Ocular diagnostics, ophthalmic findings, and conjunctival microbiome in the Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)

Abstract Objective To establish normative data for selected ocular diagnostic tests and commensal conjunctival microflora and describe the incidence of ocular pathology in Chilean flamingos. Animals Studied A total of 41 Chilean flamingos were examined at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa. Procedures In 20 flamingos, blink rate was assessed undisturbed in their exhibit, then gentle manual restraint was used to assess palpebral fissure length (PFL), aqueous tear production (phenol red thread test [PRTT] in one eye, endodontic absorbent paper point tear test [EAPPTT] in the other), intraocular pressure (IOP; rebound tonometry), and fluorescein staining. Twenty‐one other flamingos were brought to a darkened area for neuro‐ophthalmic examination, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Swabs from seven flamingos were used for ocular microbiome evaluation. Results Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation (range). Flamingos comprised 23 females/18 males, aged 11 ± 9.1 (0.7–40) years. Test results: blink rate, 3.7 ± 2 (1–9) blinks/min; PFL, 11.2 ± 1.2 (9–14) mm; IOP, 14 ± 3.2 (10–22) mmHg; EAPPT, 10.2 ± 2.8 (9–14) mm/min; PRTT, 6.8 ± 2.5 (3–13) mm/15 s. Dazzle reflex was positive in four birds examined. Pathologies included cataracts ( n = 7 birds), corneal fibrosis ( n = 3), endothelial pigment ( n = 2), uveal cysts ( n = 1), lens luxation ( n = 1), and uveitis ( n = 1). Ocular microbiome showed high diversity of taxa. Conclusions Baseline ocular parameters and incidence of ophthalmic pathology assist veterinarians with disease screening for Chilean flamingos, while the ocular microbiome showed high diversity.