Ophthalmic examination findings in a group of retired racing Greyhounds

Abstract

AbstractObjective To characterize the frequency and types of ophthalmic findings in a group of retired racing Greyhounds.Materials and methods Complete ophthalmic examinations of both eyes of 100 retired racing Greyhounds were performed. Anterior segment examinations were performed by slit‐lamp biomicroscopy. Tear production was measured by Schirmer tear test. Intraocular pressures were obtained by applanation tonometry. The posterior segments were examined by binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy following pharmacologic dilation. A photographic record of abnormalities was obtained whenever possible.Results Mean tear production by Schirmer tear test was 21 mm/min (range 11–30 mm/min). Mean intraocular pressure by applanation tonometry was 16 mmHg (range 9–28 mmHg). The most prevalent anterior segment findings were cataracts (17% dogs, 11% eyes), corneal degeneration/scarring (6% dogs, 4% eyes), and suspected typical and atypical ‘pannus’ (total 4% dogs, 4% eyes). The most prevalent posterior segment abnormalities were vitreal degeneration (31% dogs, 38% eyes) and chorioretinal degeneration/scarring (7% dogs, 4% eyes). Other findings included anterior chamber vitreal strands, stretched lens zonules, periocular alopecia, a case of mild unilateral chemosis, and a distichium.Conclusions Ophthalmic abnormalities are not uncommon in retired racing Greyhounds.