How Much Does Glaucoma Treatment Cost In Dogs?

Glaucoma is a condition that occurs in dogs in which the fluid inside the eyeball that provides oxygen and nutrients to the organ’s structures doesn’t drain properly. This causes too much pressure inside the eye. If you’re searching for information on glaucoma surgery costs, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll examine glaucoma, its causes, available treatments, and, most importantly, the surgical costs.

Ignoring this condition can lead to more severe health issues, such as damage to the optic nerve and vision loss. With more than fifteen years of experience in the pet insurance industry and as a dog owner myself, I’ve seen just how important timely intervention can be to ensure your pet’s health and well-being.

What Is Glaucoma In Dogs?

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition in dogs that is the result of increased pressure inside the dog’s eyeball. This is known as intraocular pressure (IOP), and is caused by insufficient drainage of the aqueous humor, which is the fluid inside the eye. In dogs, this increased pressure inside the eyeball causes glaucoma.

There are two types of glaucoma: Primary and Secondary. Both types result in an increase in IOP. The diagnosis of type depends on where the fluid exits the eye, which is known as the drainage angle, and  is the structure through which the fluid ordinarily drains.

In primary glaucoma, even though the eye is otherwise normal, an inherited abnormality exists in the drainage angle that impacts the ability of fluid to exit the eye. This abnormality is hereditary in certain breeds of dogs. Primary glaucoma typically affects both eyes, with one eye being affected first, and then followed by the second eye later.

Secondary glaucoma, on the other hand, occurs when the drainage angle is anatomically as it should be, but there is another eye issue affecting the fluid outflow. Here are some of those conditions:

• Pigmentary diseases and dispersion in the eye. Pigmentary dispersion occurs when the cells that give the iris its color, called pigment granules, disperse from the iris and travel through the eye, blocking the drainage angle and leading to glaucoma.
• Uveitis, or inflammation inside the eye.
• Blood in the eye, hyphema. Blood clots may block fluid drainage.
• Displacement of the lens from its normal position, also known as lens luxation or subluxation.
• Cancer in the eye.
• Post-intraocular surgery complications.

Symptoms And Diagnosis

The most typical signs of glaucoma include cloudiness of the cornea, redness around the eye, pupil dilation, and discharge from the eye. The dog’s eye might also appear bulging, swollen, or enlarged due to the fluid buildup.

In addition, your dog may become blind,  gradually or suddenly. Last but not least, glaucoma hurts. You may see your dog hold their eye closed or rub at it. Vets say that dogs experiencing a high intraocular pressure are often lethargic and not themselves because of the severe pain glaucoma can cause.

Diagnosis

Glaucoma in dogs may occur suddenly, with blindness coming on right behind, so don’t hesitate to take your dog to the vet immediately if something seems wrong. Your veterinarian can do a complete ophthalmic exam.

Further testing might help with a definitive diagnosis. To definitely differentiate between primary and secondary types of glaucoma, there’s a test called a gonioscopy. In this procedure, a specialized lens is placed onto the surface of the dog’s eye, allowing the veterinarian ophthalmologist to see the drainage angle and make an assessment as to whether it appears normal or abnormal. Ultrasound may also be helpful in this process of diagnosis.

Causes

Glaucoma is caused by insufficient drainage of the aqueous humor, which is the fluid inside the dog’s eyeball that provides oxygen and nutrients to the structures of the eye. Since the eye is continuously producing new fluid, if it doesn’t drain at the normal rate the fluid will build up, and the pressure will steadily increase.

Treatment

The initial treatment, whether it is primary or secondary glaucoma, generally involves the use of multiple eye drops to reduce the intraocular pressure. These eye drops might sometimes be successful. However, the length of time that the eye drops work to keep the intraocular pressure under control often varies by the individual dog. In the case of secondary glaucoma, treatment will be focused on addressing the principal cause of the drainage problem.

There are other potential treatments to be considered in the case of primary glaucoma, including surgical options that involve sending laser energy into the eye with the aim of destroying the cells that produce fluid inside of the eye – the ciliary body. There are various types of lasers, some applied to the external shell of the eye and some placed into the eye, allowing for direct visualization of the fluid-producing cells.

There are small devices, too, that may be placed under the shell of the eye to redirect fluid outflow, called gonioimplants. Additionally, there are some medication implants that may be placed to help reduce the intraocular pressure.

These treatments sound promising, but be aware that surgery comes with risks. Sadly, the long-term outcome for vision in dogs who suffer from glaucoma is poor, whether surgery is performed or not. In a lot of cases, if the dog’s eye has gradually become permanently blind and painful despite treatment, the eye will have to be removed in order to relieve the dog’s ongoing pain.

Research into new glaucoma treatments, including stem cell and genetic therapies, hold hope for better outcomes in the future.

How Much Does Glaucoma Treatment In Dogs Cost?

The cost of glaucoma treatment and/or surgery for dogs may vary significantly based on the type of surgery and the specifics of your dog’s condition. Here are a few general estimates:

• Cyclophotocoagulation: This laser surgery may cost between $2,500 and $3,000.
• General surgical procedures: These procedures can range from $1,500 to $3,000.
• Eye removal surgery: If necessary, this may cost between $500 and $1,000 per eye.

What Is Included In The Surgery Cost?

The total cost of glaucoma surgery in dogs typically includes various components:

• Initial Vet Visit
• Pre-Surgery Blood Work
• Anesthesia
• Surgical Procedure
• Medications
• Elizabethan collar
• Follow-Up Visits

Real-World Examples Of Glaucoma Surgery Costs In Dogs

1. Lemonade Pet Insurance: They provide a range of $1,500 to $3,000 per eye
2. A-Z Animals: They report a general cost range of $1,000 to $3,000.
3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Costs range from $1,000 to $3,000 for basic surgical correction of glaucoma.

What Factors Affect The Cost Of Glaucoma Treatment In Dogs?

The cost of glaucoma treatement may vary widely depending on a variety of factors. Understanding these factors can be helpful for you in anticipating expenses involved, as well as helping you make more informed decisions about your dog’s care:

• Veterinarian’s Experience and Specialty: The services of a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist might cost more due to specialized training and expertise, critical for complicated cases​​.
• Type of Treatment: The surgical technique or treatment influences the cost.
• Pre-Op Visits and Diagnostics: Diagnostic tests and vet visits, including blood work and physical exams, are necessary before surgery and add to the total   cost​​.
• Post-Surgery Medications and Follow-Up Care: Post-surgery treatment and care, including meds and follow-up visits, will add to the total expense and are a critical part of ensuring successful recovery.
• Anesthesia: The type and duration of anesthesia used during the surgical procedure can significantly affect the cost, especially general anesthesia which is usually required​​.
• Complications and Additional Treatments: Additional treatments and maybe even more surgeries might be needed if complications arise during or after surgery, greatly increasing the total cost.
• Geographical Location: The cost of veterinary services can vary greatly depending on the facility’s location, with higher costs generally found in metropolitan areas and lower costs in more rural areas​.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Glaucoma Treatment In Dogs?

Pet insurance coverage for glaucoma treatment, including surgery, in dogs will vary according to the company, as well as the policy. Typically, the majority of pet insurance plans cover surgeries for conditions such as glaucoma.

Hereditary And Congenital Conditions

Most comprehensive pet insurance policies cover congenital and hereditary conditions, glaucoma included. Lemonade Pet Insurance, for instance, generally covers the cost of glaucoma surgery for dogs, excluding deductibles and coinsurance,as long as the policy owner took out the coverage before symptoms appeared​.

MetLife Pet Insurance covers glaucoma surgery under policies that include hereditary conditions, and advises pet owners to be sure and check for exclusions relating to pre-existing conditions​​.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Very few pet insurance policies will cover pre-existing conditions. For example, If your dog was diagnosed with glaucoma prior to the purchase of the policy, or was showing symptoms during the waiting period, the surgery probably will not be covered​​.

How Can I Save Money On Glaucoma Treatment For Dogs?

If you’re like most of us, you want your pet to have the medical care it needs, but you also want to save some money on it if possible. There are various strategies that can help you save money on glaucoma treatment for your dog.

The first thing you might want to think about is getting pet insurance that covers hereditary and congenital conditions, since this can greatly offset the cost of health care for your pet. Many pet insurance plans cover surgery such as procedures for glaucoma, after deductibles and coinsurance, which will potentially save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Enroll your pet in insurance early in order to avoid issues with pre-existing condition exclusions.

Another way to save is by exploring some of the payment plans or financing options offered by many veterinary clinics. Some clinics also offer interest-free payment plans or financing options that help you spread the cost over time instead of paying the total cost all at once. Also, look for local veterinary schools that may offer discounted rates for procedures performed by students under supervision.

What Dog Breeds Are Typically Affected By Glaucoma?

Certain dog breeds are more susceptible to developing glaucoma due to genetic predispositions and anatomical features. These breeds are more likely to develop primary glaucoma due to inherited anatomical abnormalities in the eye’s drainage angle. The breeds most commonly associated with glaucoma include:

• Golden Retriever
• American Cocker Spaniel
• Shar-Pei
• Basset Hound
• Beagle
• Poodle
• Boston Terrier
• Siberian Husky
• Chow Chow
• Dalmatian
• Norwegian Elkhound

Is Surgery Required For Glaucoma In Dogs?

Not always. Surgery for glaucoma in dogs is often necessary, though, especially if medication alone isn’t effective in controlling the intraocular pressure in the eye. The type of surgery needed is based upon the severity and progression of the disease. Here are some common surgical options:

• Laser Surgery: This procedure helps reduce the production of aqueous humor, which is the fluid inside the eye, to lower IOP, or intraocular pressure.
• Cyclocryotherapy: This procedure involves freezing the parts of the dog’s eye that produce aqueous humor, in order to reduce excess fluid production.
• Drainage Implants: These implants help to improve fluid drainage from the dog’s eye,thus reducing pressure.
• Enucleation: In severe cases where the dog’s eye is blind and painful, removal of the eye, or enucleation, may be recommended to relieve pain and improve the dog’s quality of life.

The decision to go ahead with surgery is ordinarily based on the dog’s overall general health, the effectiveness of medications, plus the potential for saving the dog’s vision.

What Happens If Glaucoma In Dogs Is Left Untreated?

The eyeball is a very delicate organ, so when high-pressure fluid builds up from glaucoma, there are many consequences. The front part of the eye, the cornea, becomes very cloudy under high pressure, causing corneal edema.Besides the damage to the cornea, the tissue at the back of the dog’s eye–the retina and optic nerve–are also extremely sensitive to high pressure.

So, high pressure also damages the retinal and optic nerves, and causes cell death and permanent vision loss over time, unless the intraocular pressure can be reduced and maintained within normal ranges.

How Can I Prevent Glaucoma In Dogs?

Preventing glaucoma in dogs, particularly primary glaucoma, may be a challenge since it is quite often genetic. But, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of glaucoma and be proactive about managing your dog’s eye health.

• Healthy Diet: Provide your dog with a diet that is rich in antioxidants and vitamins such as beta-carotene, E, C, astaxanthin, and lutein, to support eye health.
• Maintain Eye Health: Keeping your dog’s eyes clean and monitoring for signs of infection or inflammation is crucial to its eye health.
• Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Regular eye exams by your vet can help detect early signs of glaucoma and other eye conditions.
• Protect Eyes from Injury: Avoid situations where your dog’s eyes might be injured, as best you can, because trauma may lead to secondary glaucoma.
• Avoid Tight Collars: Use harnesses rather than collars to help prevent increased intraocular pressure.

While primary glaucoma can’t be completely prevented due to its genetic nature, these steps may help manage your dog’s eye health and possibly reduce the risk of secondary glaucoma.