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It is crucial for your pet’s vision that we detect and treat glaucoma and other problems with intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye) as quickly as possible.
At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, we prioritize early detection of eye disease to ensure your animal remains comfortable and healthy. High elevation in intraocular pressure can cause irreversible damage to the retina and optic nerve in a very short period of time, resulting in blindness.
To prevent this, we utilize professional pet tonometry as a routine diagnostic tool for high-risk breeds and senior animal patients.
Don't wait until you find a tick on your pet to take action. Protect them with expert prevention from Sacramento's trusted veterinary team.
Glaucoma is an increasingly diagnosed eye disease in dogs and cats. It occurs when the fluid pressure inside the eye increases to a level that damages the internal structures. If not treated immediately (within hours to days), this pressure can cause permanent vision loss or even blindness. High IOP is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to maintain a pet’s vision.
Because glaucoma is painful, your pet may react by rubbing or pawing at the pet’s eyes or rubbing his or her head against the floor or furniture more than normal. Early detection is key to treating the disease before it progresses and causes permanent changes to the optic nerve. Our veterinarian team is equipped to monitor these changes through precise measurement of the IOP.
Call us right away if you notice any of the following problems in one eye or both of your pet’s eyes:
Dilated pupils (enlarged pupils that do not respond to light)
Clouding of the cornea (the normally clear outer layer of the eye)
Red or bloodshot eyes or a general red eye appearance
One eye eye protruding or appearing larger than the other
Squinting, tearing, or constant blinking
Bloodshot eyes accompanied by obvious discomfort
If an animal shows these symptoms, an immediate eye examination is necessary. Elevated pressure can lead to even blindness if the cornea becomes too clouded or the optic nerve is severed by the internal pressure.
The pet tonometry examination at our clinic is a painless, non-invasive measurement that typically takes only 2–5 minutes to complete. We use a device called a tonometer to accurately assess the IOP on animal patients. Unlike some older methods that might require sedation or a local anesthetic, our modern approach is designed to be as gentle as possible.
We often utilize the iCare TONOVET, which is based on a rebound measuring principle. In this measurement, a light-weight probe is used to make momentary contact with the cornea. Because the measurement is so fast and painless, it does not need any anesthetic nor does it cause a corneal reflex in the majority of animal patients. This means the animal stays calm, and we avoid the risks associated with anesthesia or deep sedation.
Veterinary ophthalmologists and general practitioners agree that certain dogs, such as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds, and cats, like Siamese and Persian breeds, are genetically predisposed to eye issues. For these animal patients, we recommend regular measurement of the intraocular pressure.
A routine eye examination allows your veterinarian to establish a baseline for the pressure inside the eye. If we detect an elevation in IOP, we can begin treatment before the eye disease becomes irreversible. Pet tonometry is also essential for diagnosing uveitis (low pressure), which can indicate other systemic disease or dehydration.
Your pet’s health is our expertise, which is why local news outlets like Fox40 News and Good Day Sacramento regularly invite Dr. Sam Varon to share essential pet care information, from emerging health concerns to answering everyday pet questions. When you choose Broadway Veterinary Hospital, you’re choosing care backed by expertise that Sacramento trusts.
One of the greatest benefits of the rebound measuring principle is that it creates no anxiety for the animal. Most animal patients do not even realize a measurement is being taken. This allows us to perform a thorough examination of the pet’s eyes without the need for anesthesia.
While some methods, like applanation tonometry, estimate pressure by measuring the force needed to flatten the cornea – often requiring a local anesthetic – our goal is to provide a painless and efficient experience. By avoiding anesthesia, we can provide pet tonometry during a standard wellness visit, making it an accessible part of your pet’s vision care plan.
Don’t wait until you notice a red eye or dilated pupils to check your animal’s health. Early detection through pet tonometry can prevent the tragedy of blindness. Please call us at Broadway Veterinary Hospital to discuss whether your pet may be at higher risk for glaucoma or to schedule a comprehensive eye examination.
Don’t wait any longer to forge a lifelong relationship with your friendly veterinarian.
Pet tonometry is a non-invasive examination used to measure the intraocular pressure (or IOP) within the eye. It is the primary tool used by a veterinarian to diagnose glaucoma. Measuring the pressure inside the eye is vital because high pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss or even blindness. Regular measurement is the best way to detect eye disease early.
The measurement is completely painless. At our clinic, we use a tonometer that operates on a rebound measuring principle, making momentary contact with the cornea. This gentle approach does not cause a corneal reflex and does not require a local anesthetic or anesthesia. Most animal patients react very calmly to the procedure, as it is as non-invasive as a standard physical examination.
If your pet has high pressure, you may notice red or bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, or the cornea appearing cloudy instead of being a normally clear outer layer. In some cases, one eye may be eye protruding or appearing larger than the other. Animal patients with glaucoma often show signs of pain by squinting or pawing at the eye. Immediate treatment is required to prevent blindness.
No, sedation and anesthesia are generally not required for pet tonometry. Modern devices allow for a quick, painless measurement while the animal is awake. This makes the examination much safer for senior dogs and cats. If your pet is extremely anxious, your veterinarian will discuss the best way to proceed, but the vast majority of animal patients tolerate the measurement without any anesthetic.
Certain dogs, including Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Great Danes, are more prone to this eye disease. Among cats, Siamese and Persian breeds are at higher risk. If you own a high-risk breed, regular pet tonometry is essential to monitor the pet’s vision. Early treatment can manage the pressure before it causes damage to the optic nerve, helping to avoid permanent blindness and maintain long-term vision.
Our fully equipped veterinary hospital brings together advanced medical technology and skilled veterinary expertise to handle all your pet’s healthcare needs.
Whether it’s preventive care or complex procedures, we’re here to provide exceptional treatment at every stage of your pet’s life.
