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Tear production in normal juvenile dogs
Joshua J Broadwater1, Carmen Colitz, Susan Carastro
1Animal Eye Specialty Clinics of South Florida, West Palm Beach, FL, USA. jbroadwater@gmail.com
Veterinary Ophthalmology
|September 16, 2010
Summary
Tear production in juvenile dogs is influenced by age, weight, and gender. Schirmer tear test (STT) values in puppies increase with age and weight, reaching adult levels around 9-10 weeks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary ophthalmology
- Canine physiology
Background:
- Tear production is crucial for ocular health.
- Establishing baseline tear production in juvenile dogs is important for diagnosing eye conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal tear production ranges in juvenile dogs.
- To assess the impact of age, weight, and gender on tear production using Schirmer tear tests (STT).
Main Methods:
- Schirmer tear test 1 (STT1) and Schirmer tear test 2 (STT2) were performed on 86 eyes of 43 healthy puppies (<6 months).
- Statistical analysis utilized a backwards stepwise regression model with repeated measures.
- Independent variables included age, weight, gender, and eye laterality.
Main Results:
- Age, weight, and gender significantly influenced STT1 results.
- Weight and gender significantly affected STT2 results.
- STT1 values increased with age and weight; STT2 values increased with weight.
Conclusions:
- Age, weight, and gender are significant factors affecting tear production in juvenile dogs.
- Schirmer tear test 1 values approach adult levels by 9-10 weeks of age.
