140 NAVIX ox THE HORSE. 



DISEASES OF THE EYE. 



The eye of the horse is of peculiar interest. However per- 

 fect in other regards, if his eyes are defective, he is unsafe for 

 nearly every purpose, and comparatively valueless. And a 

 blind horse, whatever may be the symmetry of his proportions, 

 is an object upon which we can look with no sensation of de- 

 light, only with a certain shrinking of pity ; he is robbed of 

 every grace and beauty of life. 



There are several distinct affections of the eye of the horse, 

 which I shall describe separately, and present the best treats 

 ment known to the veterinary profession. And in recommend- 

 ing treatment for this important organ, I am sorry that I can 

 not speak wdth that confidence which I have in the treatment 

 of many other diseases. It is no use to disguise the fact, that 

 many cases of disease of the eye will go on to a fatal termina- 

 tion, despite of any thing that may be done. But, fortunately, 

 those affections which are the most fatal to this important 

 organ are almost entirely the result of gross carelessness in 

 the breeder, or palpable and criminal mismanagement of the 

 horse, and can, almost entirely, be prevented from occurring, 

 by attention to breeding to horses with sound eyes, and by ob- 

 serving the laws of health in working, feeding, stabling, etc. 

 The affections of the eye, usually recognized, are, inflammation 

 of the eye, or o])hthalmia; specific or periodic ophthalmia, 

 called moon-blindness, cataract, amaurosis, gutta serena or 

 palsy of the optic nerve. There are other minor and second- 

 ary difficulties, as haw^s, called "hooks," warts about the lids, 

 and a scaly, itching eruption on the edges of the lids. 



COMMOX INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE— OPHTHALMIA JUNCTAVO. 



This is a true inflammation of the conjunction, wdiich is a 

 thin membrane that lines all of tlie front part of the eye, 

 and a fold of it covers the haw, and also lines the inside of 



