Masmali and Rolando Scales in Distinct Brachycephalic Dogs: Healthy or Unhealthy Tears?

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Ophthalmology
• Comparative Ophthalmology
• Ocular Surface Disease

Background:

• Brachycephalic dog breeds often exhibit ocular surface abnormalities.
• The Tear Ferning Test (TFT) is a common diagnostic tool for assessing tear film quality.
• Subjective interpretation of TFT can lead to variability in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare TFT grades in French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus.
• To assess inter-observer agreement in subjective TFT grading.
• To correlate subjective TFT results with quantitative stereological analysis using the Stepanizer system.

Main Methods:

• Standard ophthalmic examinations were performed on 75 brachycephalic dogs (150 eyes).
• Tests included Schirmer Tear Test-1 (STT-1), tear film break-up time (TBUT), and Rose Bengal staining.
• TFT results were graded using Masmali and Rolando scales and correlated with Stepanizer point counts.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in TFT grades were observed among the three breeds.
• Both Masmali and Rolando scales correlated significantly with Stepanizer point counts (p < 0.0001).
• The Rolando scale demonstrated a stronger association with stereological analysis compared to the Masmali scale.

Conclusions:

• Both Masmali and Rolando scales effectively classify tear health in dogs.
• The Rolando scale, when used with stereological analysis (Step points), provides a more objective TFT interpretation.
• This approach may reduce subjectivity in clinical assessments of canine tear film quality.