Evaluation of the Schirmer tear test in clinically normal Turkish Hunting Dogs (Turkish greyhound)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the normal values for the Schirmer tear test (STT) in Turkish Hunting Dogs. This was performed in order to facilitate the diagnosis of xerophthalmia or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), which is characterized by deficiencies in tear production and the resulting abnormal STT. Fifteen Turkish Hunting Dogs (8 female and 7 male) were used in this study. The dogs ranged from 6 months to 9 years old (mean 3.6±2.8) and the mean weight was 21.3 kg (13 to 27). The mean STT-1 and STT-2 values were 17.1±3.7 mm per minute and 7.7±2.8 mm per minute, respectively. Neither body weight nor age had a statistically significant effect on these values. There were significant differences in both STT-1 and STT-2 values between females and males (p<0.05), as well as daily and weekly fluctuations for STT-1 and STT-2 values (P<0.01, P<0.05, respectively). This study has shown that the STT-1 and STT-2 values in the Turkish Hunting Dogs are normally distributed and are significantly affected by sex and by measurement sequences.