DISEASES OF THE HOKSE. 273^ 



PARASITES IX THE EYE. 



Acari in the eye have been incidentally alluded to under inflamma- 

 tion of the lids. 



Filaria ])alpehralis is a white worm, one-half to 1 inch long, whicb 

 inhabits the lachr^^mal duct and the underside of the e3'elids and haw 

 in the horse, producing a verminous conjunctivitis. The first step- 

 in treatment in such cases is to remove the worm with forceps, theiii 

 treat as for external inflammation. 



Filaria equina is a delicate, white, silvery-looking worm, which 1 

 have repeatedly found 2 inches in length (a length as great as 5 inches: 

 has been reported). It invades the aqueous humor, where its constant 

 active movements make it an object of great interest, and it is fre- 

 quontl}' exhibited as a "snake in the eye." It is found also in other- 

 internal cavities of the horse, to which it undoubtedly makes its way 

 from the food, and especiall}" the water swallowed, and its prevention, 

 is therefore to be sought mainly in the supply of pure water from 

 closed, deep wells. When present in the eye it causes inflammation:, 

 and has to be removed through an incision made with the lancet im 

 the upper border of the cornea close to the sclerotic, the point of the, 

 instrument being directed slightly forward to avoid injury to the iris.. 

 Then apply cold water or astringent antiseptic lotions. 



Filaria conjunctivds., resembling Filaria equina very much in size-. 

 and general appearance, is another roundworm which has been found. 

 in the eye of the horse. 



The echinococcus^ the cj'stic, or larval, stage of the echinococcus-. 

 tapeworm of the dog, has been found in the eye of the horse and a, 

 cysticercus {Cysticercusjistularisf) is also reported. 



14384—03 18 



