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

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the normal reference value for PRT testing in healthy Van cats. Twenty Van cats took part in the experiment. 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, 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). This study adds new information to the reference ranges for normal tear production in healthy Van cats using the PRT test. The study's findings might help veterinarians in diagnosing disorders that affect Van cats' ability to produce tears. The results suggest that the measured values can be taken as a reference for healthy Van cats.