The evaluation of normal ocular parameters in two breeds of hedgehogs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate conjunctival microflora and measure normal tear production and intraocular pressure (IOP) in two breeds of hedgehogs (long-eared hedgehogs and Brandt's hedgehogs).

Forty-eight hedgehogs from two different breeds were chosen for the study. Tear production was measured using the Schirmer tear test (STT) and phenol red thread test (PRTT) in both eyes. IOP was measured using a rebound tonometer. To perform microbiological sampling one drop of tetracaine was instilled in the eyes. Two sterile microswabs were used to collect samples for the microbial and fungal culture. All the microswab samples were transferred in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to the laboratory for culture. Two MacConkey and two blood agar media plates were employed for each eye. Oneplate of sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) was used for the fungal culture for each eye. Standard biochemical tests were performed to identify the isolated organisms.

The mean STT and PRTT values were 1.6 ± 0.1 mm/min and 2.4 ± 0.3 mm/15 s in long-eared hedgehogs and 2.2 ± 0.1 mm/min and 2.5 ± 0.3 mm/15 s in Brandt's hedgehogs, respectively. Mean (SD) Intraocular pressure of right eyes in long-eared hedgehog and Brandt hedgehog were 19.7 ± 1.4 mmHg and 19.2 ± 2.4 mmHg, respectively. In the left eyes of long-eared hedgehog and Brandt hedgehog mean (SD) IOP were 19.8 ± 1.5 mmHg and 19.5 ± 2.1 mmHg, respectively. In long-eared hedgehogs, the most common bacteria were Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus spp. In Brandt's hedgehogs, 24 out of 48 eyes had Staphylococcus epidermidis, which was the most commonly isolated bacterial species.

This study established reference intervals for IOP, STT and PRTT in hedgehogs and recognised and compared ocular conjunctival microflora in two breeds of hedgehogs.