522 DISEASES OF THE CONJUNCTIVA 



TUMORS AND GROWTHS ON THE CONJUNCTIVA. 



In small animals, tumors involving the conjunctiva and 

 the membrana nictitans are of frequent occurrence. Several 

 varieties of tumors have been observed. The principal ones 

 are : Epitheliomas, sarcomas, tubercular nodules, dermoids, 

 adenomas of the glands of Harder, papillomas, fibromas and 

 lipomas. It is very essential that a differential diagnosis 

 be made in order to distinguish the malignant from the non- 

 malignant varieties. Malignant growths will not only invade 

 the conjunctiva but spread rapidly to the adjacent tissue, and 

 eventually cause the destruction of the entire eyeball. 



Treatment. All enlargements along the margin of the lids, 

 on the conjunctiva or on the membrana nictitans should be 

 removed completely as early as possible. This operation is 

 best accomplished under general anesthesia. The after- 

 treatment would consist in cauterizing the wound and the 

 application of the ordinary antiseptics. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE MEMBRANA NICTITANS. 



Examination. An examination of the membrana nictitans 

 is very easily accomplished in small animals by ordinary 

 daylight. Proper restraint of the animal is necessary for a 

 careful and thorough inspection. If the animal is of a nerv- 

 ous temperament, or inclined to be vicious, a general anes- 

 thetic should be administered, or the patient hoppled and a 

 tape applied around the mouth. The lids are then everted 

 or held open with the thumb and finger while with the other 

 hand the membrana nictitans can be grasped w r ith a forceps 

 and elevated so that all parts of it can be examined. Exami- 

 nation should be made for inflammation, granular enlarge- 

 ments, tumors, and injuries. 



As the mucous membrane of the membrana nictitans is 

 exposed to the same causes of disease as the rest of the 

 conjunctiva, it frequently shows lesions. 



Symptoms. Inflammation of the membrana nictitans is 

 characterized by a red, more or less flat enlargement appear- 

 ing at the inner palpebral fissure. In severe cases the 



