Ophthalmic examination findings in adult pygmy goats (Capra hicus)

Abstract

Objective: To document normal ophthalmic findings and ocular abnormalities in captive adult pygmy goats.

Animals studied: Ten healthy adult pygmy goats (five male, five female; 5-11 years of age; 26-45 kg body mass) underwent complete ophthalmic examinations.

Procedure: Direct illumination, diffuse and slit-beam biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, IOP measurements and Schirmer tear tests were performed. TonoVet rebound tonometry, followed by topical application of 0.5% ophthalmic proparacaine, and Tono-Pen XL applanation tonometry were performed in each eye to obtain estimates of IOP.

Results: Ophthalmic abnormalities included corneal scars and pigmentation, incipient cataracts, lenticular sclerosis, and vitreal veiling. Mean STT values were 15.8 mm/min, with a range of 10-30 mm/min. Mean IOP values were 11.8 mmHg for TonoVet-D, with a range of 9-14 mmHg; 7.9 mmHg for TonoVet-P, with a range of 6-12 mmHg; and 10.8 mmHg for Tono-Pen XL, with a range of 8-14 mmHg.

Conclusions: Ophthalmic examination findings in adult pygmy goats, including normal means and ranges for STT and IOP measurements, using applanation and rebound tonometry, are provided.