Dorzolamide for Dogs: A Medication to Treat Glaucoma and Eye Problems

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Glaucoma is a serious medical condition for dogs. In addition to being painful, it can cause blindness by damaging the retina and optic nerve. But there are a number of medications available to treat glaucoma in dogs. One commonly prescribed option is the eye drop dorzolamide. Read about dorzolamide for dogs.

Dorzolamide for dogs at a glance

What is dorzolamide for dogs and how does it work?

Dorzolamide, also known by the now-discontinued brand name Trusopt, is an ophthalmic (eye) medication used to treat glaucoma in dogs. It belongs to a class of medications known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

Dorzolamide, like other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, suppresses the activity of a specific enzyme in the eye. This decreases fluid production within the eye, which lowers eye pressure.

What is dorzolamide used for in dogs?

As mentioned, dorzolamide is used to treat glaucoma in dogs. Glaucoma refers to elevated eye pressure, which can cause pain and blindness in dogs.

Dorzolamide works by decreasing the production of fluid within the eye. This lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye.

Veterinarians use dorzolamide, a human medication, off-label to treat glaucoma in dogs. Using human medications off-label to treat animals is a common practice.

How is dorzolamide given to dogs?

Dorzolamide drops are placed directly in a dog's eye(s). Your veterinarian will let you know how often to apply the drops based on the severity of your dog's glaucoma. They'll also monitor your dog's progress and let you know if dosage changes are needed. Most dogs receive one drop in the affected eye(s) every 6 to 8 hours.

How to give dogs dorzolamide eye drops

To give dorzolamide to your dog:

• Hold your dog's head still.

• Gently pull upward on their upper eyelid, while gently pulling down on the lower eyelid.

• Apply one drop of the medication into the pouch that is formed between the lower lid and the eyeball.

• Be careful not to touch the tip of the bottle to your dog's eye, because this can allow bacteria to contaminate the dorzolamide.

• After you apply the medication, allow your dog to blink. This will help spread the medication across the surface of their eye.

Many dogs don't like the feeling of eye drops, so applying a medication like dorzolamide can be difficult. You can make this process easier by creating a positive association with getting the eye drops.

Give your dog a special, highly desirable treat before and after applying dorzolamide to their eye(s). Over time, you may find that your dog looks forward to receiving their eye medication instead of dreading it.

What are the common side effects of dorzolamide in dogs?

All eye drops, including dorzolamide, can cause mild burning and stinging in the eyes. While these side effects can be uncomfortable, they are usually temporary and not cause for concern. Some dogs may also experience mild drowsiness from dorzolamide.

What are the most serious risks of dorzolamide for dogs?

As mentioned, it's not unusual for dogs to experience a very brief period of eye irritation with dorzolamide. However, an allergic response to the medication may cause a more serious reaction.

Signs of an allergic reaction to dorzolamide may include:

• Red eyes

• Swollen eyes

• Inflamed skin around the eyes

• Nausea

If your dog experiences serious side effects after receiving dorzolamide, stop giving them the medication and contact your veterinarian.

Does dorzolamide interact with any other dog medications?

Medication interactions with dorzolamide are rare. However, make sure your veterinarian is aware of any prescription or over-the-counter medications your dog is taking.

Do not combine dorzolamide with other eye medications, unless your veterinarian has told you to do so.

What should you do if your dog misses a dose of dorzolamide?

If you forget to give your dog a dose of dorzolamide, give them the missed dose as soon as possible. If it's almost time for their next dose, skip the missed one and resume their regular medication schedule.

Do not give your dog a double dose of dorzolamide to make up for a missed one.

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