Goniodysgenesis and Glaucoma in Dogs

Category: Eye
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 5

Overview

A drainage channel inside the eye may develop with an abnormal shape, narrowing the route that fluid uses to leave. This developmental problem is called goniodysgenesis. Some affected dogs later develop glaucoma, in which pressure inside the eye rises and damages vision. An abnormal angle does not mean glaucoma will definitely occur. When glaucoma does develop, it can be painful and cause permanent loss of sight, so screening and rapid attention to new eye changes matter.

Signs to watch for

A red eye if glaucoma develops
Cloudiness of the eye if glaucoma develops
A persistently enlarged pupil with glaucoma
Reduced vision or blindness with glaucoma
Eye pain when glaucoma develops

The drainage abnormality is generally considered present at birth; glaucoma may develop later in life.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog develops a red, painful eye.

Diagnosis and tests

A veterinary eye specialist assesses the drainage angle using gonioscopy, an examination with a special lens placed on the clear front of the eye. The lens allows the vet to check the angle's width and supporting tissue. A separate pressure measurement, called tonometry, checks for glaucoma; finding an abnormal angle alone does not establish that glaucoma is present.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

2 Medium

Border CollieMedium · Herding Group
Basset Artésien NormandMedium · FCI Group 6 (Scenthounds)

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.