550 DISEASES OF THE GLOBE AND ORBIT 



HYDROPHTH ALMUS . 



Definition. An enlargement of the eyeball in all its dimen- 

 sions. It is common in pups and kittens. Hydrophthalmus 

 develops slowly, the eyeball enlarging, the curvature of 

 the cornea becoming weaker, the pupil dilated, intraocular 

 pressure increased, and the papilla cupped. The condition 

 is usually congenital. 



Treatment. Eserin and pilocarpin are recommended, but 

 they do little good. Paracentesis of the anterior chamber will 

 relieve intraocular pressure as in glaucoma. Iridectomy may 

 be tried. 



EXOPHTH ALMUS. 



Definition. An abnormal protrusion of the eyeball. It 

 should not be confused with normally prominent eyeballs of 

 some breeds of dogs. 



Etiology. Fracture of the orbital arch, the displaced bones 

 forcing the eyeball outward; edema, abscess or hematoma 

 in the postbulbar tissue; retrobulbary cellulitis; intra-orbital 

 tumors; tuberculous growths in the orbit. Exophthalmus is 

 a prominent symptom of exophthalmic goiter in dogs. 



Symptoms. One or both eyes appear unduly prominent. 

 As the eyelids do not entirely cover the eye the surface of 

 the cornea becomes dry and ulcerated. 



Prognosis. The prognosis should be guarded. 



Treatment. Treatment is only successful when the cause 

 can be removed. Tumors should be operated, enlarged 

 thyroids removed and the affected eyeball protected. 



LUXATION OF THE EYEBALL. 



Common in the dog and cat. Dogs with prominent 

 eyes are predisposed. It results from injury, fighting, 

 becoming caught in doors, etc. 



Prognosis. The prognosis will depend upon how long 

 the eye has been prolapsed, the degree of injury to the optic 

 nerve and to the eyeball. 



Treatment. The patient should be anesthetized and the 

 prolapsed eye flushed with a warm antiseptic solution 



