Clinical parameters obtained during tear film examination in domestic rabbits

Abstract

Background One of the contributing factors to ocular surface health is a stable precorneal tear film. Considering the increasing interest in rabbits as pets and the limited literature available on domestic rabbit tearing, the aim of this study was to establish normative data for examination of the tear film in domestic rabbits. Results The study included 75 client-owned domestic Holland Lop rabbits (150 eyes). The following examinations were performed in each eye: Schirmer tear test-1, tear osmometry, interferometry, tear meniscus height measurement and meibography (quantifying meibomian gland loss as a percentage). The resulting median (95% central range) values were 10.0 (5.0–17.3) mm/min for the Schirmer tear test-1, 345.0 (280.5–376.1) mOsm/L for tear osmolarity, grade 2 (1–4) of interferometry, 0.28 (0.20–0.47) mm for tear meniscus height and 0.0 (0.0–67.6) % meibomian gland loss. A significant association was found between tear osmolarity and age, with an estimated decrease of − 4.0 mOsm/L with each additional year of age (p < 0.001). The distributions of interferometry grades were significantly different between males and females (p < 0.001), with grade 1 and grade 2 being the most frequent in females and males, respectively. A weak negative correlation was also observed between interferometry grade and the percentage of meibomian gland loss (r = − 0.22, p = 0.006). Conclusions This is an original study that documents extensive tear film parameters in healthy Holland Lop rabbits. The results can be used as normative data for the examination of the tear film in this lagomorph breed.

Effects of gabapentin on intraocular pressure, tear production and horizontal pupil diameter in New Zealand White rabbits

“…20,21 Similarly, the baseline values of tear production obtained in this study were comparable to those reported in a previous study involving rabbits. 22 Furthermore, in the current study, no significant differences were observed in either tear production or HPD following gabapentin administration, which is consistent with the findings of previous studies conducted in dogs 15 and cats. 16 The optimal dosage of gabapentin for rabbits remains uncertain.…”

“…The baseline values of IOP measured with Tonovet Plus in this study were in line with those reported in previous studies 20,21 . Similarly, the baseline values of tear production obtained in this study were comparable to those reported in a previous study involving rabbits 22 . Furthermore, in the current study, no significant differences were observed in either tear production or HPD following gabapentin administration, which is consistent with the findings of previous studies conducted in dogs 15 and cats 16 …”