Which Breeds of Animal Are Most Likely to Get Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is increased pressure within the eye. It is an emergency situation, and if not treated immediately, can lead to blindness.

Cells inside the eye produce a clear fluid (“aqueous humor”) that maintains the shape of the eye and nourishes the tissues inside the eye. The balance of fluid production and drainage is responsible for maintaining normal pressure within the eye. In glaucoma, the drain becomes clogged but the eye keeps producing fluid. Therefore, the pressure in the eye increases. The increased pressure in the eye actually can cause the eye to stretch and enlarge.

Some breeds predisposed to glaucoma include:

Afghan Akita Alaskan Malamute Basset Hound Beagle Border Collie Boston Terrier Bouvier des Flanders Chihuahua Cocker Spaniel Cairn Terrier Corgi, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Pembroke Welsh Chow

Dachshund Dalmatian Dandie Dinmont Terrier English Springer Spaniel Fox Terrier, Smooth-coated Fox Terrier, Wire-haired Great Dane Maltese Manchester Terrier Miniature Pinscher Norfolk Terrier Norwegian Terrier Norwich Terrier Poodle

Saluki Schnauzer, Giant Scottish Terrier Sealyham Terrier Siberian Husky Samoyed Shih Tzu Skye Terrier Tibetan Terrier Welsh Terrier Welsh Springer Spaniel West Highland White Terrier Whippet

Some cat breeds with a predisposition are:

• Persians
• Siamese
• Some domestic shorthairs