344 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



the anterior surface of the eye. This fluid escapes upon the organ 

 at the outer angle of the lids and is carried between them and the 

 eyeball toward the inner angle. 



The caruncula Ir.crimalis is a small round body, frequently entirely 

 or partially black, situated in the inner angle of the eye, and is de- 

 signed to direct the tears toward the puncta lacrimalia. 



The puncta lacrimalia are two little openings, situated one in each 

 eyelid, a short distance from the inner corner, which admit the tears 

 into the lacrimal ducts leading to the lacrimal canal, whence they are 

 emptied into the nasal passages. 



CONJUNCTIVITIS (SIMPLE OPHTHALMIA). 



This is an inflammation of the conjunctival mucous membrane of 

 the eyeball and lids; in severe cases the deeper coats of the eye are 

 involved, seriously complicating the attack. 



Causes. — It may result from a bruise of the eyelid ; from the intro- 

 duction of foreign matters into the eye, as chaff, hayseed, dust, gnats, 

 etc.; from exposure to cold; poisonous or irritating vapors arising 

 from filthiness of stable. Dust, cinders, or sand blown into the eyes 

 during transportation frequently cause conjunctivitis. 



Symptoms. — A profuse flow of tears, clos-ure of the eyelids from 

 intolerance of light, retraction of the eyeball and corresponding pro- 

 trusion of the haw, disinclination to move, diminution of milk secre- 

 tion, etc. On parting the lids the lining membrane is found injected 

 with an excess of blood, giving it a red and swollen appearance; the 

 sclerotic, or white of the eye, is bloodshot and the cornea may be 

 cloudy. If the disease advances, keratitis results, with its train of 

 unfavorable symptoms. 



Treatment. — Careful examination should be made to discover par- 

 ticles of chaff, etc., which may have lodged in the eye, and upon the 

 discovery of such a cause prompt removal is indicated. This may 

 be accomplished by flushing the eye w ith Avarm water by means of a 

 syringe, or, if the foreign substance is adherent to the eyeball or lid, 

 it may be scooped out with the handle of a teaspoon or some other 

 blunt instrument. To relieve the congestion and local irritation, a 

 wash composed of boracic acid in freshly boiled water, 20 grains to 

 the ounce, or acetate of zinc, 5 grains to the ounce of pure soft 

 water, may be used, to which may be added 20 drops of laudanum. 

 A few" drops of this should be placed in the eye with a camel's-hair 

 pencil or soft feather three or four times daily. The animal should 

 be placed in a cool, darkened stable; then a cloth folded into several 

 thicknesses should be fastened to the horns in such manner as to 

 reach below the eyes. This should be kept wet with cold water 

 during the day and removed at night. If there is much fever and 



