Feline glaucoma is harder to recognise compared to canine glaucoma for both the owner and the vet. Whilst dogs usually presents with the ACUTE RED and BLUE eye cats usually present with slower, insidious, chronic signs. This article will discuss common clinical signs, causes and treatment plans for cats with glaucoma.
Clinical signs
1. Deep perilimbal hyperaemia - infrequent
2. Corneal oedema – variable in the acute stages more commonly seen in the later stages
3. Globe enlargement – commonly seen with inability to close the eyelids and central corneal ulcer due to exposure
4. Vascularisation of the cornea is variable
5. Blindness
6. Mydriasis - negative pupillary light reflex
7. Lens subluxation or luxation
8. Anterior uveitis
9. Elevated intraocular pressure (normal intraocular range is 10-25 mmHg in cats) - Ideal use a tonopen or tonovet
10. Retinal changes – very difficult to see changes in the retina and optic nerve compared to the dog
Causes
Congenital – uncommon
Primary – Siamese and Burmese
Secondary – is the most common form of glaucoma
Anterior uveitis – inflammatory cells or pre-iridal fibrovascular membranes blocking the outflow of the aqueous humor from the eye
Intraocular neoplasia – diffuse iris melanoma, lymphoma
Trauma – hyphaema and inflammatory cells, penetrating injury to the lens
Anterior lens luxation – often associated with chronic uveitis
Shallow anterior chamber syndrome
UVEITIS IS THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF GLAUCOMA IN CATS