Which test finding has been associated with meibomian gland disease in dogs?

Which test finding has been associated with meibomian gland disease in dogs?

• A. Decreased Schirmer tear test values
• B. Increased Schirmer tear test values
• C. Normal tear production
• D. Elevated tear osmolarity alone

Answer: (A)

Meibomian gland disease destabilizes the tear film by causing a deficient or altered lipid layer, leading to evaporative dry eye. The Schirmer tear test measures aqueous tear production by the lacrimal glands. While MGD is about the lipid component, chronic ocular surface inflammation or concurrent lacrimal gland dysfunction can occur, resulting in reduced aqueous tear production. Therefore, a decreased Schirmer tear test value has been associated with meibomian gland disease in dogs. Elevated tear osmolarity reflects dry eye in general but is not as specifically linked to MGD, and normal tear production would argue against concurrent aqueous deficiency.

Meibomian gland disease destabilizes the tear film by causing a deficient or altered lipid layer, leading to evaporative dry eye. The Schirmer tear test measures aqueous tear production by the lacrimal glands. While MGD is about the lipid component, chronic ocular surface inflammation or concurrent lacrimal gland dysfunction can occur, resulting in reduced aqueous tear production. Therefore, a decreased Schirmer tear test value has been associated with meibomian gland disease in dogs. Elevated tear osmolarity reflects dry eye in general but is not as specifically linked to MGD, and normal tear production would argue against concurrent aqueous deficiency.