Content
- what is glaucoma
- Symptoms of glaucoma in cats
- Causes of glaucoma in cats
- Feline Glaucoma Treatment
- Is it possible to prevent glaucoma in cats?
O glaucoma is degenerative eye disease that can affect the eyes of the pussies, causing the progressive loss of the sense of vision. Although it can affect any feline, whether mixed breed (SRD) or defined breed, it is generally more common among older cats.
In general, glaucoma progresses silently in the body of cats, with unspecific symptoms at first. Therefore, it is essential that tutors are very attentive to any change in the behavior of their felines, and go immediately to the veterinary clinic in case of an unusual observation. In this new PeritoAnimal article, you will learn about symptoms, causes andglaucoma treatment in cats.
what is glaucoma
Glaucoma is a clinical condition characterized by excessive accumulation of aqueous humor and progressive increase in intraocular pressure. Ocular hypertension accelerates retinal and optic nerve degeneration, which is why glaucoma can cause blindness or partial loss of vision. Next, we'll better explain how this phenomenon occurs.
The anterior portion of the eye, which is partially visible, is composed of the iris (the colored part), the pupil (the central black circle), the sclera (the white part), the drainage channels, and the ciliary bodies. The ciliary bodies are responsible for producing a clear fluid called intraocular fluid (or aqueous humor), which lubricates and protects the anterior portion of the eye. If the external ocular structure were dry, it would be vulnerable to a series of injuries or irritations due to contact with impurities, microorganisms or with the eyelashes themselves. In a healthy eye, we have identified a balanced wetting and draining mechanism that constitutes a dynamic circulation system. Aqueous humor is expelled from the pupil and then redirected to the drainage channels and carried into the bloodstream.
When drainage ducts become clogged, they cause the obstruction of the intraocular fluid circulation system. As a result, aqueous humor builds up, leading to increased pressure inside the eye. And this is how the clinical picture known as glaucoma develops.
Symptoms of glaucoma in cats
Glaucoma is a silent disease that affects cats, dogs and humans in very similar ways. Its first symptoms are usually general and not very specific, being difficult to recognize in cats. Many tutors only notice the anomaly when their pussy's eye has a blurred aspect or win one bluish tint or greyish, with evident pupillary dilation. Others come to the veterinary clinic reporting that their cats have started to walk in an unusual way, falling or hitting household objects. In these cases, it is likely that the feline has lost much of its vision, which explains the difficulty in recognizing obstacles in its path.
To make an early diagnosis of glaucoma possible, it's important to pay attention to your cat's body language to quickly recognize any changes in her expression or behavior. The first signs of glaucoma in cats are:
- Sensitivity in the eyes and in the ocular region.
- Headaches (the cat will probably not like being touched on the head or near the eyes).
- Vomiting and nausea.
- Formation of a bluish halo around the iris.
- Blurred appearance in pupil and iris.
- Dilated pupils.
- Irregular gait and difficulty in spatial location.
- Behavioral changes: the cat may hide more often, avoid contact with its guardians and other animals, or react negatively to being touched in the eyes and head region.
Causes of glaucoma in cats
feline glaucoma can be primary or secondary, depending on your cause. Like all degenerative diseases, glaucoma has a significant genetic load. However, this degenerative process can also be caused by another underlying disease. Inflammations and eye infections, such as uveitis, cataracts and neoplasms are among the most frequent causes of acute glaucoma in cats. In addition, eye injuries resulting from street fights, trauma or accidents can trigger an infectious process that favors the development of glaucoma in felines.
When glaucoma develops as a consequence of trauma or some underlying disease, it is considered secondary or acute, and when it occurs due to genetic inheritance or malformation, it is primary.
In this other article we talk about the most common diseases in cats.
Feline Glaucoma Treatment
The treatment of glaucoma in cats will depend on the cause, the state of health and the degree of evolution of the degenerative process in each animal. It should be noted that the progression glaucoma can be delayed, but lost vision cannot be regained.
Typically, the veterinarian administers a eye drops to reestablish the eye drainage system and balance the concentration of aqueous humor. Medicines anti-inflammatories or analgesics can also be used to relieve headache and eye sensitivity. If an underlying disease is diagnosed, treatment should address it as well.
When the degenerative process is more advanced, the veterinarian may recommend a surgical intervention to artificially drain the intraocular cavity using laser technology.
Is it possible to prevent glaucoma in cats?
We cannot intervene in genetic inheritance of our pussies, but we can provide them with proper preventative medications, a positive environment, and the care they need to help them strengthen their immune systems and maintain their good health. For this, it is essential to provide a balanced diet and keep them physically and mentally stimulated throughout their lives.
also remember to do regular visits to the veterinarian every 6 months, in addition to respecting your vaccination and periodic deworming portfolio. And don't hesitate to immediately contact the professional you trust when identifying any change in the feline's appearance or behavior.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Glaucoma in Cats - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, we recommend that you enter our Eye Problems section.