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Glaucoma can steal your pet’s vision silently and permanently if it isn’t caught early. By the time most pet owners notice symptoms like a cloudy, bulging, or reddened eye, significant and often irreversible damage has already occurred. Tonometry, a quick and painless test that measures the pressure inside your pet’s eyes, is the most reliable way to detect glaucoma before it takes your pet’s sight.
At Venetian Pet Hospital, we offer tonometry as part of our diagnostic services for dogs, cats, and other companion animals in Stockton. Our team uses this simple screening tool to protect your pet’s eye health and catch pressure changes at the earliest possible stage.
Our dedicated team is here to provide urgent, high-quality care for your pets—because they’re family and deserve immediate attention when it matters most!
Tonometry measures intraocular pressure, which is the fluid pressure inside the eye. Healthy eyes maintain a careful balance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor, the clear fluid that nourishes the structures inside the eye. When drainage is impaired or fluid production increases, pressure builds and begins damaging the optic nerve and retina.
According to the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in dogs, and certain breeds, including Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Beagles, and Siberian Huskies, are genetically predisposed to the condition. Cats can also develop glaucoma, though it is more often secondary to other eye conditions like uveitis or lens luxation. Regular tonometry screening gives us the best chance of catching elevated pressure before permanent vision loss occurs.
The test itself is fast, gentle, and well-tolerated by most pets. We use a handheld digital tonometer that lightly taps the surface of the cornea to measure intraocular pressure. The instrument is so delicate that most animals barely react during the procedure. A topical anesthetic drop is applied to the eye beforehand to ensure your pet is completely comfortable.
Normal intraocular pressure in dogs and cats typically ranges between 10 and 25 mmHg. Readings above this range suggest elevated pressure that may indicate early or active glaucoma. Readings below the normal range can point to uveitis or other inflammatory conditions inside the eye. We interpret results alongside a full ophthalmic examination to determine the underlying cause and the best course of action.
We may recommend tonometry during routine wellness visits for breeds at higher risk, as part of a workup for pets showing eye-related symptoms, or to monitor pets with a known history of glaucoma or eye disease. Symptoms that warrant immediate testing include a red or bloodshot eye, visible cloudiness or a blue-gray haze, squinting or pawing at the eye, excessive tearing, and a noticeably enlarged or swollen eye.
If tonometry reveals elevated intraocular pressure, early intervention can make a significant difference in preserving your pet’s vision. Treatment options depend on the severity and underlying cause but may include medicated eye drops to reduce fluid production or improve drainage, oral medications to lower pressure quickly in acute cases, and surgical options for pets that do not respond to medical management.
For pets already diagnosed with glaucoma, ongoing tonometry monitoring helps us track the effectiveness of treatment and adjust medications as needed. Dr. Sam Varon on our team has experience with various eye surgeries important for managing advanced ocular conditions, and our full team is equipped to manage both emergency and chronic eye health concerns.
Our veterinary team believes that every pet deserves to see the world clearly for as long as possible. Tonometry is a small investment of time that can make an enormous difference in your pet’s quality of life. With our warm, family-owned approach and a team of experienced doctors, including UC Davis graduates Dr. Hanh Do and Dr. Sam Varon, your pet receives thorough, compassionate eye care right here in Stockton.
Don’t wait for visible symptoms to check your pet’s eye health. Contact Venetian Pet Hospital to schedule a tonometry screening or comprehensive eye evaluation for your pet.
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