COMMON INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. 163 



poned until the nature and treatment of ophthalmia comes under particular 

 notice. 



The Haw, or Membrana Nictitans, is subject to inflammation peculiar to 

 itself, arising from the introduction of foreign bodies, or from blows or othei 

 accidents. The entire substance of the haw becomes inflamed. It swells and 

 protrudes from the inner angle of the eye. The heat and redness gradually 

 disappear, but the membrane often continues to protrude. The inflammation 

 of this organ assumes a chronic character in a very short time, on account of the 

 structure of the parts, which are in general little susceptible of reaction. 



The ordinary causes of this disease in the horse are repeated and periodical 

 attacks of ophthalmia, and blows on the part. Young and old horses are most 

 subject to it. 



Emollient applications, bleeding, and restricted diet will be proper at the 

 commencement of the disease, and, the inflammation being abated, slight astrin- 

 gents will be useful in preventing the engorgement of the part. Rose-water 

 with subacetate of lead will form a proper collyrium. If the protruding body 

 does not diminish after proper means have been tried, and for a sufficient period, 

 it must be removed with a curved pair of scissors. No danger will attend this 

 operation if it is performed in time ; but if it is neglected, ulceration of the 

 part and the growth of fungous vegetations will give a serious character to the 

 affair. A second operation may also be necessary, and even a third, and fungus 

 haematodes will probably be established. 



Ulceration and caries of the cartilage will sometimes be accompanied by 

 ulceration of the conjunctiva. This will frequently prove a very serious affair, 

 demanding, at least, the removal of the haw. 



The Caruncula Lacrymalis, or Tubercle, by means of which the tears are 

 directed into the canal through which they are to escape from the nostril, is 

 sometimes enlarged in consequence of inflammation, and the Puncta Lacrymalia, 

 or conduits into which the tears pass from the eye, are partially or completely 

 closed. The application of warm and emollient lotions will generally remove 

 the collected mucus or the inflammation of the parts ; but if the passage of a 

 stylet or other more complicated means are required, the assistance of a vete- 

 rinary surgeon should be immediately obtained. The lacrymal sac into which 

 the tears pass from the puncta has occasionally participated in the inflamma- 

 tion, and been distended and ruptured by the tears and mucus. This lesion 

 is termed Fistula Lacrymalis. It has occasionally existed in colts, and will 

 require immediate and peculiar treatment. 



COMMON INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. 



The conjunctiva is occasionally the seat of great disease, and that which 

 is too often destructive to the eye. Inflammation of the eye may be considered 

 under two forms the common and manageable, and the specific and fatal. The 

 Common Inflammation is generally sudden in its attack. The lids will be found 

 swelled and the eyes partially closed, and some weeping. The inside of the lid 

 will be red, some red streaks visible on the white of the eye, and the cornea 

 slightly dim. This is occasionally connected with some degree of catarrh or cold ; 

 but it is as often unaccompanied by this, and depends on external irritation, as 

 a blow, or the presence of a bit of hay-seed or oat-husk within the lid, and to- 

 wards the outer corner where the haw cannot reach it : therefore the lids should 

 always be carefully examined as to this possible source of the complaint. The 

 health of the animal is generally unaffected he feeds well, and performs 

 his work with his usual spirit. Cooling applications to the eye, as the Goulard's 

 extract or tincture of opium, with mash-diet, and gentle physic, will usually 

 abate the evil ; or the inflammation will subside without medical treatment. 



*2 



