INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. 93 



The Canmcula Lacrymalis, or Tubercle, by means of wbich 

 the tears are directed into the canal through which tliey are to 

 escape from the nostril, is sometimes enlarged in consequence of 

 inriammation, and the Puncta LacrymaHa, or conduits into which 

 the tears pass from the eye, are partially or completely closed 

 file application of warm and emollient lotions will generally re- 

 move 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 veterinary surgeon should be imme- 

 aiately obtained. The lacrymal sac mto which the tears pass 

 from tlie puncta has occasionally participated in the inflammation, 

 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 i)e considered under two forms — the common and 

 manageable, and the specific and fatal. The Common Inflam- 

 mation 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 towards the outer corner where the haw cannot reach it : 

 therefore the lids should ahvays be carefully examined as to this 

 possible source of the complaint. The health of the animal is 

 generally unafi^ected — 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 mflammation will subside 

 without medical treatment. =^ 



* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Unless this disease is connected with influenza, 

 or some other malady affecting the whole system, it is usually produced by 

 external violence, and in nine cases out of ten, may be distinguished from 

 specific ophthalmia. When caused by a blow, there is in addition to swelling 

 of the lids, and a large effusion of tears, a considerable dimness or opacity 

 on the surface of the eye, whilst at the same time the interior is compara- 

 tively free from disease. In specific ophthalmia, there is a greater amount 

 of disease in the interior of the eye, and little if any opacity of the cornea. 

 When connected with influenza there is much swelling of the lids, and a 

 great flow of tears, while the eye itself is tok-rably free from injury ; and 

 when it proceeds from a cold, there is usually a thick matter, or mucus, dis- 



