Results of phenol red thread test in clinically normal <scp>S</scp>yrian hamsters (<i><scp>M</scp>esocricetus auratus</i>)

Abstract

Abstract Objective To determine the normal reference range for phenol red thread test ( PRTT ) values in clinically normal S yrian hamsters ( M esocricetus auratus) . Animals Sixteen healthy adult S yrian hamsters (eight males and eight females) were used in this study. Procedure Ophthalmic examinations were performed without chemical restraint. PRTT values were evaluated in both eyes of all S yrian hamsters using a commercial PRTT strip of a single lot number. Results No statistically significant differences between right and left eyes were found for any of the results. The mean ± SD PRTT values for the study population were 6.8 ± 2.5 mm/15 s with a range from 3 to 11.5 mm/15 s. Mean PRTT s in male animals were 5.1 ± 1.2 mm/15 s, whereas mean PRTT s in female hamsters were 8.5 ± 2.3 mm/15 s. Comparison between mean PRTT values in males and females showed a significant difference ( P = 0.004). Mean weights for males and females were 80.9 ± 4.8 and 90.6 ± 8.5 g, respectively. No linear relationship between mean PRTT and body weight was found in female ( P = 0.46) and male ( P = 0.92) hamsters. Conclusion This study provides novel data for normal reference ranges of PRTT values in healthy S yrian hamsters. Results of this study may assist veterinarians in the diagnosis of ocular surface disease and syndromes affecting the tear film in these species.