Intraocular pressure and tear secretion in Saanen goats with different ages

Ribeiro A.P., Piso D.Y.T., Padua I.R.M., Silva M.L. & Laus J.L. 2010. Intraocular pressure and tear secretion in Saanen goats with different ages. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 30(9):798-802. Departamento de Clinica e Cirurgia Veterinaria, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14870-000, Brazil. E-mail:jllaus@fcav.unesp.br 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.