STAPHYLOMA. 119 



generally of a malignant character. It occurs with much 

 greater frequency among dogs than other animals. 



Syinptoms.—A bulging of the cornea is observed, caused 

 by an abnormal increase of the aqueous humour (it is 

 sometimes called dropsy of the eye\ This bulging in- 

 creases until the cornea, unable longer to resist the pressure, 

 gives way, and allows the contained fluids to escape. 

 Staphyloma is by no means a rare disease among cattle in 

 Texas, being frequently met with there. Its cause is not 

 known. 



Treatment. — As there is no way of causing absorption of 

 the excessive quantity of fluid, or getting rid of it except 

 by puncturing the cornea, the latter must be done. In 

 case it is not, total destruction of the eye will in time occur. 

 Ulcers, etc., are to be treated with caustics. Also use 

 constitutional remedies, good food, etc. 



Laceration of the Cornea. — Laceration of the cornea 

 may occur in various w^ays, allowing the aqueous humour to 

 escape. However, the chances are, if it be a clean cut, 

 that the cornea will heal and the aqueous humour be 

 reproduced, if the animal be kept in a quiet place, slightly 

 darkened, and moderately warm water and other warm 

 applications are used. But if the cornea be badly 

 lacerated or torn, inflammation will be set up, the wound 

 will not heal properly, and the aqueous humour will not 

 be reproduced, or only partially so. There usually re- 

 mains a slight cicatrix, which as a rule does not interfere 

 with vision, and should not affect the price of a horse 

 unless in such a position as to interfere w^ith the vision 

 — that is, directly in front of the pupil. In examination, 

 the animal may be passed as .sound, so far as his eye is 

 concerned, if the cicatrix is high up or low down, and 

 more particularly if it is of long standing. In case there is 

 a fungoid growth on the cornea after laceration, use argenti 



