Preliminary estimate of reference intraocular pressure values in eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii).

BACKGROUND

The Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) is a small endangered marsupial that primarily inhabits the grasslands and grassy woodlands of southeastern Australia. There are currently no reported values for intraocular pressures in Eastern Barred Bandicoots (EBBs).

AIM: This study aimed to provide preliminary reference values for intraocular pressures in EBBs.

METHODS

13 EBBs from a wild population on French Island, Victoria were humanely trapped and examined with light local restraint. All animals were healthy and had no detectable surface ocular pathology on slit exam biomicroscopy. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was estimated using a rebound tonometer (Tonovet) without topical anesthesia on the "d" setting. Only readings within an acceptable standard deviation were recorded. All EBBs examined tolerated the procedure well.

RESULTS

Intraocular pressures were measured in 26 eyes of 13 EBBs. The median was 10 mmHg with an interquartile range of 9-11.8mmHg. The mean and standard deviation range of the IOPs in all EBBs examined was10.2 ± 1.9 mmHg (95%CI: 9.54-10.96 mmHg). No significant differences were observed between the left and right eyes (p = 0.84). Neither sex (p = 0.59) nor body weight (p = 0.13) had a significant effect on IOP.

CONCLUSION

This study contributes toward a better understanding of ocular physiology in this species, which can aid in population health management and improve ocular disease screening.