title: Reference values and repeatability of the Schirmer tear tests I and II in domesticated, clinically normal dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the normal values and repeatability for Schirmer tear test (STT) in clinically normal dromedary camels and to analyze the influence of the age and gender on these values.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty clinically normal dromedary camels of different ages (calves, immature, and mature).
  
  
  METHODS
  Schirmer tear tests I and II were performed using commercial STT strips. Three measurements were obtained from each eye over three consecutive weeks, and the variance of these measurements was determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean values and coefficient of variation of STT I and STT II for the right and left eyes varied significantly among camel groups (P < 0.05). For STT I, the most frequently recorded values were >14-18, > 22-26, and >30-34 mm/min in calves, immature camels, and mature camels, respectively. For STT II, however, the most frequently recorded values were 7-14, >10-18, and >26-30 mm/min, respectively. The interassay coefficients of variation were 1.7-14.4% and were significantly lower in mature camels than in calves and immature camels (P < 0.05). Age was positively correlated with STT I (r = 0.81) and STT II values (r = 0.88). No significant variations were found between genders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This preliminary study reports STT I and II values and repeatability in normal dromedary camels. This information may assist veterinary practitioners in complete ophthalmic examinations and in accurate diagnosis of ocular surface diseases affecting the tear film in this species.
authors: Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, 33516, Egypt.
authors: Mohamed A
authors: MA
authors: Marzok
authors: Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, 13736, Egypt.
authors: Adel M
authors: AM
authors: Badawy
authors: Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt.
authors: Sabry A
authors: SA
authors: El-Khodery
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D002162:Camelus; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological / Q000662:veterinary; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012737:Sex Factors; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism*
keywords: Schirmer tear test; Schirmer tear test I; Schirmer tear test II; camel; camelids; dromedary