The appearance of fluorescein stain at the nostril opening during a fluorescein stain test is an abnormal finding. True or False?

The statement is false; the appearance of fluorescein stain at the nostril opening during a fluorescein stain test is not considered an abnormal finding. Fluorescein is a dye that is commonly used in veterinary medicine to evaluate corneal integrity and to identify issues such as corneal ulcers or damage.

When fluorescein is applied to the eye, it can drain through the nasolacrimal duct, which connects the eyes to the nasal cavity, and can sometimes be seen exiting through the nostril. The presence of the dye at the nostril indicates that the nasolacrimal duct is patent (open) and functioning properly. This is a normal physiological response and reflects the proper drainage pathway from the eye to the nose.

Thus, seeing fluorescein at the nostril does not suggest a problem but rather confirms that the tear drainage system is intact and working as expected. This concept is essential in understanding the normal physiological processes related to tear production and drainage in animals.