Canine meibometry: establishing baseline values for meibomian gland secretions in dogs

Meibomian lipid secretions are essential in preventing tear evaporation. Disorders of the meibomian glands may therefore play an important role in the pathogenesis of some forms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Until now, meibomian lipid secretions have never been quantitatively evaluated in dogs. With the aim of establishing baseline values of canine meibomian lipid secretions, meibometry was conducted in 42 healthy dogs, 16 of which were Miniature Schnauzers. The mean meibomium level in 84 eyes of the 42 dogs was 179+/-60 Meibometer units. Age, gender and side did not affect the results. However, meibomium levels were significantly lower in the Miniature Schnauzers, a breed that is susceptible to KCS, compared to other breeds. This report demonstrates that meibometry is a simple and minimally invasive technique that may be readily used in conscious dogs to quantify meibomian gland secretions and explicate tear film dynamics in normal and dry canine eyes.