SIMPLE OPHTHALMIA. 18& 



cessary abfitraction of a considerable surface of the skin in the removal of 

 warts or tunionrs. The principal thing to be attended to is the frequent 

 removal of the pus by means of tow or cotton wool. The rest may 

 generally be left to nature. 



Inversion of the lid is of very rare occiirrence in the horse. 



Warts are sometimes attached to the edges of the lids, and are a source 

 of great irritation. When rubbed they bleed, and the common ojoinion is 

 true— that they are propagated by the blood. They should be taken off 

 with a sharp pair of scissors, and their roots touched with the lunar caustic. 



The membrane which covers the haw is subject to inflammation. It 

 is, indeed, a continuation of the conjimctiva, the inflammation of which 

 constitutes ophthalmia. An account of this inflammation will be better 

 postponed until the nature and treatment of ophthalmia comes under 

 particular notice. 



The Haw, or Menibrana Nictitans, is subject to inflammjition pecuhar 

 to itself, arising from the introduction of foreign bodies, or from blows or 

 other accidents. The entire substance of the haw becomes inflamed. It 

 swells and protrudes from the inner angle of the eye. The heat and red- 

 ness gradually disappear, but the membrane often continues to protrude. 

 The inflammation of this organ assumes a chronic character in a very 

 short time, on account of the structure of the parts, Avliich are in general 

 little susceptible of reaction. 



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

 periodical attacks of ophthalmia, and blows on the pa,i't. Young and old 

 horses are most subject to it. 



EmolHent appHcations, bleeding, and restricted diet will be proper at 

 the conxmencement 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 mil form a proper collyrium. 

 If the protruding body does not diminish after proper means have been 

 tried, and for a sufficient period, it must be removed with a cuiTed pair of 

 scissors. No danger "udll attend this operation if it is performed in time. 



Ulceration and caries of the cartilage will sometimes be accompanied by 

 ulceration of the conjunctiva. This will frequently prove a very serious 

 aflair. 



The Carancula Lachrymahs, or Tubercle, by means of which the tears 

 are directed into the canal through which they are to escape fi'om the 

 nostril, is sometimes enlarged in consequence of inflammation, and the 

 Puncta Lachrjinalia, or conduits into which the tears pass from the eye, 

 are partially or completely closed. The application of warm and emol- 

 lient 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 reqiiired, the assistance of a veterinary siu'geon should be 

 immediately obtained. The lachrymal sac into which the tears pass from 

 the puncta has occasionally participated in the inflammation, and been 

 distended and I'uptured by the tears and mucus. This lesion is termed 

 Fistula Laclmimalis. It has occasionally existed in colts, and will require 

 immediate and pecaliar treatment. 



SIMPLE OPHTHALMIA, OR COMMON INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. 

 The indications of common inflammation of the eye are so clear, that 

 it never ought to be confounded with specific, for in it the external 

 coverings of the eye alone are implicated ; we have engorgement of the 

 conjunctival membrane, accompanied with a marked circumscribed opacity 

 of the transj^arent cornea, and that is all ; there is no effusion in the 

 anterior chamber, giving that discoloured muddy appearance so charac- 



