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Immediate referral to and evaluation by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist is key in providing the best possible outcome.

THE ACVO® VISION FOR GLAUCOMA

“...that light shall prevail FOUNDATION over darkness...”® In 2001, with the support and sponsorship ® of the ACVO®, the ACVO® Vision for Animals Foundation (VAF) was established to support research leading to the elimination of ocular diseases causing vision loss and suffering in animals. The VAF is a 501(c)(3), not-for- The ACVO® is continually involved in basic and profit organization, which strives to realize clinical research developing new diagnostic procedures and treatment regimens. The genetics its mission by funding disease ® research conducted by qualified animal committee of the ACVO works closely with breeders to better define and help eliminate health care professionals and research inherited ocular diseases. The name of a scientists. The VAF is funded exclusively Diplomate closest to you may be obtained from a through tax deductible donations from general practitioner in your area or on-line at: private individuals such as concerned animal owners, industry supporters, and Diplomates www.ACVO.org of the ACVO®. More information can be For information about our free eye exams for found at www.visionforanimals.org Service Dogs, visit: www.ACVOeyeexam.org inside panel

UNDERSTANDING GLAUCOMA SYMPTOMS OF GLAUCOMA TREATING GLAUCOMA Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of The signs of glaucoma include: redness, The disease is difficult to treat but several blindness in animals and people. By definition, cloudy eye, tearing, loss of vision, an enlarged options are available. Treatment is planned glaucoma is increased pressure within the eyeball, lethargy, loss of appetite and based on the type of glaucoma, underlying eye beyond that compatible with normal occasionally, vomiting. The disease is quite causes, the prognosis for vision, and ocular function and vision. It is caused by a painful in most cases, especially when the eye overall health of the patient. Treatment is disturbance in the flow of fluid within and out pressure is very elevated. Human patients aimed at control, as glaucoma is rarely of the globe. complain of severe headache or migraines. cured. The prognosis is often dependent on early detection and treatment. However, The fluid that fills the eye is made at the due to the nature of the disease many WHAT CAUSES GLAUCOMA? base of the . This fluid travels through animals lose vision despite treatment. In the to fill the front chamber, and exits primary glaucoma, typically, the second Primary glaucoma is usually caused by an out where the iris meets the . When eye will be affected within 2 years. It must inherited abnormality of the drainage angle, there is an obstruction in the outflow of the be stressed that glaucoma is a disease and is breed-related. Breeds predisposed to fluid the pressure in the eye is increased and that requires long term and vigilant inherited glaucoma include: Cocker Spaniels, glaucoma occurs. treatment with consistent monitoring by an Basset Hounds, Beagles, Chinese Shar Pei, ophthalmologist. Chow Chows and Jack (Parsons) Russell { CRYOCYCLOABLATION OF THE Terriers. CILIARY BODY } Permanent resolution of glaucoma is recommended for blind or painful . Secondary glaucoma may occur secondary to Options include enucleation (removal of inherited luxation (dislocation). Breeds the eye), intra-scleral prosthesis (replacing particularly susceptible include several the contents of the eye with silicone) or terrier breeds including Jack (Parsons) destruction of the part of the eye which Russell Terriers, Wire-haired Fox Terriers and produces fluid. There are pros and cons Chinese Shar Pei. Other causes of secondary to each of these treatments, and these glaucoma include: inflammation, trauma, and variables are discussed during examination intraocular tumors. All of these factors can by the veterinary ophthalmologist. obstruct the drainage of fluid from the eye. { DOG EYE WITH A GONIO IMPLANT } Acute glaucoma is an ophthalmic emergency and must be treated immediately. If the pressure remains elevated for even a few hours, permanent vision loss occurs. An The measurement of eye accurate diagnosis of glaucoma is based on a thorough ocular examination and pressure is the only way to measurement of the intraocular pressure with a tonometer. know if glaucoma is present.