Ophthalmological diseases are common in pets, which cause challenges for many veterinarians. Diseases such as cataracts, degeneration, and retinal atrophy require standardized techniques for retinal evaluation.

Objective

To evaluate the potential of electroretinography for normal canines obtained from the palpebral electrode technique.

Methodology

A total of 20 dogs from 2 different breeds were selected between the ages of 1 and 6 years. These dogs were found to be clinically healthy without any eye abnormalities as found from exams. Continuous quantitative variables corresponding to latency (ms) and amplitude (uV) from A and B waves were studied. For the measurement of retinal function, adaptation of darkness was vitally important (6 minutes). This allowed the transition of the retina from the photopic state to the scotopic state, which achieved an increased sensitivity of photoreceptors.

Results

The average of the results for wave A was 11,85 uV and 12,38 ms, and 37.60 uV and 31.62 ms for wave B. In comparing the results between the two dog breeds, there are no significant differences. (The latencies of waves A and B were the data with less variability.)

Conclusions

Although the sample was not very large, the results obtained had a homogenous behavior, especially when comparing the 2 groups given, and provides valuable information for the standardization of this technique. This gives an opportunity for further development with other breeds and species.