Masmali and Rolando Scales in Distinct Brachycephalic Dogs: Healthy or Unhealthy Tears?

Rolando scale with stereological analysis provides more objective tear ferning interpretation.

This study evaluated tear ferning test (TFT) grading in 75 healthy brachycephalic dogs (25 French Bulldogs, 25 Pugs, 25 Shih Tzus) using two subjective classification scales: Masmali and Rolando. All dogs underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examination including Schirmer Tear Test-1, tear break-up time, and Rose Bengal staining. TFT results were classified as healthy or unhealthy using both scales and correlated with quantitative stereological analysis via Stepanizer point counting. No significant differences in TFT grades were observed among breeds. The Masmali scale identified more unhealthy eyes than the Rolando scale across all groups (p < 0.01). Both scales demonstrated significant associations with Stepanizer analysis (p < 0.0001), with the Rolando scale showing stronger correlation. The findings suggest that the Rolando scale combined with stereological analysis provides more objective TFT interpretation, potentially reducing subjective variability in clinical practice for brachycephalic dog tear film assessment.

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