Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure fluid inside the eyeball is too high. The elevated pressure fluid is caused by a blocked filter or drain inside of your dog’s eye which is supposed to regulate the fluid. The elevated pressure can destroy internal structures of the eye.

Glaucoma generally results in blindness.

Your dog’s eye may be red, look cloudy or be sore. Your dog will also likely blink and/or squint. In addition, his pupils may be dilated. As the disease progresses, impaired vision and blindness will result.

Some dogs may be born with a defective filter, or other abnormalities, that create elevated pressure fluid in the eye. This is called primary glaucoma. Secondary glaucoma is when an underlying condition such as a tumor, lens luxation or inflamed cells block the drainage.

Your veterinarian will use an instrument that measures the intra-ocular pressure to make a diagnosis.

Glaucoma may be treated with surgery or various medications, depending on the root cause and the severity of the case.

Treating underlying causes before glaucoma develops is one method to safeguard your dog from glaucoma. However, some causes of glaucoma cannot be prevented.

No, you cannot contract glaucoma from your dog.