Comparison of intraocular pressure in healthy brachycephalic and nonbrachycephalic cats using the Icare® TONOVET Plus rebound tonometer.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare intraocular pressure using the Icare® TONOVET Plus rebound tonometer in healthy brachycephalic and nonbrachycephalic cats. ANIMALS STUDIED Both eyes of 78 healthy cats were investigated in this study. Cats were divided into two groups brachycephalic (n = 39) and nonbrachycephalic (n = 39). PROCEDURES Nose position and muzzle ratio were photographically recorded and analyzed. Physical and ophthalmic examinations were performed. Intraocular pressure was measured using the Icare® TONOVET Plus rebound tonometry instrument. Quantitative mean values were statistically compared using an unpaired t-test at a significance level of p < .05. RESULTS: Mean values of the nose position and muzzle ratio were significantly lower in the brachycephalic group (20.14 ± 5.43%, 9.61 ± 3.29%) compared with the nonbrachycephalic group (29.21 ± 4.30%, 13.97 ± 6.01%). The mean intraocular pressure for brachycephalic cats (15.76 ± 0.50 mmHg) was significantly lower (p < .001) than for nonbrachycephalic cats (18.77 ± 0.49 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: Intraocular pressure was significantly lower in brachycephalic cats using the Icare® TONOVET Plus rebound tonometer. Intraocular pressure values obtained in this study could be used as a guideline for measurements obtained using this tonometry device in healthy brachycephalic and nonbrachycephalic cats.