Ophthalmic parameters and ocular morphology in common prey (Bradypus variegatus)

Schirmer's test, Fluorescein, Tonometry, Eye morphology

Brazil is ranked as one of the richest biodiversity countries in the world. The xenarthras superorder, also known as Edentada, is one of the oldest groups within the Brazilian fauna. Bradypus variegatus is a species popularly known as the sloth, having a wide Brazilian geographic distribution except for the region of Amapá and northern Pará. In view of the importance of systemic anatomy for understanding the physiology of the production, transmission and formation of imaging in different animal species, functionality for tear production and other functions of the visual organ. Thus, constant research is necessary, both in domestic and wild animals. This paper aimed to systematically describe the macro and microscopic morphology and morphometry of the visual organs and the evaluation of organs by complementary exams in Bradypus variegatus. Work approved by Ceua from the Federal Rural University of Amazonia and Sisbio. The specimen evaluated came from the Bosque Rodrigues Botanical Garden to perform morphometry and external morphology of the eyes with the aid of caliper, ophthalmic tests (fluorescein test, schirmer test, tonometry). Animals that died during the research period were donated to the UFRA Animal Morphological Research Laboratory (LaPMA), fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde solution and later dissected using basic instruments. Identification of the organ in its external part and periocular attachments, followed by photocumentation, and collection of fragments for analysis of basic histology at the Laboratory of Animal Histology and Embryology (LHEA) of UFRA. The specimen of B. variegatus evaluated had manipulation without touching the animal's face, because when touched the face had immediate and strong eyelid closure, due to the descent of animals in the forest were not examined large number of animals. Six pairs of B. variegatus eyes that died were evaluated, and intraocular structures that are similar to other species were identified and described. The structures present in the eye of B. variegatus were observed to be similar to that of several other species, even though it is considered a more primitive species.