U8 DISEASES OF THE EVE. 



When paralysis is confined to certain parts alone, sncli as the ear, lips, 

 and larynx, any apparent cause should be at once removed, and then 

 treated by counter-irritants, such as blisters and setons. 



DISEASES OF THE EYE. 



The diseases of the eye constitute a very important, but a most unsatis- 

 factory division of our work, for the maladies of this organ, although few 

 in number, are frequent in their appearance. They are sadly obstinate, 

 and often battle all skill. 



Occasionally a woimd is inflicted by a passionate or careless seiwant. 

 The eye itself is rarely injured. It is placed on a mass of fat, and it turns 

 most readily, and the prong of the fork glances off ; but the substance 

 round the eye may be deeply wounded, and very considerable inflammation 

 may ensue. This should be abated by poultices, and bleeding, and physic ; 

 but no probe should be used under the foolish, idea of ascertaining the depth 

 of the wound in the lid, supposing that there should be one, for, from the 

 constant motion of the eye, it is almost impossible to pass tlie probe into 

 the original wound, and the effort to accomplish it would give a great deal 

 of pain, and increase the inflammation. 



The eyelids are subject to occasional inflammation from blows or other 

 injuries. Fomentation with warm water will be serviceable here. 



The horse has occasionally a scaly eruption on the edges of the eyelids, 

 attended with great itching, in the effort to allay which, by rubbing the 

 part, the eye may be blemished. The nitrated ointment of mercury, mixed 

 with an equal quantity of lard, may be shghtly rubbed on the edges of the 

 lids with considerable good effect. 



The eyehds vnll sometimes become oedematous. Horses that are fed in 

 low and humid pasttu'es ai'e subject to this. It is also the consequence of 

 inflammation badly treated. The eyehds are composed of a lax structure, 

 and the tissue is somewhat deficient in vitality— hence this disposition to 

 enfiltration. Sometimes the collection of fluid accumulates so rapidly, and 

 so extensively, that the eyes are closed. They should be well bathed with 

 warm water mingled with an aromatic tincture. The cellular substance 

 of the lids will thus be disposed to contract on their contents and cause 

 their absorption. 



Old carriage-horses are subject to this (Dcdema ; and it frequently accom- 

 panies both chronic and common ophthalmia. 



Weakness aiid dropping of the upper lid is caused by diminution or loss 

 of power in its muscles. Dry frictions and astringent lotions will fre- 

 quently restore the tone of the parts. 



The eyelids are subject to occasional injury from their situation and 

 office. In small incised Avounds of them great care should be taken that 

 the divided edges unite by the first intention. This will hasten the cure 

 and prevent deformity. If any of the muscles are divided, it is usually 

 the ciliary or orbicularis palpebrarum. This lesion must be healed, if 

 possible, by the first intention, and either by means of adliesive plaster or 

 the suture. The suture is probably the preferable agent. 



If the accident has occurred many hours before being noticed, and a 

 portion of the upper lid hangs over the eye, it should on no account be 

 removed Avithout attempts being made to cause it to unite by taking a 

 sharp scalpel, and removing a small portion from the lacerated edges and 

 afterwards bringing them together with metallic sutures. Great care 

 should be afterwards taken to secure the animal's head in such a position 

 that he cannot rub the wound against the manger or wall of the stable. 



Suppurating wounds in the eyelids may be the consequence of the nc- 



