Background One of the contributing factors to ocular surface health is a stable precorneal tear film. Considering the increasing interest in rabbits as pets and the limited literature available on domestic rabbit tearing, the aim of this study was to establish normative data for examination of the tear film in domestic rabbits. Results The study included 75 client-owned domestic Holland Lop rabbits (150 eyes). The following examinations were performed in each eye: Schirmer tear test-1, tear osmometry, interferometry, tear meniscus height measurement and meibography (quantifying meibomian gland loss as a percentage). The resulting median (95% central range) values were 10.0 (5.0–17.3) mm/min for the Schirmer tear test-1, 345.0 (280.5–376.1) mOsm/L for tear osmolarity, grade 2 (1–4) of interferometry, 0.28 (0.20–0.47) mm for tear meniscus height and 0.0 (0.0–67.6) % meibomian gland loss. A significant association was found between tear osmolarity and age, with an estimated decrease of − 4.0 mOsm/L with each additional year of age (p < 0.001). The distributions of interferometry grades were significantly different between males and females (p < 0.001), with grade 1 and grade 2 being the most frequent in females and males, respectively. A weak negative correlation was also observed between interferometry grade and the percentage of meibomian gland loss (r = − 0.22, p = 0.006). Conclusions This is an original study that documents extensive tear film parameters in healthy Holland Lop rabbits. The results can be used as normative data for the examination of the tear film in this lagomorph breed.

Objective To describe the ophthalmological findings of Lagotto Romagnolo dog breed and to report the prevalence of Known and Presumed Hereditary Eye Diseases (KP‐HED). Animals Studied Two hundred sixteen dogs were examined and included in this retrospective study. Procedures Medical records of Lagotto Romagnolo dogs between 2012 and 2020 were included. Data about the ocular status were collected through ocular screening examinations (OSE) or clinical ophthalmic examinations (COE). The prevalence of each KP‐HED was expressed as a function of the total number of the KP‐HED in this referral population. Results A total of 85 dogs (39.35%) were ophthalmologically healthy, ocular diseases presumably not hereditary were found in 43 dogs (19.91%), and 88 dogs (40.74%) were affected by one KP‐HED. The most common KP‐HEDs diagnosed were cataract (28/88; 31.82%), corneal endothelial dystrophy (17/88; 19.32%), retinal dysplasia (9/88; 10.23%), lens instability (7/88; 7.95%), progressive retinal atrophy (6/88, 6.82%), and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (6/88, 6.82%). Most of dogs with a KP‐HED (77.27%, 68/88) were identified within COE group. Conclusions To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the prevalence of ocular disease in the Lagotto Romagnolo dog breed within a referral population in Italy. This study suggests a relatively high prevalence of KP‐HED, with a characteristic late‐onset presentation in some diseases. Many of these KP‐HED's, lead to ocular pain and irreversible blindness, for this reason, the authors highlight the importance of aiming for an early diagnosis. Breeder's efforts and breeding programs should be directed at limiting such disorders.

Objectives To describe the use of direct‐contact diode laser as a new treatment for distichiasis. Study design Case report. Animals A 2‐month‐old Italian Friesian calf with bilateral excessive tearing and corneal opacification was presented to the Visionvet Eye Clinic. Abnormalities on ophthalmic examination included epiphora, seromucous discharge, bilateral distichiasis and secondary chronic keratitis affecting both eyes. Methods Distichiae were surgically removed after insertion of the 810‐nm diode laser tip into the associated meibomian gland. Results Clinical signs gradually improved postoperatively with minimal and transient post‐operative complications. Ophthalmic examination was within normal limits 6 months later beyond distichiae. Conclusion Treatment of distichiasis with direct‐contact 810‐nm diode laser resulted in long‐term resolution of signs in the case described here.

Objective This study was performed to determine the conjunctival microbiota of Persian cats with and without nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Animals studied Twenty‐five Persian cats: 15 with bilateral NLDO (Group A) and 10 with no NLDO (Group B). Procedures All fifty eyes were assessed. Sterile swab applicators were used for the collection of specimens, which were cultured. PCR was performed on conjunctival swab and blood samples for the detection of Mycoplasma spp. and feline herpesvirus 1(FHV‐1), respectively. Results FHV‐1 was detected in two cats in Group A. Twelve eyes from Group A and four from Group B were Mycoplasma spp. positive based on the PCR results. Moreover, fungal culture was positive in six eyes from Group A and three eyes from Group B. The dominant fungus isolated was Aspergillus spp. (6 out of 11 fungal isolates). Other isolated fungi were Alternaria spp. and Cladosporidium spp. Twenty‐three eyes had positive bacterial culture in Group A, while twelve eyes were positive in Group B. The most commonly isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus epidermidis (15 out of 38 bacterial isolates). β‐hemolytic Streptococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp., and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated in similar proportions in both groups. Escherichia coli was also present in both groups. Conclusions Results of this study revealed same isolated fungal and bacterial spp. and in similar proportions in Persian cats with and without NLDO.