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). ANIMALS: Sixteen healthy adult Syrian hamsters (eight males and eight females) were used in this study. PROCEDURE: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.

Effects of intramuscular acepromazine and diazepam on tear production in rabbits.

Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits were divided randomly into two groups of eight. Schirmer II tear tests were performed on all 16 and then eight received an intramuscular dose of 1 mg/kg acepromazine and the other eight received an intramuscular dose of 1 mg/kg diazepam. The Schirmer tests were repeated after 15 and 25 minutes. There was a significant reduction in tear production by the rabbits treated with acepromazine, but no significant change in tear production by the rabbits treated with diazepam.

Penile self-mutilation as an unusual sign of a separation-related problem in a crossbreed dog.

A two-year-old, male, crossbreed dog was presented for evaluation of licking, biting and severe self-mutilation of its penis, which resulted in ulcers and haemorrhagic preputial discharge. History revealed signs of separation anxiety such as active greeting behaviour, excessive vocalisation and intermittent episodes of licking of the penis when the dog was left alone. The owner reported that he had been hospitalised after a car accident, and he had no chance of seeing the dog. During that time, the behaviour progressed to frequent episodes of licking and biting of the penis. Three weeks of treatment with clomipramine in addition to the presence of the dog's brother, who was brought into the dog's living environment, appeared to produce a considerable degree of improvement. The purpose of this report is to contribute to an increased awareness within veterinary practice of unusual signs of separation anxiety such as penile self-mutilation.