70 OPHTHALMOLOGY FOR VETERINARIANS 



becomes softened by maceration and erosion, and ul- 

 ceration of the cornea follows. The bacteria may burrow 

 into the deep structure of the eye, causing inflammation 

 of these parts and probably the loss of the eye. 



Treatment. — CleanUness and antiseptic applications 

 are the principal indications. First wash the eye with 

 a saturated solution of boric acid, then drop in a 25 per 

 cent, solution of argyrol. In a few minutes wash this 

 out and carefully remove the shreds of pus which the 

 solution has coagulated. Then apply another drop, 

 and allow it to remain. Repeat this operation every 

 three or four hours or oftener if necessary. After the 

 secretion has been controlled, use a weaker solution less 

 often applied. A 2 per cent, solution of silver nitrate 

 brushed over the everted Hds, and immediately washed 

 off, is of benefit in many cases. If this is used, one ap- 

 pHcation a day is sufficient. If there is much swelling 

 of the lids an ice-cold application, frequently repeated, is 

 of value. It should not be allowed to remain long 

 enough to become warm, for, in that case, it acts as a 

 poultice, and encourages the growth of the bacteria. 

 If the cornea is involved, hot applications should be 

 used. Encourage the animal to keep the eye open as 

 much as possible to prevent corneal complications. This 

 can be accompHshed to a great degree by isolating it in 

 a clean, darkened stall, and frequently cleansing the eye 

 of the secretion, which causes a reflex closure of the lids. 



When one eye only is affected, the other eye should 



