DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 221 



eye hazy and weak. By watching closely the worm may be 

 seen, sometimes in front and sometimes farther back. Irrita- 

 tion of course continues so long as it remains. 



Treatment. — An operation is the only successful method 

 of saving the sight. Cast the animal. While the head is held 

 securely, with a small lance or sharp penknife make a small 

 incision or cut across the sight, which allows the humors of 

 the eye to run out. The worm is generally carried out with 

 the discharge. Keep the animal quiet after the operation and 

 put him in a clean, dark box stall for a few days. Bathe the 

 eye with new milk twice a day and apply the eye wash after 

 bathing until the eye is healed. It generally takes a week or 

 so to heal and for the fluid to re-form in the eye. A slight 

 scar remains which in time gradually disappears. 



7. Glaucoma. 



Glaucoma is a hardening of the back humor of the eye. 



Causes. — It is caused by an injury of some kind — being 

 pierced by a sliver, etc. — especially if the back -portion be 

 affected. Natural decay of old horses may sometimes result 

 in glaucoma. 



Symptoms. — Blindness develops gradually, accompanied 

 by the peculiar high action in front exhibited by all blind 

 animals. A close examination through the pupil discloses the 

 fact that the eye is becoming hardened and of a grayish color. 

 It is more frequently met- with in gray horses. 



Treatment. — If the result of injury bathe with new milk 

 three or four times a day. After wiping the parts dry apply 

 the eye wash. If from old age and decay nothing will effect 

 a cure. 



8. Inflammation of the Haw (Membrana Nictitans). 



This is the diseased or enlarged state of the cartilage in 

 the corner of the eye. 



Causes. — Irritation or inflammation from the presence of 

 foreign bodies — chaff, etc. — in the eye causes the haw to 

 enlarge, so much so at times as to protrude from the corners, 

 thus giving the animal an unsightly appearance, as well as 

 being the source of a great deal of pain. 



Treatment. — When first noticed remove the cause of the 

 irritation, if it can be detected, and bathe with new milk or 

 lukewarm water two or three times a day. Wipe dry each 



