Reference Values for Ophthalmic Diagnostic Tests in Ferrets

PA G E 8

A D VA N C E S

Objectives To establish normal ophthalmic reference values for ferrets.

Procedure Ophthalmic examination values were obtained from 15 healthy, unrelated ferrets. Ages varied from 1.5 to 6 years of age. Selected diagnostic ocular tests performed were the STT, tonometry using an applanation tonometer, CCT using an ultrasonic pachymeter, and culture of the normal conjunctival bacterial flora. Eight of the 15 ferrets were used for CCT evaluation.

Results Normal values determined were IOP of 14.50 to 3.27 mmHg; STT of 5.31 to 1.32 mm/min; and CCT of 0.337 to 0.020 mm. There was no statistically significant differences among ages or genders. Staphylococcus sp. and Corynebacterium sp. were isolated from healthy conjunctival and eyelid margins.

Interspecies variations exist for normal ranges in the Schirmer tear test (STT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and central corneal thickness (CCT) values, plus normal microbial flora, especially involving wild or exotic animals. A normal value in ophthalmic measurements or microbial flora in one species can be abnormal in another species.

• Australian Veterinary Journal • Australian Veterinary Practitioner • Avian Diseases • British Veterinary Journal • Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research • Canadian Veterinary Journal • Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery • Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association • Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association • Journal of Small Animal Practice • Journal of Small Exotic Animal Medicine • Journal of Veterinary Dentistry

Reference data on common ophthalmologic diagnostic parameters in ferrets will assist in the determination of ocular disease in this species.

• Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine

One table, 48 references.

Background

• American Journal of Veterinary Research

Author Conclusion

Inclusions

REFERENCE VALUES FOR OPHTHALMIC DIAGNOSTIC TESTS IN FERRETS

Journals Monitored

• Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics • Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine • New Zealand Veterinary Journal

Editor Annotation

• Research in Veterinary Science

Ferrets are becoming more popular pets seen in small animal practice. As such, practitioners are called upon more frequently to provide accurate diagnoses and therapy for ocular disease. Many species have differences in normal values for commonly performed ocular tests such as the STT, IOP, and conjunctival flora. Knowledge of these normal values will allow the practitioner to correctly interpret test results and arrive at an appropriate diagnosis. This study provides reference values for the ferret for STTs (using regular Schirmer tear test strips), IOP (using a Tonopen® XL), culture of normal conjunctival flora, and CCT. The first 3 values will be useful in general private practice. Knowledge of these reference values will allow practitioners, along with veterinary ophthalmologists, to more accurately diagnose and treat ocular disease in ferrets. (REH)

• Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology • Veterinary Dermatology • Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology • Veterinary Pathology • Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound • Veterinary Record • Veterinary Research Communications • Veterinary Surgery ... and more than 20 others

Montiani-Ferreira F, Mattos B, Russ H. Reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests of the ferret (Mustela putorius furo). Vet Ophthalmol 2006;9:209-213.