BURNS OF THE CONJUNCTIVA. 



Burns may occur in all domestic animals from acids, alkalies, 

 quicklime, carbolic acid, boiling liquids, etc. The cornea usuall}' 

 suffers, being the part most exposed. The caustics cause swelling, 

 blanching and finally exfoliation of the epithelium, or even of 

 the superficial layers of the cornea. In burns by hot liquids vesi- 

 cation may be present. If the destruction extends deeply into 

 the cornea there maj' be escape of the aqueous humor and des- 

 truction of vision. If less penetrating, there may still develop 

 vascularity, and permanent opacity by reason of the formation of 

 a cicatrix or a change of structiu'e in the layers of the cornea, or, 

 in dogs especiall)^ adhesion of the cornea to the eyelids (sym- 

 blepharon). In the early stages there is closure of the eyelids, 

 with swelling, profuse lachrymation, and photophobia. 



Treatment. The first object is to remove or neutralize the 

 offending body. Thus sulphuric or other mineral acid would 

 demand a free irrigation with a i per cent, solution of carbonate 

 of soda or potash. For alkalies, carbonated water, or a 4 per 

 cent, solution of boric acid may be employed. For lime, Gosselin 

 recommends free irrigation with saccharated water. The first 

 step, however, should be to wipe out the particles of lime with 

 a soft rag soaked in oil. 



The pain may be met by a solution of cocaine (i per cent.), 

 or atropia ^ per cent. In addition, we may irrigate with cold 

 water or appl}' weak antiseptic collyria, and employ derivation 

 by the bowels or the skin. 



SIMPLE ACUTE CATARRHAL CONJUNCTIVITIS. 



Causes : irritant gases, smoke, dry air, dust, pollen, microbes, insects, 

 seeds, chaff, awns, sand, dust, qviicklime, coal dust, hairs, whips, canes, 

 branches, sti:bble, fences, nails, claws, teeth, iodine, chlorine, bromine, 

 formalin, turpentine, rain, hail, sleet, glare of sun, ice, snow, white sand or 

 clay, filaria, acari, infectious diseases. Symptoms : closed, lids, epiphora, 

 redness diffuse on lids, ramified on sclera, projected nictitans, milky floc- 

 cvilent discharge, later purulent, matted lashes or tarsi. No photophobia. 



360 



