Results of phenol red thread test in clinically normal Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the normal reference range for phenol red thread test (PRTT) values in clinically normal Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus).


METHODS
Sixteen healthy adult Syrian hamsters (eight males and eight females) were used in this study.


METHODS
Ophthalmic examinations were performed without chemical restraint. PRTT values were evaluated in both eyes of all Syrian hamsters using a commercial PRTT strip of a single lot number.


RESULTS
No statistically significant differences between right and left eyes were found for any of the results. The mean ± SD PRTT values for the study population were 6.8 ± 2.5 mm/15 s with a range from 3 to 11.5 mm/15 s. Mean PRTTs in male animals were 5.1 ± 1.2 mm/15 s, whereas mean PRTTs in female hamsters were 8.5 ± 2.3 mm/15 s. Comparison between mean PRTT values in males and females showed a significant difference (P = 0.004). Mean weights for males and females were 80.9 ± 4.8 and 90.6 ± 8.5 g, respectively. No linear relationship between mean PRTT and body weight was found in female (P = 0.46) and male (P = 0.92) hamsters.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides novel data for normal reference ranges of PRTT values in healthy Syrian hamsters. Results of this study may assist veterinarians in the diagnosis of ocular surface disease and syndromes affecting the tear film in these species.
Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Seyed Mehdi
SM
Rajaei
Reza
R
Sadjadi
Amin
A
Sabzevari
M Selk
MS
Ghaffari
D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus / Q000502:physiology*; D010637:Phenolsulfonphthalein; D012016:Reference Values; D013666:Tears / Q000502:physiology*
D010637:Phenolsulfonphthalein
Syrian hamster; exotic pet; phenol red thread test; tear production; tears secretion