SPECIFIC OPHTHALMIA. 117 



The membrane which covers the Haw is subject to inflammation. It is, indeed, a 

 continuation of the conjunctiva, the inflammation of which constitutes ophthalmia 

 An account of this inflammation will be better postponed until the nature and treat 

 ment of ophthalmia come under particular notice. 



The Haw, or Membrana Nidituns, is subject to inflammation peculiar to itself, aris- 

 ing from the introduction of foreign bodies, or from blows or other accidents. The 

 entire substance of the haw becomes inllanied. It swells and protrudes from the 

 inner angle of the eye. The heat and redness gradually disappear, but the membrane 

 often continues to protrude. The inflammation of this organ often assumes a chronic 

 character in a very sliort time, on account of the structure of the parts, which are in 

 general little susceptible of reaction. 



The ordinary causes of this disease in the horse are repeated and periodical at- 

 tacks of ophthalmia, and blows on the part. Young and old horses are most subject 

 to it. 



Emollient applications, bleeding, and restricted diet will be proper at the com- 

 mencement of the disease, and, the inflammation being abated, slight astringents will 

 be useful in preventing the engorgement of the part. Rose-water with subacetate of 

 lead will form a proper coUyrium. If the protruding body does not diminish after 

 proper means have been tried, and for a sufficient period, it must be removed with a 

 curved pair of scissors. No danger will attend this operation if it is performed in 

 time ; but if it is neglected, ulceration of the part and the growth of fungous vegeta- 

 tions will give a serious cliaracter to the affair. A second operation may also be 

 necessary, and even a third, and fungus ha?matodes will probably be established. 



Ulceration and caries of the cartilage will sometimes be accompanied by ulcera- 

 tion of the conjunctiva. This will frequently prove a very serious affair, demanding, 

 at least, the removal of the haw. 



The Caruncula Lacrymalis, or Tubercle, by means of which the tears are directed 

 into the canal through which they are to escape from the nostril, is sometimes en- 

 larged in consequence of inflammation, and the Puncta Lacrymalia, or conduits into 

 which the tears pass from the eye, are partially or completely closed. The applica- 

 tion of warm and emollient lotions will generally remove the collected mucus or the 

 inflammation of the parts ; but if the passage of a stylet or other more complicated 

 means are required, the assistance of a veterinary surgeon should be immediately 

 obtained. The lacrymal sac into which the tears pass from the puncta has occasion- 

 ally participated in the inflammation, and been distended and ruptured by the tears 

 and mucus. This lesion is termed Fistula Lacrymalis. It has occasionally existed 

 in colts, and will require immediate and peculiar treatment. 



COMMON INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. 



The conjunctiva is occasionally the seat of great disease, and that which is toj 

 often destructive to the ej'e. Inflammation of the eye may be considered under two 

 forms — the common and manageable, and the specific and fatal. The Common In- 

 Jlammalion is generally sudden in its attack. The lids will be found swelled and 

 the eyes partially closed, and some weeping. The inside of the lid will be red, 

 some red streaks visible on the white of the eye, and the cornea slightly dim. This 

 is occasionally connected with some degree of catarrh or cold ; but it is as often 

 unaccompanied by this, and depends on external irritation, as a blow, or the presence 

 of a bit of hay-seed or oat-husk within the lid, and towards the outer corner where 

 the haw cannot reach it : therefore the lids should always be carefully examined as 

 to this possible source of the complaint. The health of the animal is generally un- 

 affected — he feeds well, and performs his work with his usual spirit. Cooling appli- 

 cations to the eye, as the Goulard's extract or tincture of opium, with mash-diet, and 

 gentle physic, will usually abate the evil ; or the inflammation will subside without 

 medical treatment. 



SPECIFIC OPHTHALMIA, OR MOON-BLINDNESS. 



Should three or four days pass, and the inflammation not be abated, we may begin 

 to suspect that it is Ophthalmia, especially if the eye is very impatient of ligiit, and 

 the cornea is considerably clouded. The aqueous humour then often loses its trans- 



