Evaluation of corneal sensitivity in 40 Pantaneiro horses using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer.

BACKGROUND

Corneal sensitivity is a crucial ophthalmic parameter for the protection and maintenance of ocular health in horses.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the corneal sensitivity of 40 Pantaneiro horses using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer, in order to establish reference values for this population.

METHODS

The animals were considered clinically healthy after a complete ophthalmic examination. Measurements were taken in both eyes, and the data were analyzed for mean, standard deviation, and potential differences between eyes, sex, and age groups.

RESULTS

The average corneal sensitivity measured by the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer in the evaluated Pantaneiro horse population was 1.72 cm ± 0.45 cm, with no differences found between eyes (p = 0.745) or sexes (p = 0.434).

CONCLUSION

This study contributes to filling an important gap in the veterinary ophthalmic literature by providing normative data on corneal sensitivity in Pantaneiro horses, a breed still underrepresented in comparative ophthalmologic studies.