Abstract
To characterize diagnostic findings, test-retest repeatability, and correlations among lacrimal tests in dogs of diverse cephalic conformations. Fifty healthy dogs (25 brachycephalic, 25 nonbrachycephalic). A series of diagnostics were performed in each dog, allowing for a 10-minute interval between tests and repeating each test 24hours later under similar conditions: corneal tactile sensation (CTS), strip meniscometry test (SMT), phenol red thread test (PRTT), endodontic absorbent paper point tear test (EAPPTT), Schirmer tear test-1 without (STT-1) or with nasolacrimal stimulation (NL-STT1), and Schirmer tear test-2 (STT-2). Mean±SD test values were lower in brachycephalic vs. nonbrachycephalic dogs (except for SMT; 7.4±2.0 mm/5 seconds vs 7.3±2.4mm/5seconds), with statistically significant differences noted for CTS (1.8±0.5cm vs 3.4±0.8cm), PRTT (37.2±4.0mm/15seconds vs 41.1±5.5mm/15seconds), STT-1 (20.1±3.4mm/min vs 23.3±5.7mm/min), STT-2 (13.0 ± 3.4 mm/min vs 16.9 ± 3.9 mm/min), and NL-STT1 (23.2±3.6mm/min vs 27.1±5.4mm/min), and nonsignificant differences for EAPPTT (16.6±2.7mm/15seconds vs 17.5±2.9mm/15seconds). Nasolacrimal stimulation increased STT-1 values by 18% on average. Correlations among tests were generally weak to moderate (r<.70) except for a strong correlation between STT-1 and NL-STT1 (r=.83, P<.001). Test reliability was good although test-retest repeatability was generally poor to moderate, as depicted by low intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC≤0.75) and wide 95% limits of agreement, except for CTS (ICC=0.91). Corneal sensitivity and aqueous tear secretion are lower in brachycephalic dogs. A comprehensive assessment of the ocular surface requires the combination of several diagnostic tests. The nasolacrimal reflex may provide a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool in dogs.
Submitted Version (
Free)
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call