As a dog parent, you want to make sure that your furry friend is healthy and happy. One important aspect of your dog’s health is their eye health, and one way to assess their eye health is through a Schirmer tear test. In this article, we’ll discuss what the Schirmer tear test for dogs and cats is, why it’s important, and how the test is performed. I’ll also go over normal values for this test and how to interpret your results.
What is a Schirmer Tear Test?
A Schirmer tear test (STT) is a simple and non-invasive test that measures the amount of tears your dog produces. Tears are important for keeping your dog’s eyes healthy, and a lack of tears can lead to dry eyes, which can be uncomfortable and even painful for your dog.
How to Perform a Schirmer Tear Test on Dogs and Cats
During this test, a small strip of paper is placed in your pet’s lower eyelid for a minute. The paper absorbs any tears that are produced, and the amount of moisture on the paper is measured to determine how much tear production your pet has.
Why is a Schirmer Tear Test Important?
A Schirmer tear test is important because it can help diagnose and monitor certain eye conditions in dogs. For example, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a common condition that can be detected through a Schirmer tear test. Other conditions that can affect tear production include allergies, infections, and certain medications.
By performing this test, your vet can assess your dog’s eye health and determine if any further treatment or monitoring is needed. Catching eye conditions early can also help prevent more serious complications from developing.
Schirmer Tear Test Dog Normal Values
In dogs, a normal Schirmer tear test result is between 15-25 in 60 seconds.
Schirmer Tear Test Cat Normal Range
In cats, a normal Schirmer tear test result is between 15-25 in 60 seconds. Cats can produce variable results depending on their health status and stress level during the vet visit.
Finding a Schirmer Tear Test For Dogs & Cats
If you think your pup needs to undergo a Schirmer Tear Test, call your veterinarian. You can also purchase these tear tests online and perform them at home for regular monitoring at home.
Conclusion
This is a valuable tool for assessing your dog’s eye health and detecting certain eye conditions. By finding a qualified vet to perform the test, you can help ensure that your dog is healthy and happy.
As a holistic veterinarian, I approach eye health in a common sense and natural way. Conventional vets often say that some chronic eye diseases will never go away. In my experience, this is not true. When we address the underlying causes of ocular disorders, we can balance the body and stop the disease process. If your pet is facing a chronic eye issue check out my protocols, or schedule a holistic consultation with me online.
Resources & External Links:
- Examination Technique The Schirmer Tear Test (STT). (n.d.). http://www.eyevet.ie/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/winter_newsletter_09_web.pdf
- Schirmer Tear Test for Dogs. (2020). Chewy.com. https://www.chewy.com/schirmer-tear-test-dogs/dp/186647
- Hamor, R. E., Roberts, S. M., Severin, G. A., & Chavkin, M. J. (2000). Evaluation of results for Schirmer tear tests conducted with and without application of a topical anesthetic in clinically normal dogs of 5 breeds. American journal of veterinary research, 61(11), 1422–1425. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.2000.61.1422
- Sebbag, L., Uhl, L. K., Schneider, B., Hayes, B., Olds, J., & Mochel, J. P. (2020). Investigation of Schirmer tear test-1 for measurement of tear production in cats in various environmental settings and with different test durations, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 256(6), 681-686. Retrieved Feb 23, 2023, from https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/256/6/javma.256.6.681.xml