Tonometry

Tonometry for Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets

Veterinary Diagnostic Services at Southern Ocean Animal Hospital

TL;DR: Quick Summary

Tonometry is a quick eye test that measures the pressure inside your pet’s eye.

This pressure is called intraocular pressure, or IOP. If the pressure is too high, it may signal glaucoma, a painful eye condition that can lead to vision loss or blindness if not treated quickly. If the pressure is too low, it may point to inflammation, trauma, or another serious eye problem.

Veterinarians may recommend tonometry if your pet has:

Red eyes
Cloudy eyes
Squinting
Eye pain
Tearing
Sudden vision changes
A dilated pupil
Eye swelling
Head or eye trauma
Known glaucoma risk
A breed predisposed to eye pressure problems
Sudden blindness
Signs of systemic disease that may affect the eyes

Tonometry is commonly used for dogs and cats, and it may also be used in rabbits, ferrets, horses, birds, reptiles, and other pets when eye pressure is a concern.

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Dan and the team use tonometry as part of a careful eye exam to help identify painful eye problems early, protect vision, and guide treatment.

ELI5: Tonometry Explained Simply

Think of your pet’s eye like a small water balloon.

It needs the right amount of pressure to keep its shape and work properly.

If there is too much pressure inside the eye, it can hurt and damage the parts that allow your pet to see.

If there is too little pressure, that can also mean something is wrong, such as inflammation or injury.

Tonometry is the test Dr. Dan uses to check that pressure.

It is fast, gentle, and usually does not hurt. A small device briefly touches or comes very close to the surface of the eye to measure the pressure.

The goal is simple:

Find eye pressure problems early before they cause lasting pain or vision loss.

Introduction

Eye problems in pets can be stressful because they often appear suddenly and may worsen quickly. A dog may wake up with a red, cloudy eye. A cat may begin squinting or hiding. A rabbit may stop eating because of pain. A pet may bump into furniture, paw at the face, or become sensitive to light.

Because pets cannot tell us their eye hurts, veterinarians rely on eye exams and diagnostic tools to understand what is happening.

One of the most important eye tests is tonometry.

Tonometry measures pressure inside the eye. This pressure is important because abnormal eye pressure can be a sign of serious disease. The best-known condition associated with high eye pressure is glaucoma, but tonometry can also help Dr. Dan evaluate inflammation, trauma, certain complications after eye disease, and response to treatment.

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, tonometry may be used when a pet has eye discomfort, vision changes, redness, cloudiness, suspected glaucoma, eye injury, or a breed-related risk of eye disease.

Tonometry is often performed alongside other eye tests, including:

Visual eye exam
Fluorescein stain for corneal ulcers
Tear testing
Evaluation of pupil response
Retinal evaluation when possible
Blood pressure monitoring
Emergency lab workups when systemic disease is suspected
Referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist for advanced cases

The goal is not just to get a number. The goal is to understand what that number means for your pet’s comfort, vision, and overall health.

Key Ideas for Pet Owners

Tonometry measures pressure inside the eye.
Eye pressure that is too high can be painful and may lead to blindness.
Eye pressure that is too low can also indicate disease, inflammation, or injury.
Tonometry is quick and usually well tolerated.
The test is especially important when glaucoma is suspected.
Glaucoma is an emergency because vision loss can happen quickly.
Some dog breeds are more likely to develop inherited glaucoma.
Cats more commonly develop glaucoma secondary to another eye problem, such as inflammation or a tumor.
Tonometry helps monitor whether eye medications are working.
Sudden eye changes should never be ignored.
Redness, cloudiness, squinting, or vision changes should be checked promptly.
Human eye medications should never be used on pets unless directed by a veterinarian.

What Is Tonometry?

Tonometry is a diagnostic test that measures intraocular pressure, which means pressure inside the eye.

The eye naturally produces fluid. That fluid helps nourish internal eye structures and maintain the shape of the eye. The fluid also needs to drain properly. If fluid builds up because drainage is blocked or slowed, pressure can rise.

When pressure rises too much, it can damage important parts of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve. These structures are essential for vision.

Tonometry helps detect whether eye pressure is:

Normal
Too high
Too low
Different between the two eyes
Improving or worsening after treatment

For pet owners, tonometry is one of the quickest ways to find out whether an eye problem may be urgent.

What Is Intraocular Pressure?

Intraocular pressure, or IOP, is the pressure inside the eyeball.

A healthy eye needs balanced pressure.

Too much pressure can compress delicate tissues and damage vision.

Too little pressure may suggest inflammation, leakage, trauma, or other internal eye disease.

Veterinarians do not interpret eye pressure alone. They look at the whole picture, including:

Eye appearance
Pain level
Redness
Cloudiness
Pupil size
Vision
Breed
Age
Medical history
Other test results
Whether one eye or both eyes are affected

A pressure reading is a clue. The full exam explains what the clue means.

Why Tonometry Matters

Eye pressure problems can cause severe pain and permanent damage.

The biggest concern is glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease where pressure inside the eye becomes too high and damages the structures responsible for vision. It can affect dogs, cats, and other animals.

Glaucoma can develop suddenly or slowly. Sudden glaucoma is often painful and urgent.

Tonometry matters because it can help:

Detect glaucoma early
Confirm dangerously high eye pressure
Monitor response to eye medication
Track high-risk pets over time
Compare one eye to the other
Guide referral decisions
Help protect comfort and vision

The earlier abnormal eye pressure is found, the better the chance of reducing pain and preserving vision.

What Conditions Can Tonometry Help Detect?

Tonometry does not diagnose every eye disease by itself, but it is a very important part of the diagnostic process.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the main disease veterinarians think about when eye pressure is high.

Signs may include:

Red eye
Cloudy eye
Squinting
Eye pain
Enlarged eye
Dilated pupil
Vision loss
Tearing
Pawing at the eye
Avoiding light
Sudden behavior changes

Glaucoma can be primary or secondary.

Primary glaucoma often has an inherited or breed-related component.

Secondary glaucoma happens because another eye problem blocks drainage or increases pressure.

Secondary causes may include:

Uveitis
Lens luxation
Trauma
Tumors inside the eye
Advanced cataracts
Bleeding inside the eye
Scar tissue
Severe infection

Uveitis

Uveitis means inflammation inside the eye.

It can cause eye pain, redness, cloudiness, light sensitivity, and abnormal eye pressure.

In some cases, uveitis may lower eye pressure at first. In other cases, chronic inflammation may eventually contribute to secondary glaucoma.

Uveitis may be caused by:

Infection
Trauma
Immune-mediated disease
Cancer
Lens disease
Systemic illness

Lens Luxation

Lens luxation means the lens inside the eye has shifted out of place.

This can block normal fluid drainage and cause sudden glaucoma.

It can be very painful and may require urgent treatment or referral.

Eye Trauma

Injuries to the eye may affect pressure.

A scratch on the surface of the eye, blunt trauma, puncture wound, or internal injury may require multiple tests, including tonometry, fluorescein staining, and careful examination.

Eye Tumors

Masses inside the eye can interfere with fluid drainage and raise pressure.

Tonometry may help detect pressure changes that suggest the eye needs advanced evaluation.

Systemic Hypertension and Eye Disease

High blood pressure can damage the eyes, especially the retina.

Tonometry does not measure blood pressure. It measures eye pressure. However, if a pet has sudden vision changes, bleeding inside the eye, retinal problems, or other concerning signs, Dr. Dan may also recommend blood pressure monitoring and lab work.

Signs Your Pet May Need Tonometry

Your pet may need an eye pressure check if you notice:

Redness in one or both eyes
Cloudiness
Squinting
Tearing
Pawing or rubbing the eye
Eye swelling
Enlarged eye
Unequal pupil size
Dilated pupil
Sudden blindness
Bumping into objects
Light sensitivity
Eye discharge
Head shyness
Behavior changes
Decreased appetite from pain
Known eye injury
History of glaucoma
Breed risk for glaucoma

Eye pain should always be taken seriously.

Emergency Eye Symptoms: Do Not Wait

Some eye symptoms should be treated as urgent.

Call a veterinarian right away if your pet has:

Sudden blindness
Severe eye pain
A cloudy blue-looking eye
A very red eye
A swollen or enlarged eye
A dilated pupil that does not respond normally
Eye trauma
A puncture injury near the eye
Blood inside the eye
A cat suddenly bumping into objects
A dog with a painful squinting eye
Any eye problem that worsens quickly

Eyes can deteriorate fast. Early care can protect comfort and may help protect vision.

Timeline of Symptoms: When to Call the Veterinarian

Symptom	Possible Concern	When to Call
Mild tearing only	Irritation, allergy, early infection	Schedule if persistent
Squinting	Pain, ulcer, glaucoma, inflammation	Same day
Red eye	Infection, inflammation, glaucoma, trauma	Same day
Cloudy eye	Glaucoma, ulcer, cataract, inflammation	Same day
Pawing at eye	Pain, ulcer, foreign material, pressure problem	Same day
Sudden vision loss	Glaucoma, retinal disease, hypertension, trauma	Urgent/emergency
Enlarged eye	Chronic glaucoma or serious eye disease	Same day
Eye trauma	Scratch, puncture, bleeding, pressure change	Urgent/emergency
Unequal pupils	Glaucoma, neurologic issue, trauma, inflammation	Same day
Blue/gray cornea with pain	Glaucoma or corneal disease	Urgent

When in doubt, eye problems are better checked early.

How Tonometry Is Performed

Tonometry is usually quick.

The process may include:

A gentle eye exam
Possible numbing eye drop, depending on the device used
A small tonometer placed near or lightly against the eye surface
Several quick readings
Comparison between both eyes
Interpretation with the full exam

Many pets tolerate the test well while awake.

Some pets may need gentle restraint. Sedation is not usually required for routine tonometry, but it may be needed if a pet is extremely painful, fearful, or difficult to handle safely.

Types of Tonometry

Veterinary teams may use different devices to measure eye pressure.

Rebound Tonometry

A rebound tonometer uses a very small lightweight probe that briefly contacts the surface of the eye and rebounds back.

This method is commonly used in veterinary medicine because it is quick and often well tolerated.

Applanation Tonometry

An applanation tonometer gently flattens a very small area of the cornea to estimate pressure.

This method may require a numbing drop.

Digital Palpation Is Not Enough

Sometimes people think they can tell eye pressure by gently touching around the eye. This is not accurate enough for diagnosis.

Tonometry provides a measured value that can be tracked and compared.

Simple Table: What Tonometry Results May Suggest

Tonometry Finding	What It May Mean	Possible Next Steps
High pressure	Glaucoma or pressure buildup	Eye medication, urgent care, referral
Low pressure	Inflammation, trauma, internal eye disease	Eye exam, stain test, medication, lab work
Big difference between eyes	Early or one-sided disease	Recheck, treatment, monitoring
Pressure improving	Medication may be helping	Continue plan, monitor
Pressure worsening	Disease may be progressing	Adjust treatment, referral

This table is simplified. Dr. Dan interprets results based on the whole pet, not just the number.

Tonometry and Other Eye Tests

Tonometry is often combined with other tests.

Fluorescein Stain

A special dye checks for scratches or ulcers on the cornea.

This is important because a painful squinting eye may be caused by a corneal ulcer, glaucoma, or both.

Tear Testing

Tear testing checks whether the eye is producing enough tears.

Low tear production can cause dry eye, irritation, discharge, and corneal damage.

Eye Pressure Comparison

Comparing both eyes can help detect abnormal pressure patterns.

Ophthalmic Exam

Dr. Dan examines the eyelids, cornea, pupils, lens, and visible internal structures.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

If sudden blindness or retinal changes are suspected, blood pressure monitoring may be recommended.

Emergency Lab Workups

If eye inflammation, bleeding, infection, toxin exposure, immune disease, or systemic illness is suspected, lab work may be needed.

Why Emergency Labs May Be Ordered with Tonometry

Tonometry measures eye pressure, but eye pressure changes may be connected to larger health problems.

Emergency lab work may be ordered when an eye problem is severe, sudden, painful, or linked with whole-body illness.

Emergency labs may help evaluate:

Infection
Inflammation
Kidney disease
High blood pressure risk
Diabetes
Immune-mediated disease
Toxin exposure
Clotting problems
Cancer concerns
Trauma-related complications
Organ function before medication or anesthesia

For example:

A cat with sudden blindness may need blood pressure monitoring, kidney testing, thyroid testing, and eye evaluation.
A dog with uveitis may need testing for infection, immune disease, or other systemic causes.
A pet with eye trauma may need bloodwork before sedation, surgery, or referral care.
A pet with glaucoma may need lab work before certain medications or anesthesia.
A senior pet with eye bleeding may need bloodwork and blood pressure evaluation.

The eye can sometimes reveal clues about the whole body. That is why Dr. Dan may look beyond the eye when needed.

Tonometry in Dogs

Dogs are commonly tested with tonometry, especially when glaucoma is suspected.

Glaucoma in dogs can be very painful. Some dogs show obvious signs. Others may show only subtle symptoms at first.

Common Reasons Dogs Need Tonometry

Dogs may need tonometry for:

Red eye
Cloudy eye
Squinting
Eye pain
Sudden blindness
Enlarged eye
Suspected glaucoma
Eye trauma
Lens luxation
Uveitis
Cataract complications
Breed-related glaucoma screening
Monitoring response to treatment

Dog Breeds More Likely to Be Affected by Glaucoma

Any dog can develop glaucoma, but some breeds are more likely to be affected.

Breeds commonly associated with glaucoma risk include:

Cocker Spaniel
Basset Hound
Beagle
Siberian Husky
Samoyed
Chow Chow
Chinese Shar-Pei
Great Dane
Jack Russell Terrier
Shiba Inu
Akita
Norwegian Elkhound
Boston Terrier
Dalmatian
Welsh Springer Spaniel

Breed risk does not mean a dog will definitely develop glaucoma. It means routine eye monitoring and fast attention to symptoms may be especially important.

Primary Glaucoma in Dogs

Primary glaucoma often relates to inherited drainage problems in the eye.

It may affect one eye first, but the other eye can also be at risk.

If primary glaucoma is diagnosed, Dr. Dan may discuss monitoring or preventive treatment for the other eye and may recommend referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Secondary Glaucoma in Dogs

Secondary glaucoma happens because another eye problem raises pressure.

Possible causes include:

Lens luxation
Uveitis
Eye trauma
Tumors
Cataracts
Internal bleeding
Severe inflammation

In these cases, treatment must address both the pressure and the underlying cause.

Tonometry in Cats

Cats can also develop glaucoma, but feline glaucoma often behaves differently than canine glaucoma.

In cats, glaucoma is more commonly secondary to another eye disease rather than inherited primary glaucoma.

Common Reasons Cats Need Tonometry

Cats may need tonometry for:

Squinting
Red eye
Cloudiness
Eye enlargement
Dilated pupil
Vision changes
Uveitis
Eye trauma
Suspected glaucoma
Eye tumors
Systemic disease affecting the eyes
Sudden blindness
Monitoring known eye disease

Why Cats Need Special Attention

Cats are very good at hiding pain.

A cat with eye disease may not cry or paw at the eye. Instead, they may:

Hide
Sleep more
Avoid light
Become less social
Stop jumping normally
Bump into objects
Have a dilated pupil
Eat less
Act withdrawn

Cats may have serious eye disease even when signs seem mild.

Cat Breeds More Likely to Be Affected

Glaucoma is less common in cats than in dogs, but some breeds may have higher risk for primary glaucoma.

Breeds mentioned in veterinary references include:

Siamese
Burmese
Persian

However, most cats with glaucoma develop it because of another eye problem, such as inflammation, trauma, or a tumor. Mixed-breed cats can absolutely be affected.

Age and underlying disease may matter more than breed in many feline cases.

Tonometry in Other Pets

Tonometry may also be useful in other animals.

Rabbits

Rabbits can develop eye problems involving pressure, inflammation, trauma, infection, abscesses, or glaucoma-like disease.

Eye pain in rabbits may show up as:

Reduced appetite
Tooth grinding
Hiding
Squinting
Discharge
Decreased activity

A rabbit that stops eating should be evaluated quickly.

Ferrets

Ferrets may need tonometry for eye redness, cloudiness, trauma, swelling, or suspected glaucoma.

Birds

Birds often hide illness. Eye problems may appear as swelling, discharge, squinting, trauma, or behavior changes.

Tonometry may be used in specialized cases.

Reptiles

Reptile eye problems can be linked to trauma, infection, shedding problems, vitamin imbalance, dehydration, or husbandry issues. Tonometry may be used depending on species and equipment.

Horses and Larger Animals

Tonometry is also used in larger animals, especially when glaucoma or eye pain is suspected.

For exotic pets and larger animals, interpretation can be species-specific.

Example Scenario: Dog with a Red, Cloudy Eye

A Cocker Spaniel comes to Southern Ocean Animal Hospital with a red, cloudy eye and squinting.

Dr. Dan performs an eye exam and checks eye pressure with tonometry.

The pressure is high.

Because glaucoma can be painful and vision-threatening, Dr. Dan begins urgent treatment and discusses next steps, which may include eye medication, close rechecks, and referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Early testing helps avoid delay.

Example Scenario: Cat with a Dilated Pupil

A senior cat is brought in because one pupil looks larger than the other. The cat is also hiding more than usual.

Dr. Dan performs an eye exam and tonometry.

The eye pressure is abnormal, and additional testing is recommended.

Depending on findings, the plan may include:

Eye medication
Blood pressure monitoring
Bloodwork
Thyroid testing
Evaluation for uveitis or other internal eye disease
Referral if needed

In cats, subtle signs can matter.

Example Scenario: Dog with Eye Trauma

A dog runs into brush and begins squinting.

Dr. Dan checks for:

Corneal scratches
Foreign material
Eye pressure changes
Signs of deeper injury

Tonometry may be part of the exam, along with fluorescein staining.

If trauma has caused serious internal eye damage, treatment may need to happen quickly.

Example Scenario: Rabbit Not Eating and Squinting

A rabbit is brought in because she is eating less and keeping one eye partly closed.

Dr. Dan evaluates the eye, mouth, and overall health.

Because rabbits may stop eating when painful, the workup may include eye testing, pain management, dental evaluation, and supportive care.

Tonometry may be considered if eye pressure disease is suspected.

Dr. Dan’s Diagnosis and Treatment Approach

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, tonometry is part of a complete eye-care process.

Step 1: Listen to the Pet Owner

Dr. Dan may ask:

When did the eye problem start?
Is one eye or both eyes affected?
Is your pet squinting?
Any discharge?
Any cloudiness?
Any trauma or rough play?
Is your pet bumping into things?
Any known history of glaucoma?
Any previous eye medications?
Any whole-body symptoms like appetite loss, lethargy, vomiting, or weight loss?

Your observations help guide the exam.

Step 2: Perform a Physical and Eye Exam

Dr. Dan evaluates:

Eye redness
Cloudiness
Pupil size
Eyelid position
Discharge
Pain response
Vision behavior
Corneal surface
Signs of trauma
General health

Step 3: Measure Eye Pressure

Tonometry is used to check intraocular pressure in one or both eyes.

The readings are compared with the pet’s symptoms and exam findings.

Step 4: Run Additional Tests When Needed

Depending on the case, additional testing may include:

Fluorescein stain
Tear test
Blood pressure check
Bloodwork
Urinalysis
Thyroid testing in cats
Imaging
Cytology
Referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist

Step 5: Start Treatment

Treatment depends on the diagnosis.

Possible treatments may include:

Eye drops to reduce pressure
Anti-inflammatory eye medication
Pain medication
Antibiotic eye medication if infection is present
Medication for underlying disease
Blood pressure treatment
Emergency referral
Surgery in advanced or severe cases

Step 6: Recheck and Monitor

Eye pressure can change.

Pets treated for glaucoma or other pressure-related eye disease often need repeat tonometry to see whether treatment is working.

Follow-up visits may be frequent at first, then adjusted based on response.

Treatment Options After Abnormal Tonometry

Tonometry tells Dr. Dan whether pressure is abnormal. Treatment depends on why.

If Eye Pressure Is High

Possible next steps may include:

Pressure-lowering eye drops
Pain control
Anti-inflammatory medication
Emergency treatment
Referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist
Monitoring the other eye
Surgery in selected cases
Comfort-focused care if vision cannot be saved

If Eye Pressure Is Low

Possible next steps may include:

Evaluation for uveitis
Trauma assessment
Anti-inflammatory medication
Infection testing
Systemic disease testing
Eye protection
Follow-up pressure checks

If Pressure Is Normal but the Eye Looks Painful

Normal pressure does not mean the eye is healthy.

Other problems may still be present, such as:

Corneal ulcer
Dry eye
Foreign material
Conjunctivitis
Eyelid problem
Trauma
Neurologic issue

That is why tonometry is one part of the full eye exam.

Can Glaucoma Be Cured?

Glaucoma can often be managed, but it is a serious and sometimes progressive disease.

Treatment goals may include:

Lowering eye pressure
Reducing pain
Preserving vision if possible
Slowing progression
Treating the underlying cause
Protecting the other eye if at risk
Maintaining quality of life

Some pets lose vision despite treatment, especially if glaucoma is severe or diagnosed late.

Even if vision cannot be saved, pain control remains extremely important.

A blind pet can still have a good quality of life, but a painful eye should not be ignored.

Home Care for Pets with Eye Pressure Problems

If your pet is being treated for glaucoma or another eye condition:

Give medications exactly as prescribed.
Do not skip eye drops.
Do not use old eye medications unless directed.
Keep recheck appointments.
Watch for redness, cloudiness, squinting, or vision changes.
Keep your pet from rubbing the eye.
Use an e-collar if recommended.
Call if symptoms worsen.
Never use human eye drops without veterinary approval.

Eye medications are time-sensitive. Consistency matters.

What Pet Owners Should Not Do

Do not:

Wait several days on a painful eye
Use leftover medications from another pet
Use human eye drops unless directed
Assume a cloudy eye is just aging
Assume a blind pet is not in pain
Let your pet rub or scratch the eye
Stop glaucoma medication without guidance
Miss follow-up pressure checks

Eye disease can progress quickly. Fast care matters.

Simple Table: Dog vs. Cat Tonometry Concerns

Topic	Dogs	Cats
Glaucoma frequency	More common than in cats	Less common, but often under-recognized
Primary glaucoma	Often breed-related	Rare, but reported in some breeds
Secondary glaucoma	Can follow lens disease, trauma, uveitis, tumors	More common than primary glaucoma
Signs	Redness, cloudiness, pain, enlarged eye, vision loss	Often subtle; dilated pupil, hiding, vision changes
Breed risk	Strong in several breeds	Siamese, Burmese, Persian noted in references
Urgency	High	High

Questions Pet Owners Often Ask

Does tonometry hurt?

Tonometry is usually not painful. Some devices require a numbing drop. Pets may blink or react to handling, but the test is quick.

Does my pet need anesthesia?

Usually no. Most pets can have tonometry while awake. Sedation may be considered if the pet is extremely painful, fearful, or difficult to safely examine.

Can glaucoma happen suddenly?

Yes. Acute glaucoma can happen quickly and is an emergency.

Can my pet go blind from glaucoma?

Yes. Glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss, especially if pressure remains high.

Can cats get glaucoma?

Yes. It is less common in cats than dogs, and it is often secondary to another eye disease.

Can both eyes be affected?

Yes. Some types of glaucoma may affect both eyes, especially inherited forms in dogs.

Why does my pet need rechecks?

Eye pressure can change. Rechecks show whether medication is working and whether the disease is stable.

Glossary of Terms

Tonometry
A test that measures pressure inside the eye.

Intraocular Pressure / IOP
The pressure inside the eyeball.

Glaucoma
A serious eye disease where increased pressure damages vision-related structures and causes pain.

Primary Glaucoma
Glaucoma that develops because of inherited or built-in drainage problems in the eye.

Secondary Glaucoma
Glaucoma caused by another eye problem, such as inflammation, trauma, tumor, cataract complications, or lens luxation.

Aqueous Humor
The clear fluid inside the front part of the eye.

Uveitis
Inflammation inside the eye.

Lens Luxation
Movement of the lens out of its normal position.

Cornea
The clear front surface of the eye.

Retina
The light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.

Optic Nerve
The nerve that carries vision signals from the eye to the brain.

Fluorescein Stain
A dye test used to detect scratches or ulcers on the cornea.

Veterinary Ophthalmologist
A veterinarian who specializes in eye diseases and eye surgery.

Enucleation
Surgical removal of an eye, sometimes needed when an eye is blind and painful or severely diseased.

Hypertension
High blood pressure, which can damage the eyes and other organs.

Emergency Lab Workup
Urgent blood or urine testing used to evaluate serious illness, organ function, infection, inflammation, or medication safety.

Summary

Tonometry is a fast, gentle, and important diagnostic test that measures pressure inside your pet’s eye.

It is especially valuable for detecting glaucoma, a painful and potentially vision-threatening disease. Tonometry can also help evaluate eye inflammation, trauma, lens problems, tumors, and response to treatment.

For dogs, tonometry is especially important in breeds predisposed to glaucoma, including Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Beagles, Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, Chow Chows, Shar-Pei, Great Danes, Jack Russell Terriers, and others.

For cats, glaucoma is less common but still serious. It is often secondary to another eye disease, such as uveitis, trauma, or tumors. Siamese, Burmese, and Persian cats are among breeds noted for possible primary glaucoma risk.

For rabbits, ferrets, birds, reptiles, and other pets, tonometry may be used when eye pressure disease is suspected, though interpretation may vary by species.

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Dan and the team use tonometry as part of a complete eye exam to help diagnose painful eye conditions, monitor treatment, and protect your pet’s comfort and vision whenever possible.

Call Us

If your pet has a red, cloudy, painful, swollen, or squinting eye, or if you notice sudden vision changes, do not wait.

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Dan and the team provide compassionate diagnostic care for dogs, cats, and other pets, including tonometry for eye pressure evaluation.

📞 Call today to schedule an appointment if you are concerned about your pet’s eyes.

Because when it comes to eye pressure, early diagnosis can help protect comfort, vision, and quality of life.