Blood vessels in the sclera the white part of the eyeball are usually congested as well. Acute vs. Chronic Glaucoma Time is of the essence in treating acute glaucoma. Even 24 hours of elevated intraocular pressure may be enough to cause permanent destruction of the optic nerve. This results in permanent blindness. Therefore recognizing the warning signs of glaucoma and seeking immediate veterinary treatment is essential.
Chronic glaucoma is caused by an eye that went untreated in the very early stages.
All of the above signs are present, with the addition of an enlarged eye. Dogs or cats with enlarged eyes rarely respond to medical treatment, therefore, if the eye is causing chronic pain, it is best to have the eye surgically removed. Due to the rapid and severe nature of the disease, it is often best to have the pet under the care of a veterinary ophthalmologist. There are numerous drugs available to treat glaucoma, as well as several surgical procedures that work well in dogs. Remember, it is important to recognize and treat glaucoma as soon as symptoms appear.