DISEASES OF THE EYES. 

 AFFECTIONS OF THE EYELIDS. 



Adhesion of the EyeUds. Ankyloblepharon. 



It is a well-known fact that puppies are born blind — that is to say, 

 the palpebral fissure is closed at birth (atresia palpebrarum). This is 

 not a simple agglutination of the eyelids, but a true adhesion of the 

 membranes. This has been proven from the fact that if they are forcibly 

 separated after birth, the cornea has an opaque look and the edges of 

 the eyelids bleed. As a rule, the fissure opens in from seven to twelve 

 days. It is very rare that we have an obstinate closure of the eyelids. 

 If this should be the case, we try to produce separation by means of emol- 

 lients, tepid water, and normal tension upon the eyelids. If these are 

 not successful, the eyelids must be separated l)y means of a pair of scis- 

 sors or a probe-pointed curved bistoury. Then we rub the edges of the 

 wound with vaseline or, if they persist in uniting, with caustics, nitrate 

 of sdver pencil, in order to prevent an adhesion. In very rare instances, 

 as a consequence of traumatisms, burns or excoriations, we may find 

 more or less adhesion and narrowing of the lids (ankyloblepharon, bleph- 

 arophimosis) . 



Entropion — Turning In (Inversion) of the Eyelid. 



By this term we understand a turning or wrinkling of the eyelid in 

 such a manner that the edge of the lid is directed toward the eyeball 

 and the eyelashes come in contact with the conjunctival tissues and 

 cornea. Entropion occurs cjuite frequently, especially in bulldogs, 

 Newfoundlands, setters. Great Danes and spaniels, although it may be 

 present in all breeds. In some cases it is present at birth, or it may be 

 developed by constant convulsive closing of the fissure of the e)'e 

 (blepharospasmus) , due to some chronic in-itating conditions of the 

 cornea or conjunctiva (conjunctivitis chronica, conjunctivitis follicu- 

 laris). It is occasionally caused by cicatricial contraction of the con- 

 junctiva of the lid, after injuries, such as the result of caustic substances 

 getting in the eyes, burns, or some chronic inflammatory condition, or 

 to atrophy of the eyeball. The more relaxed the cutaneous tissue may 

 be in the neighborhood of the eyelid, the more obstinate the diseased 



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