Trace Element Levels in Canine Tear Film

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Ophthalmology
• Canine Physiology
• Trace Element Analysis

Background:

• The tear film plays a crucial role in maintaining ocular surface health.
• Understanding the elemental composition of tears is vital for diagnosing and managing ocular diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the levels of various trace elements present in the tear film of healthy dogs.
• To establish baseline data for canine tear film elemental composition.

Main Methods:

• Tear samples were collected from 25 healthy Labrador retrievers using Schirmer tear test strips.
• Elemental analysis was performed using particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE).
• Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests to compare element levels.

Main Results:

• Tear film analysis identified calcium (Ca), chloride (Cl), iron (Fe), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and sulfur (S).
• Chloride and potassium were the most abundant elements detected.
• Female dogs exhibited significantly higher levels of sulfur and calcium compared to males.

Conclusions:

• This research provides a comprehensive profile of trace elements in healthy canine tear film.
• The findings contribute to a better understanding of canine ocular surface physiology.
• This data may aid in the future diagnosis and treatment of canine ocular surface conditions.