear.
I just found out that my 4 year old shiba had glaucoma. I’m doing the drops 3 times a day and hoping for the best. I’m afraid that I will have to remove her right eye in the near future. the eye doctor that we had been seeing isn’t sure if it’s primary or secondary so we are taking a road trip to get a second opinion this weekend.
I’m sorry to read about the loss of your shiba!
Hello Jen,
Big hugs to you and your Shiba. Let us know how things go this weekend.
My mini-dashund sadie lost her eye to glaucoma over a year and a half ago. She had it come into her remaining eye, we did do a laser surgery which bought her another 6 months of chasing frisbee’s which I wouldn’t trade for anything. It is now spiking again and I fear she’s going to lose her remaining eye soon. I think she may be ok blind, but also worry about her quality of life-my wife says there are plenty of happy blind dogs out there-I hope she will be one of them.
That is very good to know. How long did it take for Sadie to heal after the surgery?
Big hugs and our very best wishes to Sadie.
Hey you guys…my dog Ginger (Cocker Spaniel) was diagnosed with glaucoma in her right eye. I started her immediately on ocu-glo. It’s a supplement for dogs with glaucoma. It’s suppose to eleviate the inflammation and drain some of the fluid in the eye that’s causing the inflammation. Also, helps as a prevention of her getting in her left eye. My vet thinks she is blind in her right eye..but I think she can see shadows and at times possibly more. She has been on ocu-glo for 3 months now. Her right eye was blue when I started her on Ocu-glo. But now it is no longer blue. Sometimes it looks totally normal which is brown like her left eye. Sometimes it still gets red and bulgy looking. But it look like the supplement has improved her eye a great deal. She has no problems getting around. When her eye is inflamed, sometimes I put a little teramycin and that helps prevent any other eye infections and its soothing to the eye. You can find and read the reviews about Ocu-glo at http://www.ocuglo.com
By the way, she is not on any other medications or treatment for her eye. I hope this was helpful.
Just wanted to drop you all a line. Sad to say Bella has lost her fight. Bella had her one eye removed in February. For 2 1/2 months her left eye was fine. We were outting drops in twice a day. Then we had to put it in three times a day, pressure went from 27 to 20 in a week. Great we thought. Went back in June for a check up went up to 76. We had to put drops in here eyes 6 times a day. A week later it just went down to 71. Bella lost her sight,and she never would get it back. Bella would just lay around most of the day and she had stopped barking. When your pressure is up you get a a severe headache. So i had to make that call. I know that we did every thing that would could. I like to think we did more for Bella than others might have done. I loved my baby girl very much. But were was her quality of life. I just couldn’t see getting her other eye out. I miss her dearly. But if any of you are put in this situation, my heart goes out to you. This is not easy. I know if i ever get another Shiba i will ask some serious questions. So i hope you won’t mind if i stop in from time to time to check out the latest pictures and stories. God Bless
Hello Dakota,
Thank you for letting us know about Bella. She sounds like a very special, brave, and awesome girl – which is to be expected, since she is Shiba! I bet she is on the Rainbow Meadow, chasing squirrels, giving Shiba war-cries, and leading all the other dogs down the path that rocks.
Hugs to you all.
I am so sorry to hear about your dog. I know it was a while ago and appreciate you posting it. I am going through it too with my dog and it is so hard.
I am so heartbroken. My Shiba lost an eye to glaucoma in August. The opthalmologist who performed the surgery didn’t think it was primary and told us we didn’t have to worry about the other eye. Well, the other night I rushed him to the emergency room when I noticed his eye was teary and he seemed agitated. The pressure in his remaining eye was 75 or so. Drops saved the eye and his vision for now, but I am so afraid of what will happen next.
Hello Dakota… yes, we are struggling with the same decision. our 16 year old shitzu . we took her to the vet last week and she has glaucoma in both eyes.. we were controlling the on eye with drops and then the second eye was very red and bulging .. we took her in and it was too late… the vet had starting giving her an injection (manitol) to bring down the pressure… but it didn’t work… right eye was 51 and the left eye was 71. we put drops in 3 times a day and she was on tramadol for pain.
The vet said that both eyes would have to come out… but we can’t bear to put her through this. The vet also said her age was against her. She indicated that we would have to make a decision to say goodbye or the eye removal.
we tried to get pressures down. for a week. . but to no avail. We have now made the very difficult decision to let her go… we have all been
crying for a week now… so, we understand what you went through…
god bless all..
Glaucoma can strike at any time. Me and my girlfriend took our Sibe to the vet to be spayed at 6 months. We brought her home and she had an “eye infection” and was prescribed meds for it. They didn’t help because she had Glaucoma. We were told that she had been developing it for 3-4 weeks. She is on eye drops and I am afraid of what will happen next.
I’m sorry about Bella (she is beautiful!) I can sure relate! About a month ago, my Buster was diagnosed with Glacoma by an Eye Specialist. So we tried the drops to keep his pain level and pressure down. Unfortunately, within two weeks his right eye got Glacoma and now he is totally blind. The Eye Specialist wants $2400 to take out both the eyes. He is going to have a dental this week because they are concerned about an infection. I am so emotionally drained because the Vet tells me he doesn’t need his eyes out, but the Specialist recommends it. I am so torn of what to do!! He is currently on antibiotics for his dental, two drops (one for pressure and prednisons, and two ointments we have to put in his eyes 2 times a day.) He doesn’t act too painful, so that is my dilema. He did in the beginning with his left eye, but I’m not sure if the drops are what is helping. I really don’t want to have his eyes taken out if I don’t need too! Any suggestions???? I appreciate your website because this is so heartbreaking when you love your dog so much and you want to do the right thing for him!!!
Hello Marilyn,
Yeah. My Siberian Husky was born with a crooked leg and she had to go through several operations when we tried to straighten her bones. It was a very difficult time and totally heartrending that she had to go through so much adversity. Still though, she handled it like a champ. Dogs really are very amazing.
In the end, the surgeries did not work so the specialist recommended amputation.
During this difficult time, we would consider each issue carefully, and get the specialist to lay out all the options and risks. I really liked our specialist – he got along well with Shania, knew his area very well, and was very clear about the risks and rewards of each choice. I thought he gave us very sound advice.
Hopefully, Dakota and Bella will drop by and share their thoughts and experiences with us as well.
Big hugs to Buster. Let us know how it goes.
I have a 10 year old shiba . We found out a few months ago he has glycoma . We administered drops three times a day but the pressure was high regardless . We did not want him to suffer so we did the surjury to remove his eye . It’s been a week and he is doing great ! He is no longer in pain . Vets have advised dogs do not rely on sight as much as they rely on scent and their hearing . As much as I dred the last eye going , I have been reassured he will be ok . Meghan
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us Meghan. Very glad to hear that your Shiba is doing well. Big hugs!
Did you see any color changes in your dog’s eyes, or a cloudy appearance. I have a German Shepperd puppy, 3 mos, that my granddaughter named Bella. Your story saddens and scares me. I just notice this on Bella’s eye a day ago. Now I am going to call my Vet. Thanks, Michael
Vicky, sorry to her about your pups as well. Bella just had her eye removed Thursday. Ahh the specialist wanted $2400 to removed her eye. Thank God my sister told me about her vet that she goes to. I think i am more upset about the “shaved” look around the eye that her losing it. I don’t even notice the absent eye anymore. Very scared about her other eye. But we feel like you that at that point the decision has to be made. I am greatful, no make that, I am so blessed to have Bella in my life. Bella is a special frisky lil doggie. I love her to no end. God bless all Shiba’s everywhere!!!!!!
Thanks for giving us an update on Bella.
Did it take her long to recover from the operation? Are you doing anything differently in terms of her day to day routine?
Sorry to hear about your beloved pup – no worries though – My Shiba was diagnosed in 2010. Went to bed the Tuesday before Christmas and woke up the next morning and her eye was swollen shut. Did not know about dogs and glaucoma – but called the vet and when her pressure was taken it was 80+. She was already blind by the time she was taken to the vet. Took her to an Animal Eye Consultant here in Illinois and they wanted over $1200 to have the eye removed (since it was still terribly swollen and causing pain – no amount of drops could bring the blind eye pressure down). My vet did the enunculation (eye removal-sorry about spelling) for under $450. She didn’t look that bad when I got her back, now on occassion I call her Winky as it looks like she is trying to wink at you. She is on life time treatment to try and ward off the glaucoma going into the other eye, but I know the risk is high that it will happen again. Usually it comes within 6-13 months after being diagnosed in the first eye into the secondary eye. So far over a year later – her pressure is holding strong – it has gone up a bit from 10 to 21. But when it hits 30 that is when all warning flags/bells go off – so we are constantly monitoring and of course she is on life time worth of meds (she has other medical issues … 12 years old).
Today I bring in my second shiba to the vet for a pressure read. Her eye has been steadly tearing for over a month now, and we’ve just started noticing some swelling. Hoping it is a blocked duct or allergy. If it turns out to be the “G” again, we won’t wait around – I’ll have the eye removed immediately.
When the glaucoma returns to the secondary eye – unfortunately I will have to make that heart wrenching decision. I have high prey driven dogs (including a Jack Russel who also is predisposed to having eye complications) – and whether it is killing a leaf or chasing a rabbit I cannot believe in my heart that they would be happy living a life in darkness. I love my pups to much to see that type of inactivity.
Bless everyone who has to go through the ordeal of glaucoma with their pets.
Hello Vicky,
Thanks for sharing your story and experiences with us.
Big hugs to your Shibas!
Very sorry to hear about your friend Bella’s diagnosis. I know there is also a Yahoo list for Shibas with glaucoma here: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Shibasightline/join
On the subject of health, I saw this on the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website, and thought of your pack:
http://www.offa.org/surveys/survey_siberian.html
Thanks so much for the two very useful links. I have been reading through all the Sibe eye info. and it is very interesting.
Big hugs to Bowdu and Bowpi!