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. Animals studied : Thirty clinically normal dromedary camels of different ages (calves, immature, and mature).
Procedures : 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 (P14–18,>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 |
