Evaluación de la producción y calidad de la película lagrimal en caninos de la raza Shih Tzu, con diferentes rangos de edad

Abstract

Tear production was evaluated using the Schirmer test type I and tear quality through the tear break-up time in 103 Shih Tzu dogs of different ages in Cuenca. Samples were collected by applying absorbent strips to measure tear quantity for one minute and by instilling a drop of fluorescein diluted with physiological saline solution in each eye. The fluorescein was distributed on the corneal surface and examined with a blue light flashlight to record the time it took for the tear film to break up. To compare the means, the least squares test was applied for each test, age group, and sex. Results showed no significant differences in tear production between males and females. Pearson correlation was also used to compare test values in the Schirmer test type I, which was significant (r=0.34; P=0.004). Similarly, the tear break-up time between eyes was significant (r=0.49; P<0.001). Meanwhile, in the correlation between tests and age groups, it was found that the ages of 1 to 4 years are moderately significant, and in the correlation of tests with sex, there was no significance. The chi-square test was also used with each of the test ranges and age groups for a clinical assessment of tear quality and quantity. Finally, the importance of implementing regular ophthalmological evaluations in dogs of this breed is highlighted