[Untersuchung des Tränenfilms und histologische Untersuchung der Augenlider von Möpsen]. / Tear film examinations and eyelid histology of pugs.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine if qualitative tear film and histological changes of the eyelid margins in pugs compared to other brachycephalic dogs could be potential contributing factors to the high prevalence of corneal diseases in this breed. METHODS: Ophthalmic examin ation (including tear film break-up time [TFBUT] and meibometry) was undertaken on three groups (pugs with and without ophthalmologic abnormalities as well as on other brachycephalic breeds with history of ophthalmologic abnormalities). Histology of eyelid tissue obtained during medial canthoplasty was performed, using hematoxylin-eosin and oil-red-O-staining. RESULTS: Seventy-eight pugs and 11 brachycephalic dogs were included. Mean ages were 3.54 and 5.5 years respectively. STT 1 values below 15 mm/min were found in 12 of 150 eyes of pugs and in three of 18 eyes of other brachycephalic dogs. Tear film break-up time values below 20 seconds were determined in 118 of 126 eyes of pugs, and in eight of 18 eyes of other brachycephalic dogs. Meibometry values over 100 MU were only identified in 20 of 147 eyes of pugs and 12 of 20 eyes in other brachycephalic dogs. Eyelid tissue of 21 pugs and 11 brachycephalic dogs was obtained. All pugs had a higher number of inflammatory cells in eyelid tissue than other brachycephalic breeds. CONCLUSIONS: Young pugs are often presented with STT 1 values within the reference range and low TFBUT and meibometry values. As other brachycephalic breeds are often presented with STT 1 values within reference ranges as well as low TFBUT values, the only marked difference between pugs and other brachycephalic breeds are low meibometry values and the higher number of inflammatory cells in the medial canthal lid margins.