Ophthalmic findings in 10 captive, anesthetized chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).

OBJECTIVES: To document ophthalmic findings, Schirmer's tear test I (STT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) values for anesthetized chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). ANIMALS STUDIED: Ten captive chimpanzees from Zoo Knoxville and Chattanooga Zoo. PROCEDURES: Ten chimpanzees were anesthetized for annual physical examinations, blood collection, and ophthalmic examination. Each was anesthetized with intramuscular (IM) injections of dexmedetomidine, midazolam, and ketamine. Ophthalmic findings and STT and IOP values in addition to general health information were recorded for each chimpanzee. Pupillary diameter was measured after topical tropicamide administration. A Shapiro-Wilk test of normality was done for age, weight, STT values, IOP values, and pupil size. RESULTS: Ages ranged from 11 to 42 years. Weight range was 40.9-83.6 kg. The mean STT was 13.4 ± 5.3 mm/min. The mean IOP was 14 ± 4.2 mm Hg. Seven of the 10 chimpanzees were considered geriatric, and each had perilimbal lipid deposits. Sedative-associated miosis was successfully counteracted with a regimen of repeated applications of tropicamide, enabling complete fundic examination. CONCLUSIONS: A complete ophthalmic examination can be done on anesthetized chimpanzees with the protocol used in this study.