Glaucoma Appeal
Breakthrough In Sight for Glaucoma Treatment
At the AHT, we have a dedicated team of ophthalmologists who regularly treat various eye conditions in dogs, cats and horses. One of the most serious eye conditions in dogs is glaucoma, for which, at the moment, there is no real long term solution. Now, however, thanks to pioneering new laser equipment, we may have the answer.
Glaucoma affects hundreds of dogs across a range of breeds every year. Not only is it terribly painful, but will, in a short space of time, cause blindness. It can affect one or both eyes, and is the result of a build up of pressure in the eye.
At the AHT, our team of specialists frequently deals with cases of glaucoma. Head of the Ophthalmology Department is Jane Sansom, who has been treating the disease for years and tried everything – drops, medication and surgery – none of which offer long term success.
In 2006, Jane learnt of a new piece of equipment officially titled endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP), which was proving highly successful in the treatment of glaucoma in people. It involves the insertion of an incredibly fine endoscopic laser inside the eye, which then burns away the fluid-producing areas and reduces eye pressure.
In June 2007, Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Western Eye Hospital, Philip Bloom, came to the Trust to supervise our surgeons in performing the procedure on four dogs with glaucoma. All were successful.
One dog treated was 13-year-old Jack Russell, Polly, who had been coming to the Trust for five years with various eye problems, culminating in the removal of one eye. She then contracted glaucoma in her remaining eye, for which she received several methods of treatment, none to great avail. Polly was a perfect candidate for the laser treatment, and owner Mrs. Bond says her terrier is now like a new dog.
With our own laser equipment at the AHT, we will be able to offer hundreds of dogs treatment which would not only relieve them of the pain of eye disease, but could also help them retain their sight. We will be the only veterinary institute outside the USA offering this treatment.
We have therefore launched our Laser Appeal to raise £50,000 to cover the cost of this incredible equipment, which can also be used to treat retinal conditions.
Mrs. Bond, owner of Polly, said, “This equipment will change the lives of so many dogs and will be absolutely brilliant. I really hope that the Trust will be able to raise sufficint funds to cover the cost.”
