glaucoma is a degenerative eye disease that can affect in the eyes of our kittens, causing the progressive loss of the sense of vision. Although it can affect any feline, whether they are mestizos or of a defined breed, it is usually more frequent among elderly cats.
Glaucoma usually progresses silently in the cat's body, showing non-specific symptoms at first. For this reason, it is essential that guardians are very attentive to any alteration in the behavior of their felines, and immediately go to the veterinary clinic in the event of an unusual observation. In this new article on our site, you will learn about the symptoms, causes and the treatment of glaucoma in cats
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a clinical picture characterized by the excessive accumulation of aqueous humor and progressive increased intraocular pressure Ocular hypertension accelerates the degeneration of the retina and optic nerve, which is why glaucoma can cause blindness or partial loss of vision. Next, we tell you better how this phenomenon occurs.
The anterior portion of the eye, which is partially visible, is made up of the iris (the colored part), the pupil (central black circle), the sclera (the white part), the drainage canals, and ciliary bodies. The ciliary bodies are responsible for the production of 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 he althy eye, we identify a balanced wetting and drainage mechanism, which constitutes a dynamic circulation system. The aqueous humor is expelled through the pupil to then be redirected to the drainage channels, and conducted to the bloodstream.
When the drainage ducts become clogged, they cause obstruction of the intraocular fluid circulation system As a consequence, the aqueous humor accumulates, 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 very similarly. Its first symptoms are usually general and not very specific, making them difficult to recognize in cats. Many guardians only notice an abnormality when their minimum's eye shows a blurred appearance or gains a bluish castor greyish, with an evident pupillary dilation Others arrive at the veterinary clinic reporting that their cats began to walk in an unusual way, collapsing or hitting objects of home. In these instances, it is likely that the feline has already lost a good part of its vision, which explains its difficulty in recognizing obstacles in its path.
To enable an early diagnosis of glaucoma, it is important to pay attention to your cat's body language to quickly recognize any changes in expression or behavior. The first signs of glaucoma in cats are:
- Sensitivity in the eyes and in the ocular region.
- Headaches (cat probably won't like being touched on the head or near its eyes).
- Vomiting and nausea.
- Formation of a bluish halo around the iris.
- Blurred appearance of the pupil and iris.
- Dilated pupils.
- Irregular walking and spatial localization difficulty.
- Behavioral changes: the cat may hide more often, avoid contact with its guardians and other animals, or react negatively to being touched in the eye region and on its head.
Causes of glaucoma in cats
Feline glaucoma can be primary or secondary, depending on its cause. Like any degenerative disease, glaucoma has a significant genetic burden. However, this degenerative process can also be caused by another underlying disease. Inflammations and ophthalmological infections, such as uveitis, cataracts and neoplasms, are among the most frequent causes of acute glaucoma in cats. In addition, eye injuries from street fights, traumas or accidents can trigger an infectious process that favors the development of glaucoma in felines.
When glaucoma develops as a result of trauma or some underlying pathology, it is considered secondary or acute, while when it occurs due to genetics or malformation, it is primary.
Treatment of glaucoma in cats
The treatment of glaucoma in cats will depend on the cause, the state of he alth and the level of evolution of the degenerative process in each animal. It should be noted that the progression of glaucoma can be stopped, but it is not possible to recover lost vision. Usually, the veterinarian will administer eye drops to restore the ocular drainage system and balance the concentration of aqueous humor. Anti-inflammatory or analgesic medications may also be used to relieve headache and eye sensitivity. If an underlying disease is diagnosed, the treatment should also consider it.
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 the genetic inheritance of our kittens, but we can offer them adequate preventive medicine, a positive environment and care necessary to help them strengthen their immune system and maintain their good he alth. For this, it is essential to provide them with a balanced diet and keep them physically and mentally stimulated throughout their lives. Also remember to make regular visits to the vet every 6 months, in addition to respecting your vaccination card and regular deworming. And don't hesitate to turn immediately to the professional you trust when you identify any change in the appearance or behavior of your feline.
