What to do for old dog glaucoma when eye drops stop working?

I'm sorry to hear that Danny has glaucoma! If the ophthalmologist is recommending removing the eye, I'm assuming that Danny is already blind in the affected eye. If this is the case, then I'm afraid there really aren't any better options - there is no treatment that can reverse the blindness, and the eye is a constant source of pain for him. Removing it will improve his quality of life dramatically, since he'll no longer be in pain. If he does still have some vision in the affected eye, then you can certainly ask the ophthalmologist to discuss other possible treatment options with you. Glaucoma can sometimes be medically managed for a while with prescription eye drops, although this will eventually stop working as the disease progresses. Some dogs may also be good candidates for laser surgery to help improve the glaucoma - you can certainly ask the ophthalmologist about this to see if it might be an option for Danny, if you haven't discussed it already.

Hello. The procedure involves injecting gentamicin into the eye. The procedure is safe, relatively quick & generally done under sedation. The procedure does not always work, some dogs will relapse in 3-6 months, but the injection can be repeated at this time. In some cases, the eye will shrink, what we call end stage, but not always. This is a good option if you are not ready to consider enucleation. If successful, the injection protocol can result in a non-painful & quiet eye. No one can predict final outcome, but this is a nice way to preserve the eye & keep Izzy comfortable. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I can't readily think of a link between glaucoma and a dental surgery. Sometimes dental disease or surgery can cause either pressure or an infection underneath/behind the eye, but this would not be the same as glaucoma. If the medications don't seem to be helping him you could always ask about referral to an ophthalmologist who might be able to adjust medications or even talk about other procedures to help reduce the pressure in the eye. Sometimes medical management of glaucoma with drops just doesn't work and occasionally removing the eye is actually the best option since the eye is usually not visual and is a source of chronic pain. I'm so sorry this happened to Sammy and I hope he is feeling better soon.

I'm sorry to hear you are having these issues with Scooter. Glaucoma is a horrible condition but it has to be diagnosed carefully. Usually it is suspected based on signs such as enlarged hard eyes, and then confirmed with a special pen that checks the pressure. It is really important with glaucoma to check the back of the eye with an ophthalmoacope to see if the retina is damaged. I would urge you not to try and treat this yourself. Number 1 it may not be glaucoma and you could do damage by giving the wrong meds or by omitting the correct ones. Number 2 if it is glaucoma treatment is multifaceted depending on severity. Even if funds are tight you need to find a way to get him to a vet for a proper examination. I hope you manage and in the mean time you could use lubricating eye gel to make the eyes slightly more comfortable.

I'm sorry that Pluto has cataracts! Unfortunately, there is no medication or eye drop that will do anything to help with this. The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery to remove the affected lens, and replace it with an artificial lens - the same surgery that is done for humans with cataracts. If you're interested in this as a possibility for Pluto, I would recommend requesting referral to an ophthalmologist. He/she can give you a better idea of whether he would be good candidate for surgery or not, and can also discuss expected costs if you wish.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Oliver! Did they diagnosis him with glaucoma? If yes that is very painful and usually results in permanent blindness. You can ask your Vet for eye drops to lower the pressure in his eyes (for comfort purposes until surgery) and oral pain medications. You can also have your Vet refer you to a Veterinary ophthalmologist for a second opinion. I wish you and Oliver the best!

Yes the eye could be painful. Most dogs do great after eye removal and he may become perkier afterwards. You are the one that sees him everyday and are the best one to evaluate his quality of life. Personally if he’s eating and getting around I’d do the surgery so he’s more comfortable. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jingles.