Abstract
Ocular diseases are sub-diagnosed in bird species, partly because of limited diagnostic methods and lack of reference data. Placement of Schirmer tear test strips in the bottom of the conjunctival sac of birds for tear flow measurement can prove to be difficult, whereas paper tips commonly used for dental procedures may be easier to use, due to a more adequate size and shape. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess and compare tear flow values, using ABC Dental® # 30 color paper tips and TearFloTM Test strips in Red-lored Parrots (Amazona autumnalis) (n = 26). Captive birds of undetermined sex were housed in groups under similar environmental conditions and fed the same diet. All animals were deemed healthy through remote and physical examinations. Average tear flow values of 0.6365 ± 0.032 cm/min and 0.5942 ± 0.032 cm/min were obtained with the Schirmer strips test and the endodontic tips respectively. Lack of difference in observed values between measurement techniques (p = 0.3629) indicates that endodontic tips may be a good alternative for tear flow assessment in Red-lored parrots. In addition, endodontic tips are more cost effective and may be less invasive. This study stresses the need to establish species specific ophthalmic reference values for clinical practice in birds, since differences have been reported even in specimens within the same genus.Figure 1. Measurement of tear flow in Red-lored parrots using TearFloTM Test Strips
Highlights
The red-lored parrot (Amazona autumnalis, order Psittaciformes) measures 3235.5 cm in length, weighs between 314 and 485 grams, and has a life span of 20 to 60 years
Tear production seems to be related to the size of eye orbits and tissue of lacrimal glands, imposing a challenge and denoting an absence of reference values for a wide range of bird species.[2]
Endodontic paper points have not been standardized for measurement of tear flow
Summary
The red-lored parrot (Amazona autumnalis, order Psittaciformes) measures 3235.5 cm in length, weighs between 314 and 485 grams, and has a life span of 20 to 60 years. It has bright green plumage, a red forehead, a blue crown, and yellow cheeks. This species can be found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela, and it is currently listed in the Appendix II of CITES.[1]. Determination of tear flow should be routinely included test in any eye examination.[3]
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