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Estimation of lacrimal level and testing methods on normal beagles
1Triangle Animal Hospital, 2-23-12 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-0003 Japan. tacsaito@ss.iij4u.or.jp
Veterinary Ophthalmology
|June 9, 2001
Summary
The phenol red thread test (PRT) is a clinically useful method for assessing tear production in dogs, showing lower variability than the Schirmer tear test (STT-1). This study evaluated five tear testing methods in Beagles.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Diagnostic Techniques
Background:
- Accurate tear production assessment is crucial for diagnosing ocular surface diseases in animals.
- Existing tear tests have varying degrees of reliability and clinical utility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical usefulness and variability of five different tear testing methods in normal Beagles.
- To evaluate the phenol red thread tear test (PRT) against other common tear tests.
Main Methods:
- Five tear assessment methods were performed on 22 normal Beagles: Schirmer tear test (STT-1), phenol red thread tear test (PRT), and modified Schirmer tear test (STT-2).
- Tear film break up time (BUT) and lacrimal pH were also measured in 16 normal Beagles.
- Coefficients of variation (C.V.) were calculated to assess the consistency of each test.
Main Results:
- The PRT exhibited the lowest coefficient of variation (12%), indicating high reliability.
- Schirmer tear test (STT-1) had a C.V. of 14%, while STT-2 (48%) and BUT (34%) showed significant variability.
- Lacrimal pH measurements were highly consistent with a C.V. of 3%.
Conclusions:
- The phenol red thread tear test (PRT) demonstrates superior consistency and clinical usefulness for evaluating tear production in Beagles compared to STT-1 and STT-2.
- The findings support the adoption of PRT as a reliable diagnostic tool in veterinary ophthalmology.