Change in intraocular pressure during maturation in Labrador Retriever dogs

Longitudinal intraocular pressure measurements in Whooping cranes (Grus americana) and Mississippi-Sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis pulla)

OBJECTIVE

To assess intraocular pressure (IOP) development in cranes and determine the impact of age, weight, species, head position, and sex.

ANIMALS STUDIED

Whooping cranes (WC) (Grus americana), and Mississippi-sandhill cranes (MSC) (Grus canadensis pulla).

PROCEDURES

Chicks were manually restrained on days 1-3, 7, 21, 35, 60, 75, and 120 for routine examinations. IOP was opportunistically measured utilizing the Tonovet Plus® in D setting with the head above the heart (AH) and below the heart (BH). Values were also obtained longitudinally in adults (>120 days old) upon presentation in 1 year.

RESULTS

Intraocular pressure was highly correlated with age and weight in chicks. For every kilogram gained, IOP increased 2.46 ± 0.08 mmHg in WC and 2.66 ± 0.11 mmHg in MSC. Once hatched, IOP increased 1.13 ± 0.04 mmHg in WC and 0.87 ± 0.04 mmHg in MSC every 10 days. IOP was similar to adults at 120 days of age. In adult WC, mean IOP AH was 24.0 ± 0.4 mmHg, and BH was 27.9 ± 0.4 mmHg, there was a significant difference regarding head positioning and sex, females (25.3 ± 0.4 mm Hg) had lower IOP than males (26.5 ± 0.4 mmHg). In adult MSC, mean IOP AH was 20.7 ± 0.4 mmHg, and BH was 24.6 ± 0.4 mmHg. The difference between head positioning was significant.

CONCLUSIONS

This study documents the correlation between IOP and weight or age during early development in cranes, as well as the importance of head positioning.

MEASUREMENT OF INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE USING REBOUND TONOMETRY IN ANESTHETIZED PERUVIAN FUR SEALS (ARCTOCEPHALUS AUSTRALIS) FROM PUNTA SAN JUAN, PERU

Ocular disease in pinnipeds under human care is well described, and intraocular pressure (IOP) can be impacted by a variety of ophthalmic conditions. Species-specific reference parameters from clinically normal animals are instrumental for understanding how ophthalmic diseases may impact ocular pressures. IOP measurements were obtained using rebound tonometry from free-ranging Peruvian fur seals (Arctocephalus australis unnamed subspecies) at Punta San Juan, Peru, over a 6-yr period (2010-2016). Retrospective data obtained from 108 (81 adults and 27 neonates comprising 69 females and 39 males) anesthetized fur seals with normal anterior segment ophthalmic examinations was included in the analysis. Differences in IOP from each eye were compared to categorical variables (age, year, sex, restraint) using an independent-samples t test. All univariate results with a significance of P < 0.05 were included in multivariate analysis. Of the 13 general linear models evaluated, the top two for both the right and the left eye included age class when all variables were evaluated simultaneously. Neonates had significantly lower IOP values than adults in both the right eye (17.5 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.0-21.1 mm Hg compared to 33.5 mm Hg; 95% CI: 31.0-36.1 mm Hg, respectively) and the left eye (18.4 mm Hg; 95% CI: 14.4-22.5 mm Hg compared to 32.3 mm Hg; 95% CI: 29.3-35.3 mm Hg, respectively). Anesthesia method was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). This is the first report of normal IOP measurements for any fur seal species. Described data can be used to improve diagnosis and management of ocular alterations in pinnipeds.

Repeatability, reproducibility, and agreement of three tonometers for measuring intraocular pressure in rabbits

The aim of this study was to evaluate repeatability, reproducibility, and agreement of three commonly used tonometers in animal research (TonoLab, TonoVet, and TonoPEN AVIA) in a cohort of 24 rabbits. Additionally, the impact of sedation on IOP was investigated in 21 New Zealand White rabbits with the TonoVet tonometer. Repeatability was determined using the coefficient of variation (CoV) for two observers. For the TonoLab (6.55%) and TonoVet (6.38%) the CoV was lower than for the TonoPEN AVIA (10.88%). The reproducibility was highest for the TonoVet (0.2 ± 3.3 mmHg), followed by the TonoLab (0 ± 12.89 mmHg) and lowest for the TonoPEN AVIA (− 1.48 ± 10.3 mmHg). The TonoLab and TonoVet showed the highest agreement (r = 0.85, R² = 0.73). After sedation, a significant IOP reduction (often > 25%) was observed. Our results show that among the three tonometers tested, the TonoVet tonometer is best for use in rabbits while the TonoLab should be avoided. The impact of sedation on IOP was substantial and should be taken into account during experimentation.

[Evaluation of the applanation tonometer Tono-Pen Avia® Vet™ for the measurement of the canine and feline intraocular pressure]

OBJECTIVE

Using tonometers, intraocular pressure (IOP) is merely measured indirectly leading to measurement inaccuracies. All available technical devices are designed for humans, hence a calibration via comparison to manometric measurements is necessary for their use in veterinary medicine. In this study, the applanation tonometer Tono-Pen Avia^® Vet™ (TPA) was to be calibrated for use in dogs and cats resulting in the calculation of a correction factor. Additional objectives were the determination of reference values for TPA-derived IOP and the evaluation of possible influence of patient characteristics on measurements results.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For the manometric study, 10 enucleated eyes from cats and dogs were subject to IOP measurement with a manometer and the TPA covering the range of 5-60 mmHg. The mean percentage of difference between manometer and TPA was used to calculate correction factors. Subsequently, the TPA was employed to measure the IOP in healthy animals without signs of ocular disease for the determination of reference values. The effect of the patient characteristics age, body weight, and gender on the IOP measurement results was examined using statistical mixed models.

RESULTS

With rising intraocular pressure, the TPA underestimated IOP to an increasing degree. Multiplication of the TPA-derived IOP with the factor of 1.5 for dogs and cats resulted in values well in accordance with the manometrically-derived, actual IOP. In the second part of the study, a total of 94 dogs (188 eyes) and 64 cats (128 eyes) were examined. Reference values for the IOP measured with the TPA are 9-18 mmHg for dogs and 9-20 mmHg for cats. For both species, age exhibited a significant influence (dog, p = 0.001 and cat, p = 0.008) on the IOP measurement results in that the IOP-values displayed a decrease with increasing age.

CONCLUSION

The TPA underestimated the actual IOP with increasing intraocular pressure. The calculated correction factor of 1.5 is suitable for the conversion of tonometric IOP results into actual pressure values.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The TPA is suitable for the measurement of the IOP in dogs and cats.

Diurnal variations in intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness and the correlation between these factors in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To study the diurnal variation in intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in healthy Beagles by rebound tonometry and ultrasonic pachymetry, respectively, in addition to determining whether a correlation exists between these two variables.

ANIMALS STUDIED

Twenty eyes from 10 healthy Beagle dogs were included in the study.

PROCEDURES

The IOP and CCT were measured by rebound tonometry and ultrasonic pachymetry, respectively, at 2-h intervals over an 8-hour period between 10:00 and 18:00.

RESULTS

The mean values (± SD) of IOP obtained were 11.45 ± 2.96 at 10:00, 10.00 ± 1.89 at 12:00, 8.25 ± 1.62 at 14:00, 7.05 ± 1.05 at 16:00, and 6.55 ± 1.36 at 18:00. The mean values (± SD) of CCT obtained were 554.95 ± 72.41 at 10:00, 549.20 ± 69.10 at 12:00, 566.15 ± 80.56 at 14:00, 545.45 ± 70.19 at 16:00, and 538.30 ± 73.33 at 18:00. The IOP and CCT of dogs were found to decrease progressively from the first to the last measurement. There were statistically significant differences between the IOP (P = 0.000) and CCT values (P = 0.032) measured at different times of the day. There was no effect or interaction between gender and eye with the dependent variables. The IOP and CCT were found to be positively correlated (r = 0.213, P = 0.034). The regression equation demonstrated that for every 100 μm increase in CCT, there was an elevation in IOP by 0.8 mmHg.

CONCLUSIONS

The CCT and IOP values were lower in the afternoon/evening than in the morning, and these were positively correlated. Both findings are important for the diagnostic interpretation of IOP values in dogs.

Intraocular pressure and Schirmer tear test values in maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to establish baseline data on lacrimal quantity (STT-1) and intraocular pressure (IOP) in captive maned wolves. Ten healthy adult maned wolves were contained with a snare pole and muzzle and kept in decubitus of the left side. STT-1 measurement was performed on the lateral third of the lower conjunctival sac for one minute. The cornea was desensitized and intraocular pressure was measured with an tonopen. Average STT-1 in both eyes was 11±5mm.min-1, with no statistical difference between the left and right eye (p=0.960). Average IOP in both eyes was 20±6mmHg, with no statistical difference between the left and right eye (p=0.836). Average STT-1 was lower than, and IOP was the same as normal levels found in dogs. There was no statistical difference in the age of the animals, and STT-1 and IOP values. In the present paper, average maned wolf STT-1 levels were lower compared with those found in dogs, while the IOP was the same in maned wolves as in dogs. Due to the increased incidence in providing emergency care for maned wolf victims of road kill and fires, determination reference values of ocular parameters may improve the correct diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Reference intervals for intraocular pressure measured by rebound tonometry in ten raptor species and factors affecting the intraocular pressure

Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with the TonoVet rebound tonometer in 10 raptor species, and possible factors affecting IOP were investigated. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed, and IOP was assessed in 2 positions, upright and dorsal recumbency, in 237 birds belonging to the families Accipitridae, Falconidae, Strigidae, and Tytonidae. Mean IOP values of healthy eyes were calculated for each species, and differences between families, species, age, sex, left and right eye, as well as the 2 body positions were evaluated. Physiologic fluctuations of IOP were assessed by measuring IOP serially for 5 days at the same time of day in 15 birds of 3 species. Results showed IOP values varied by family and species, with the following mean IOP values (mm Hg +/- SD) determined: white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), 26.9 +/- 5.8; red kite (Milvus milvus), 13.0 +/- 5.5; northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), 18.3 +/- 3.8; Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), 15.5 +/- 2.5; common buzzard (Buteo buteo), 26.9 +/- 7.0; common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), 9.8 +/- 2.5; peregrine falcon, (Falco peregrinus), 12.7 +/- 5.8; tawny owl (Strix aluco), 9.4 +/- 4.1; long-eared owl (Asio otus), 7.8 +/- 3.2; and barn owl (Tyto alba), 10.8 +/- 3.8. No significant differences were found between sexes or between left and right eyes. In goshawks, common buzzards, and common kestrels, mean IOP was significantly lower in juvenile birds than it was in adult birds. Mean IOP differed significantly by body position in tawny owls (P = .01) and common buzzards (P = .04). By measuring IOP over several days, mean physiologic variations of +/- 2 mm Hg were detected. Differences in IOP between species and age groups should be considered when interpreting tonometric results. Physiologic fluctuations of IOP may occur and should not be misinterpreted. These results show that rebound tonometry is a useful diagnostic tool in measuring IOP in birds of prey because it provides rapid results and is well tolerated by birds.

Intraocular pressure and tear secretion in Saanen goats with different ages

This study aimed to compare the normal intraocular pressure (IOP) and tear secretion, by means of applanation tonometry and the Schirmer tear test-1 (STT-1), in goats of the Saanen breed with different ages, and at different time points. Thirty six goats, free of ocular abnormalities, were grouped into three different age categories (n=12), animals with 45, 180 and 549 days of age. STT-1 and IOP measurements were carried out always at 9:00am and 7:00pm, during three consecutive days. Results were evaluated statistically (P<0.05). Regarding the time of the day, overall IOP values were significantly lower at 7:00 pm (P<0.001) in individuals with 45 days of age; whereas STT-1 values were significantly higher at 7:00pm (P=0.004) in goats with 549 days of age. Considering the sum of three days, both parameters were significantly lower in individuals with 45 days of age (P<0.001). Intraocular pressure and tear secretion values increase until 180 days of age in the Saanen breed of goats.

Factors affecting intraocular pressure in lions

The aim of this study was to conduct a detailed analysis of the relationship between age and intraocular pressure (IOP) in lions. Tonometry was conducted in 33 lions aged 5 days to 80 months. Age was significantly associated with IOP (P<0.005). Mean IOP was 12.8+/- and 23.9+/-4.1 mmHg in lions < or =1 year old and >1 year old, respectively. IOP linearly rose with age during the first 20 months of life, plateaued until approximately 40 months, and then gradually declined (r=0.85). Age-related changes in IOP were highly correlated with ultrasonographic measurements of intraocular dimensions (r > or = 0.72), and may be a determinant factor in developmental ocular growth. The dramatic rise in IOP of young lions is similar to that observed in children, but has not been previously demonstrated in animals. Significant IOP differences between lion sub-species were also demonstrated.

Circadian rhythm of intraocular pressure in cats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the rhythm of intraocular pressure (IOP) in healthy domestic cats with no evidence of ocular disease and to analyze the influence of photoperiod, age, gender and ocular diseases on diurnal-nocturnal variations of cat IOP.

ANIMALS

All animals were Domestic Short-haired cats; 30 were without systemic or ocular diseases, classified as follows: 12 male intact adult cats, five intact adult female, five adult spayed female, and eight male cats; the latter were less than 1 year of age. In addition, five adult cats with uveitis and three adult cats with secondary glaucoma were included.

PROCEDURE

IOP was assessed with a Tono-Pen XL at 3-h intervals over a 24-h period in 12 healthy adult male cats kept under a photoperiod of 12-h light/12-h darkness for 2 weeks. Eight animals from the same group were then kept under constant darkness for 48 h, and IOP was measured at 3-h intervals for the following 24 h. In addition, IOP was assessed at 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. in five intact females, five spayed females, and in eight young cats, as well as in five adult cats with uveitis and three glaucomatous cats.

RESULTS

Consistent, daily variations in IOP were observed in animals exposed to a light-dark cycle, with maximal values during the night. In cats exposed to constant darkness, maximal values of IOP were observed at subjective night. Differences of IOP values between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. (diurnal-nocturnal variations) persisted in intact females, spayed females, and young animals, as well as in uveitic and glaucomatous eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results indicate a daily rhythm of cat IOP, which appears to persist in constant darkness, suggesting some level of endogenous circadian control. In addition, daily variations of cat IOP seem to be independent of gender, age, or ocular diseases (particularly uveitis and glaucoma).