516 DISEASES OF THE CONJUNCTIVA 



lead water (2 per cent.); potassium permanganate ( per 

 cent.); tincture opium (1 per cent.). If the patient shows 

 considerable pain and irritation with marked congestion of 

 the membrane, codrenin solution (2 per cent.), or a few drops 

 of stovain solution (2 per cent.) are recommended. When 

 intense pain is present and the conjunctiva is a dull, red color 

 indicating a subacute inflammation, silver nitrate (0.5 per 

 cent.) is of value. 



Croupous Conjunctivitis. Definition. An inflammation of 

 the conjunctiva characterized by the formation of a pseudo- 

 membrane which covers its surface. Croupous conjunctivitis 

 is observed more commonly in the dog and cat. In birds it 

 accompanies epitheliosis, when the eyes are involved. 



Etiology. The majority of cases occurring in the dog and 

 cat are produced either by chemical irritation or as a result 

 of specific infection following or accompanying infectious 

 diseases. In birds, owing to the prevalency of epitheliosis, 

 large numbers in an individual flock may be affected at the 

 same time. 



Symptoms. The conjunctiva is covered with a fibrinous 

 exudate which frequently extends over the cornea. The 

 corneal surface may be entirely covered. In birds a very 

 heavy, thick, fibrinous membrane completely covers the 

 entire anterior surface of the eye. Due to exudate and 

 secretions collecting under the pseudomembrane, it is forced 

 outwardly protruding between the lids. If the membrane 

 is removed, the eye will be found normal in position and color. 

 There are no general symptoms except as produced by some 

 infectious diseases which the conjunctivitis attends. 



Prognosis. Favorable in primary cases. When secondary 

 the prognosis depends upon the primary disease it accom- 

 panies. 



Treatment. The animal's general condition should be 

 observed and any necessary treatment applied. The eye 

 may be flushed out with a warm boric acid solution and the 

 croupous membrane removed with a pledget of cotton or a 

 pincette. After the membrane is removed, apply antiseptic 

 or astringent collyria. It will probably be necessary to re- 

 move fragments of membrane as they later develop. 



