Glaucoma in Dogs: Is It Covered by Pet Insurance?

Glaucoma is a painful eye condition caused by an increase in pressure inside the eye. If not treated, glaucoma in dogs could lead to blindness. It can also cause pain and vision loss, so it's important to treat it promptly if you suspect it.

Here, we’ll review some of the signs of glaucoma in dogs, as well as treatment options. Just as importantly, we’ll discuss whether pet insurance covers glaucoma in dogs and what to expect as far as your costs go.

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What Is Glaucoma in Dogs?

Glaucoma is an eye condition caused by excess pressure in the eye. In some cases, glaucoma in dogs can be genetic. In other cases, it can result when the eye's drainage system becomes less efficient over time. When fluid in the eye builds up, it causes pressure that can damage the optic nerve permanently.

Glaucoma in dogs can be primary or secondary. With primary glaucoma, the eye is typically healthy when the disease starts. With secondary glaucoma, an eye injury or another ailment causes fluid and pressure in the eye to build. Primary glaucoma in dogs commonly affects both eyes, whereas secondary glaucoma is often limited to one eye.

Certain breeds may be more predisposed to glaucoma than others, including:

While purebred dogs may have a higher predisposition to glaucoma than mixed breeds, ultimately, any dog can get glaucoma.

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma in Dogs

Because glaucoma in dogs can be an emergency, it's important to recognize the symptoms. Signs of glaucoma include:

Your dog may show signs of glaucoma by bumping into objects or having a hard time finding objects. They may also show signs of general pain, such as whimpering and poor appetite.

Diagnosing Glaucoma in Dogs

If you suspect that your dog has glaucoma, it's important to consult your vet right away. They will likely refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist if they suspect glaucoma.

The gold standard test for diagnosing glaucoma in dogs is generally tonometry, which measures the pressure inside the eye. Gonioscopy, meanwhile, measures the angle of drainage in the eye and can help differentiate between primary and secondary glaucoma.

Your specialist may also perform an ocular ultrasound to get a better picture of the eye, or an ophthalmoscopy to look for damage to the optic nerve.

Dog Glaucoma Treatment

The goal of glaucoma treatment is twofold -- to prevent vision loss and alleviate pain.

Depending on the severity of the situation, your specialist might recommend starting with eye drops that can reduce the pressure in the eye or decrease fluid production. If eye drops don't work, or if your dog's condition is severe, surgery may be recommended.

While early glaucoma treatment can sometimes be successful in preserving vision, chronic cases of glaucoma often cause blindness.

Cost of Glaucoma Treatment in Dogs

The cost of treating glaucoma will depend on the specific treatment plan your specialist recommends.

Wag puts the average cost of laser surgery for glaucoma at $2,500 to $3,000. And the ointment needed prior to surgery can cost $118 per 2.5ml bottle. Enucleation, meanwhile, can range from $800 to $2,000, with an average cost of $1,200.

You’ll also have to cover the cost of getting your dog’s condition diagnosed. Dogster puts the average cost of an eye exam at $50 to $150, but you may be looking at a higher cost if your dog requires further testing due to suspicion of glaucoma.

Eye drops, meanwhile, can be fairly inexpensive, ranging from about $10 to $20 per month. Your specialist should be able to review your treatment costs with you, so you know what to expect.

Keep in mind that your dog may require follow-up care after surgery, or ongoing monitoring, so those are costs to budget for, too.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Glaucoma in Dogs?

Pet insurance will typically cover glaucoma in dogs if you have a plan that includes coverage for accidents and illnesses. However, your dog's treatment may not be covered if:

Also, it's common for pet insurance plans to have a waiting period during which time you may not be eligible for coverage. Your plan may also have a deductible to meet, as well as limits on what it will pay toward glaucoma treatment each year or over your dog's lifetime.

Your best bet is to reach out to your pet insurance company, explain what treatment your dog is looking at, and ask what coverage you're entitled to.

Tips for Managing Glaucoma and Insurance Claims

One of the trickiest things about pet insurance is that you’re often required to pay for your pet’s treatment up front and wait to get reimbursed after filing a claim. As you go about getting your dog treated, make sure to keep accurate records of all of your medical bills and file claims as you go along. If your insurance company requires any type of pre-approval, make sure to go through the proper channels.

Because pet insurance typically does not cover pre-existing conditions, it’s best to buy coverage for your dog before health issues arise. Shop around for insurance as soon as you bring your dog home and enroll as soon as possible to avoid a situation where a health issue is discovered before you’re able to buy a policy.

Prevention and Long-Term Management

Once your dog has been treated for glaucoma, it’s important to follow up with your specialist as directed. It’s also a good idea to proactively take care of your dog’s eye health by going for exams on a schedule your vet recommends. This is especially important if you own a breed that’s predisposed to glaucoma and other eye diseases.

It’s also important to recognize the signs of glaucoma in dogs so you can seek help right away. Without prompt treatment, glaucoma can cause vision loss quickly.

The Bottom Line on Glaucoma in Dogs

Glaucoma in dogs is not always avoidable, but addressing the issue early on could lead to a better outcome. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from glaucoma, see your vet right away for guidance.

While glaucoma is a serious condition that could be very costly to treat, it’s common for pet insurance to cover it as long as it isn’t a pre-existing condition. You may, however, have to pay for your dog’s treatment up front and wait to be reimbursed by your insurer, so it’s a good idea to have money set aside in savings for this type of emergency.