Measurement of Tear Production in Van Cats with the Phenol Red Thread Test.

The aim of this study is to determine normal tear secretion levels in healthy Van cats by PRT test and to investigate the relationship between tear level and gender and age. Twenty adult Van cats, who were brought to the clinic and found to be healthy after examination, were included in the study. These cats were tested without the use of any medicine. The cats who took part in the experiment ranged in age from two to five years, with a mean age of 3.25±1.07. There were 12 female cats and 8 male cats in the group. Commercial kits were utilized for the testing. The mean PRT value for the Van cat was determined as 12.3±1.895 (9-18) mm/15 sec. Males had a mean of 11.875±1.246 (10-13) mm/15 sec. and females had a mean of 12.583±2.234 (9-18) mm/15 sec. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean of males and females in the group and no difference as age increased (p>0.05). In conclusion, the PRT test findings in this study can be used as reference values in the diagnosis of eye diseases affecting the tear production ability of Van cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]