Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Eye exam results and common eye issues in Shih Tzu dogs
By Sebbag, Lionel et al.·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2023·Koret School of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: An eye on the Shih Tzu dog: Ophthalmic examination findings and ocular surface diagnostics.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 50 Shih Tzu dogs underwent thorough eye exams to check for common eye problems. Many of these dogs showed signs of eye issues, including eyelid abnormalities and corneal changes. The tests revealed that a significant number had low tear film stability, which can lead to irritation and discomfort. To help improve their eye health, treatments like eyelid surgery and regular use of eye lubricants were suggested.
People also search for: Shih Tzu eye problems · dog eye lubrication · Shih Tzu eyelid surgery · why is my dog squinting · Shih Tzu tear film deficiency
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To characterize the ocular surface parameters and determine the prevalence of ocular pathology in Shih Tzu dogs. ANIMAL STUDIED: Fifty Shih Tzu dogs (28 male, 22 female). PROCEDURES: Each dog underwent a complete ophthalmic examination (recording any pathology) and a series of diagnostics, allowing for a 10 min-interval between tests: intraocular pressure (IOP), blink rate, palpebral fissure length (PFL), corneal tactile sensation (CTS), Schirmer tear test and nasolacrimal reflex without (STT-1, NL-STT1) and with topical anesthesia (STT-2, NL-STT2), tear ferning, strip meniscometry test (SMT), tear film breakup time (TFBUT), and punctate fluorescein staining (PFS) of the cornea. RESULTS: Mean ± SD test values were as follows: IOP (17.9 ± 3.7 mmHg), blink rate (2.4 ± 1.4 blinks/min), PFL (23.8 ± 1.8 mm), CTS (1.8 ± 0.7 cm), STT-1 (22.0 ± 5.5 mm/min), NL-STT1 (24.2 ± 4.7 mm/min), STT-2 (16.9 ± 6.5 mm/min), NL-STT2 (18.5 ± 7.5 mm/min), SMT (7.5 ± 3.5 mm/5 s), TFBUT (5.3 ± 2.4 s), tear ferning (1.3 ± 0.7), and PFS (1.6 ± 0.6). PFL was significantly greater in male vs. female Shih Tzus (p< .001). Age was negatively correlated with TFBUT results (r = -0.31, p = .027). Lagophthalmos was observed in 82% eyes. Ocular surface pathology was common, including adnexal abnormalities (100% eyes with caruncular trichiasis and medial lower lid entropion) and corneal opacification (27% pigmentation, 20% fibrosis, 12% neovascularization). CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative tear film deficiency (low TFBUT), along with several anatomical abnormalities that promote ocular irritation and reduce globe protection, together help explain the concerningly high prevalence of ocular surface disease in the Shih Tzu breed. Prophylactic measures (e.g., medial canthoplasty, topical lubrication) could be considered to improve ocular health in Shih Tzus.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36057776/