Biometria ocular em ovelhas: estudo observacional

Ocular biometry in sheep is a fundamental tool in veterinary ophthalmology, enabling the early diagnosis of ocular disorders and the establishment of anatomical standards among breeds. This case study aimed to analyze the biometric parameters of the eyeball in Dorper, Santa Inês, and crossbred ewes using B-mode ultrasonography. A total of 94 eyes from 47 healthy ewes were evaluated by measuring axial length, anterior chamber depth, and lens thickness, correlating these values with skull dimensions. The examination was conducted using a MyLab™SigmaVET device with a 10 MHz transducer. The results revealed that the Santa Inês breed exhibited the longest axial length, while Dorper and crossbred ewes presented intermediate measurements. The observed variations among breeds suggest a genetic influence on ocular morphology. Ultrasonography proved to be an efficient, safe and non-invasive technique, suitable for evaluating intraocular structures. It is concluded that knowledge of ocular biometric parameters is essential for appropriate clinical management, contributing to more accurate diagnoses and specific treatments. The data obtained from this study may serve as a basis for future research and assist in the advancement of preventive veterinary medicine for small ruminants.