171 THE MODERN nORSE DOCTOR. 



DISEASES OF THE EYE AND ITS MEMBRANES. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. — {Ophthalmia.) 



Ophthalmia is a disease so familiar to every one, that a de- 

 scription of it seems unnecessary. Its seat is in the membrane 

 which lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white of the 

 eye ; its diagnostic symptom is vascular congestion. When seen 

 and treated in the early stage, it generally yields to very simple 

 treatment ; if, however, it advance beyond the primary stage, 

 structural and functional alteration takes place. A simple in- 

 flamed eye, to some persons, does not appear of much account ; 

 yet the author would inform such, that from this primary form of 

 disease others of a more alarming nature supervene. 



As prevention is much cheaper than cure, it must be obvious 

 that it is of great importance to practise that system of manage- 

 ment, with respect to feeding, exercise, cleanliness, and ventila- 

 tion, which is most likely to prevent ophthalmia. When horses 

 are put to regular daily work, their health will be best maintained 

 by feeding them regularly three times a day with a mixed diet, 

 composed of bruised oats, shorts, meal, cracked corn, and cut hay. 

 These should be allowed in sufficient quantity, and no more ; for 

 too much food must impair the digestive organs and derange the 

 general health. 



As regards exercise, it is indispensable. No man or horse can 

 ever enjoy good health unless habituated to daily exercise ; it 

 tends towards their health and strength, assists and promotes a 

 free circulation of the blood, determines morbific matter to the 



lungs and bowels, in doses of two drachms, repeated as occasion seemed to 

 require. With a view of preventing its local action on the mucous surfaces, in 

 the latter diseases', we always give it in a thin mucilage of slippery elm. If an 

 alterative is indicated, we prescribe it combined with equal parts of goldenseal, 

 from one to two drachms of each, daily. "We could say a great deal more in 

 proof of its extensive therapeutic power, but refrain, in hopes that some of our 

 professional brethren will give it a trial. We are not aware that it has ever 

 been used in veterinary practice until of late. The therapeutic (curative) prop- 

 erties of podophyllum are dependent on the presence of a principle called 

 podophyllin. 



