498 SIMPLE INFLAMMATION OF THE CORNEA. 



of a direct attack of cold ; such cases, however, are rare, and 

 should always be looked on with extreme suspicion. 



The appearances of simple inflammation of the eye are 

 principally to be distinguished by the circumstance, that, 

 except in cases of unusual intensity, they are such as cha- 

 racterise an affection of the conjunctiva only ; whereas, in 

 an attack of specific ophthalmia, the internal parts of the 

 globe are always involved, and it is probable they are the parts 

 primarily attacked. Another assistant guide in distinguish- 

 ing between the two is, that, in specific ophthalmia, there is 

 always constitutional disturbance, as symptomatic fever, 

 impaired appetite, and harsh, dry skin. There is, generally, 

 in both cases, the same impatience of light denoted by 

 closed eyelids ; the same distention of the vessels, reddened 

 hue of the conjunctival coat, and there may be an inflamed 

 and protruded haw : moreover, in the generality of cases 

 arising from simple ophthalmia, the cornea is opaque. 

 From that sympathy which is found to exist between double 

 organs, even when the affection has been entirely brought 

 on by violence done to one eye, the other will by sympathy 

 become affected also, but in a minor degree. Of such 

 liability the practitioner should be aware, as a mistake in 

 this particular might lead him into several important errors. 



The treatment must commence by a careful eversion of 

 the eyelids, in case the cause is not otherwise apparent, and 

 due examination to detect any extraneous substance which 

 may have intruded itself; if any such be found it should 

 immediately be removed, when the animal, if not very bad, 

 will get well. If the evil has existed for some days foment 

 the eye with an ounce of laudanum, mixed in a gallon of 

 warm water, or a drachm to a pint. Lay a piece of wetted 

 cloth also over the eye. If the inflammation, from delay 

 or wrong treatment, runs high, take blood from the eye 

 branch of the angular vein, and give the horse some food 

 of which he is fond upon the floor. The pendant head, 

 and motion of the jaw, will cause the blood to flow freely ; 

 and, should any application be further required, use some of 

 those recommended in the next article. 



