402 DISEASES OF THE EYES 



from the reddened connective tissue in the shape of a millet-seed or a 

 sago granule. 



In cases where the irritation is due to the influence of some infectious, 

 pathological microorganism or bacteria, which are always present on 

 the conjunctival membrane, we notice a marked cellular infiltration of 

 the tissues of the mucous membrane, with proportional swelling of the 

 connective tissue, and the production of a copious thick, yellowish-green 

 secretion. Under the influence of chemical irritants we have the forma- 

 tion of grayish-white or transparent membranous accumulations upon 

 the surface of the mucous membranes, and sometimes ulcers which may 

 lead to trichiasis (turning in of the hair of the lashes toward the bulbs; 

 the mildest form of entropion). In some cases it may cause a natural 

 entropion or symblepharon adherence between the lid and bulbs of the 

 conjunctiva. The cornea and the conjunctiva being in such close 

 proximity to each other, an inflammatory process in one is very apt to 

 produce a similar condition in the other. 



The following forms of conjunctivitis are observed in the dog: 



Catarrhal Conjunctivitis {Conjunctivitis Simplex). — By this we mean 

 an acute catarrh with intense redness and loosening of the conjunctiva, 

 also copious mucous or muco-purvdent secretion. The local disturbances 

 do not seem to be very marked, but we see in rare cases irritation with 

 itching, the patients attempting to rub their eyes with their paws. 



Etiology. — Catarrh of the eyes may occur at any period of the 

 animal's life, and, as a rule, affects both eyes; in very rare instances only 

 one. It is generally the result of exposure to cold or the influence of 

 sharp, cold winds. It is, .therefore, apparent why it appears at certain 

 seasons of the year more than at others, that is, in the spring and fall. 

 Mechanical and chemical influences also produce a certain effect, such as 

 foreign bodies (dust, hair, etc.), turning in of the eyelashes (trichiasis), 

 smoke of soft coal, etc. 



Catarrh of the conjunctiva is intimately connected with catarrh of 

 the respiratory organs, such as nasal catarrh, distemper, and all serious 

 internal diseases which have a prolonged course. 



Symptoms and Course. — Pain and t^\4tchingof the eyelids, which is 

 more pronounced if foreign Ijodies are present in the conjunctival mem- 

 brane. In the early stages there is aslight increase of the flow of tears, later 

 it becomes mucous and finally we observe a muco-purulent discharge 

 which is very tenacious and frequently the eyelids stick together, the 

 discharge frequently flowing down the face, and the conjunctival mem- 

 brane becomes greatly swollen and injected. This condition may become 

 chronic, lasting in a modified form the whole course of the animal's life. 

 Frequently there is intense itching, causing the animal to continually 

 scratch the affected eyes with his paws, and rub them on the ground, pro- 



