What is considered a longer-term medical therapy for dogs with glaucoma?

Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that helps decrease intraocular pressure (IOP) by reducing the production of aqueous humor in the eye. It is typically used in the management of glaucoma in dogs as a longer-term therapy because it has a relatively favorable side effect profile and can be administered multiple times a day. This makes it practical for chronic management, as it helps to maintain lower IOP over an extended period, thus preventing optic nerve damage and preserving vision.

In contrast, other options such as latanoprost are more often used for acute management of glaucoma due to their rapid effect in lowering IOP. IV mannitol is a hyperosmotic agent that temporarily reduces IOP and is mainly utilized in emergency situations rather than for long-term treatment. Neopolydex is a combination antibiotic and corticosteroid ophthalmic solution typically used for treating inflammation and infection rather than for managing glaucoma itself. Therefore, dorzolamide stands out as the appropriate choice for managing glaucoma over a longer duration in canine patients.