Catarrh of the Lachrymal Sac. Dacryo-Cystitis. 353 



tears flow out over the face. For the symptoms of the attendant 

 catarrh of the sac see below. In infected cases with obstruction 

 of tlie lachr^-mo-nasal duct, it has been known to extend to the 

 bone and even to open into the sinuses, or tooth folHcles. (Gerard, 

 L/eblanc). 



The condition is found in horses, cattle and dogs. 



Treatment. In fistula resulting from simple traumatism, noth- 

 ing more may be requisite than rest and soothing astringent ap- 

 plications. Sutures are sometimes resorted to but are liable to 

 cause itcliing and do more harm than good. It is above all im- 

 portant to keep the lachrymo-nasal duct patent, and for this 

 purpose a lead or silver stilet, or a thick cat gut suture ma}- be 

 worn in the canal until healinu' has ensued. 



CATARRH OF THE LACHRYMiVL SAC. DACRYO- 

 CYSTITIS. 



Connected above through the canaliculi with the conjunctiva, 

 and below through the lachrymal duct with the nasal chamber 

 this cavity is liable to be more or less implicated in all cases of 

 nasal catarrh and conjunctivitis, (strangles, canine distemper, 

 influenza). If the lachrymal duct is obstructed so that the tears 

 accumulate in the sac, the tendency to catarrh is further en- 

 hanced by the distension and weakening of its walls, and b}' the 

 propagation of bacteria which have entered with the tears, and 

 find in them a favorable and abundant culture medium ; the di- 

 ameter of the sack in the horse being about ^irds. of an inch. 

 The presence of foreign bodies is another cau.se. 



Lesions. Symptoms. Swelling at the inner canthus, which 

 raises the caruncle above the normal level, and the escape of tears 

 over the lower lid are the most prominent symptoms. If the 

 swelling is pressed it subsides, the contents, clear or purulent, es- 

 caping through the lachrymal duct, to the no.se, or through the 

 puncta and accumulating in the inner canthus or flowing over 

 the cheek. The hair beneath the inner canthus is matted to- 

 gether, or drops off leaving bare patches. Wolff found in one 

 23 



