Estudio descriptivo del comportamiento de la calidad y cantidad lagrimal en caninos braquicéfalos en diferentes rangos de edad

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine tear quality and quantity in brachycephalic patients using Schirmer ́s test and Ferning ́s test. 120 clinically healthy male and female canines were evaluated, classified in 3 age ranges: 1 to 2 years; 3 to 4 years; 5 to 6 years. For the Schirmer test, a strip of filter paper was used, considering as normal a production of 15 to 25 mm per minute, for the Ferning test, a tear sample of 10 μl was taken, placed in to a microscope slide and evaluated it in a period of 10 to 15 minutes, so that the aqueous portion evaporates and the fern is formed, which were then classified based on the Masmali scale. The results obtained in the Schirmer test revealed that, there was not statistical difference, however, in the age ranges evaluated, the average tear production was 20.06 ± 4.5 mm/min. 10.83% had a overproduction, 77.08% maintained their production in range and 12.08% had underproduction of tears; The results obtained in the Ferning test revealed that, there was not statistical difference, but, 37.7% of the patients evaluated had tear quality type I and II, 62.37% had tear quality type III and IV, both eyes with an average value of 2.87 ± 0.84, being located in the range 3 or C of the Masmali scale, the pattern of tear fern is scarce, there are empty spaces and mucin accumulations. The tear production of the patients evaluated was normal, however their tear quality was not optimal, directly affecting tear stability, tear evaporation time and adhesion to the cornea