Study Finds Use of Collars Increases Ocular Pressure in Dogs

By CTW Features

In dogs with ocular conditions, such as glaucoma, or weak or thin corneas, increased intraocular pressure (IOP) may lead to severe eye damage and vision loss. A study published in the May/June 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (JAAHA) finds that the pressure created by the use of neck collars significantly increases IOP in dogs.

“In dogs with some types of ocular disease, such as glaucoma, even brief increases in IOP could have a detrimental effect on the eye, resulting in further damage to the optic nerve and retina,” says Amy M. Pauli, DVM, ophthalmology resident at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and principal author of the study. “Based on our study findings, it is highly recommended that harnesses, rather than neck collars, be used in dogs with glaucoma.”

The JAAHA article tested the hypothesis that application of neck pressure via a leash to a harness results in less of an increase in IOP than application of pressure via a leash to a neck collar. Intraocular pressures, measured before and after the test, were found to increase significantly from baseline levels when pressure was applied via a collar but not via a harness. The study findings indicate that dogs with weak or thin corneas, glaucoma or conditions for which an increase in IOP could be harmful should wear a harness instead of a collar.

“Many general practitioners are not aware of the anecdotal evidence that collars significantly increase IOP,” says Ellison Bentley, DVM, DACVO, clinical assistant professor of comparative ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine and study co-author. “We hope that the results of this study will prompt them to routinely recommend harnesses for patients with certain ocular conditions.”

Interestingly, a trend in breed differences in the degree of IOP change during tension against a collar versus a harness was also revealed. The study included 26 healthy dogs of both sexes, including the Alaskan malamute, Siberian husky, Staffordshire terrier, American cocker spaniel and Chinook. While the Alaskan malamute and Siberian husky generated the greatest tension when pulling against a collar, these two breeds experienced less of an increase in IOP when pulling against a collar than did the other three breeds. Evidently, dogs bred to pull objects may be somewhat resistant to an increase in IOP.

“Pulling when being walked on a leash may be more than just an annoying behavior; it may have a detrimental impact on a dog’s health,” says Dr. Pauli. “Since the long-term risks of transient IOP increases associated with ocular disease are not fully understood, any pet that tends to pull while being walked on a leash may benefit from use of a harness rather than a collar.”

The American Animal Hospital Association is an international organization of more than 36,000 veterinary care providers who treat companion animals. Established in 1933, AAHA is the only organization that accredits veterinary hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada. More than 3,000 AAHA-accredited hospitals pass regular reviews of AAHA’s stringent accreditation process that covers patient care, client service and medical protocols. For pet care information or a referral to an AAHA hospital, visit www.healthypet.com.

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