Ophthalmic diagnostic tests, orbital anatomy, and adnexal histology of the broad‐snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish normal ophthalmic parameters for selected diagnostic tests, and to describe the orbital anatomy and adnexal histology of the broad-snouted caiman. A total of 35 Caiman latirostris that were free of obvious ocular diseases were used to measure the parameters in this investigation. Ages ranged from 5 to 15years. Ophthalmic diagnostic tests were conducted, including evaluation of tear production with Schirmer Tear test-1 (STT1), culture of the conjunctival bacterial flora, applanation tonometry, conjunctival cytology, nictiating membrane incursion frequency test (NMIFT), endodontic absorbent paper point tear test (EAPPTT), palpebral fissure length measurement (PFL) and B-mode ultrasonography. Adnexal histology and skull samples were studied. Mean (±SD) STT1 was 3.4±3.6mm/min (95% confidence interval of 2.01-4.78mm/min), intraocular pressure (IOP) was 12.9±6.2mmHg, NMIFT was 6.0±3.5, EAPPTT was 17.1±2.5mm/min, PFL was 28.9±3.0mm, anterior chamber depth was 3.1±0.3mm, lens axial length was 8.4±0.6mm, vitreous chamber depth was 7.9±0.7mm and axial globe length was 19.9±1.3mm. For all animals evaluated, Bacillus sp., Diphteroids and Staphylococcus sp. were predominant.