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Latanoprost (Generic) Ophthalmic Drops: For Reduction of Intraocular Pressure (IOP) in Dogs

Why has my veterinarian prescribed Latanoprost Eye Drops?

Latanaprost is a medication prescribed to reduce pressure in the eye caused by glaucoma.

How do I give Latanoprost Eye Drops?

First, READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

Instill Latanaprost in the pet's eye(s) as directed by your veterinarian.

Be sure to wash your hands before and after administering this medication.

DO NOT touch your pet’s eye with the tip of the dropper or the tip of the ointment tube.

DO NOT give your pet more medicine than directed.

DO NOT give your pet medicine more often than prescribed. This medication may not work well if used more than twice a day.

Try not to miss giving any doses.

If you are pregnant, wear gloves when administering this medication.

Latanaprost may sting when instilled in the eye.

If I miss a dose, what do I do?

If you miss a dose, give it to your pet as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, then continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not give your pet two doses at once.

How do I store Latanoprost Eye Drops?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Store this medicine in your refrigerator in a tight, light resistant container.

What are the potential side effects Latanoprost Eye Drops?

This medicine may sting when instilled in the eye.

This medication will make the pupil of your pet’s eye smaller.

Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

What about possible drug interactions?

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any other medications you are giving to your pet.

It’s not uncommon for your veterinarian to prescribe two different medications, which may cause a drug interaction to occur. If this happens, your veterinarian may change the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together

Latanoprost Ophthalmic Solution Eye Drops to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in Dogs.

Glaucoma in Dogs

What is intraocular pressure and how is it maintained?

The size and shape of the normal eye is maintained by the amount of fluid within the eyeball. The pressure of the fluid inside the front or anterior chamber of the eye is known as the intra-ocular pressure (IOP). Fluid inside the eye is constantly produced by a structure called the ciliary body. In addition to producing this fluid (aqueous humor), the ciliary body contains thesuspensory ligaments which hold the lens in place. Muscles in the ciliary body pull on the suspensory ligaments, controlling the shape and focusing ability of the lens.

Aqueous humor contains nutrients and oxygen that are used by the structures within the eye. The excess fluid is constantly drained from the eye between the cornea and the iris. This area is called the iridocorneal angle or the filtration and drainage angle.

The intra-ocular pressure remains constant as long as the production and absorption or drainage of aqueous is equal.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is defined as an increase in IOP. This is measured using an instrument called atonometer.

"Glaucoma is caused by inadequate drainage of aqueous fluid rather than the over production of fluid."

Glaucoma is caused by inadequate drainage of aqueous fluid rather than the over production of fluid. Glaucoma may be further classified as primary or secondary.

Primary glaucoma results in increased intra-ocular pressure in a healthy eye. Some breeds are more prone than others. It occurs due to inherited anatomical abnormalities in the drainage angle. For example, in narrow angle glaucoma there is a shallow anterior chamber which causes the iris to block the iridocorneal angle interfering with the filtration. Abnormalities in the drainage angle (goniodysgenesis) can lead to a raised IOP in middle age.

Secondary glaucoma results in increased intra-ocular pressure due to disease or injury to the eye.

This is the most common cause of glaucoma in dogs and cats. Causes include:

• Uveitis (inflammation of the interior of the eye) or severe intra-ocular infections, resulting in debris and scar tissue blocking the drainage angle.

• Anterior dislocation of lens - The lens falls forward and physically blocks the drainage angle or pupil so that fluid is trapped behind the dislocated lens.

• Tumors can cause physical blockage of the iridocorneal angle.

• Intra-ocular bleeding - The blood clot can prevent drainage of the aqueous humor.

• Damage to the lens - Lens proteins leaking into the eye as a result of a ruptured lens can cause an inflammatory reaction, which results in swelling and blockage of the drainage angle.

Breeds Associated with Glaucoma

What are the symptoms of glaucoma and how is it diagnosed?

The most common clinical signs noted by owners are:

• Ocular or eye pain. Your dog may partially closed and rub at the eye. He may turn away as you touch him or pet the side of his head.
• A watery discharge from the eye, accompanied by a dog that is depressed and unresponsive.
• Obvious physical swelling and bulging of the eyeball. The white of the eye (sclera) looks red and engorged.
• The cornea or clear part of the eye may become cloudy or bluish in color.
• Blindness. Blindness can occur very quickly unless the increased IOP is reduced.

All of these signs can occur very suddenly with acute glaucoma. In chronic glaucoma they develop more slowly. They may have been present for some time before your pet shows any signs of discomfort or clinical signs.

"Acute glaucoma is an emergency."

Diagnosis of glaucoma depends upon accurate IOP measurement and internal eye examination using special instruments. Acute glaucoma is an emergency. Sometimes immediate referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist is necessary.

What is the treatment for glaucoma?

It is important to reduce the IOP as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of irreversible damage and blindness. It is also important to treat any underlying disease that may be responsible for the glaucoma.

Analgesics are usually prescribed to control the pain and discomfort associated with the condition. Medications that decrease fluid production and promote drainage are often prescribed to treat the increased pressure.

Medical treatment often must be combined with surgery in severe or advanced cases. Veterinary ophthalmologists use various surgical techniques to reduce intra-ocular pressure.  In some cases that do not respond to medical treatment or if blindness has developed, removal of the eye (enucleation) may be recommended to relieve the pain and discomfort.