[Glaucoma in dogs and cats. Review and retrospective evaluation of 421 patients. II. Clinical aspects].

The pathobiological backgrounds, breed predispositions and classification of glaucoma have been described in a previous publication. The symptoms of acute glaucoma (corneal edema and vascular injection of the scleral conjunctiva) may bear an insidious resemblance to those of a 'keratoconjunctivitis'. However, it is of great importance to diagnose glaucoma as soon as possible after onset, since lack of treatment may lead to irreversible blindness within one week. When glaucoma becomes chronic the eyeball becomes enlarged. The prognosis concerning vision is then grave. The most important diagnostic and prognostic examinations are retrograde illumination, slitlamp examination, gonioscopy, examination of the fundus and tonometry. Provocative tests may also be useful. Glaucoma can be treated medically or surgically. Medical treatment includes the administration of timolol). Combinations may be useful. Surgical treatment is directed toward improving the outflow of aqueous humor (iridectomy, iridencleisis) and decreasing the rate of formation of aqueous humor (cyclocryotherapy). When all therapies have failed to lower the intraocular pressure and there is no hope of preserving vision, enucleation of the globe can be performed.