AMAUKOSIS, OR GLASS EYE. 997 



" When the Uds are swollen, and not due to any disease, such as 

 Pink Eye etc , but to a cold, and injuries of numerous descriptions, 

 the eye should first be bathed off with hot salt water for a few min- 

 utes, then turn the lower lid down and drop on the lid and eye- 

 ball,' with an eye-dropper, the following collyrium:— 



" 10 grains sulphate of atropio, 

 1 drachm sulphate of zinc, 

 6 ounces aqua rosae, 

 " Drop on the diseased eye 15 to 20 drops two to three times a day. 

 This remedy is a certain cure in most all eye-troubles. 



" In diseases of the eye due to liver complaint, first give a strong 

 cathartic combined with 1 to 2 drachms of calomel, and treat the 

 eye as above." 



Amaurosis, or Glass Eye, 



Consists in either partial or complete paralysis of the optic nerve, 

 or its terminal expansion, the retina. 



Causes. — Injuries to the brain, causing an extravasation of 

 blood upon the deep origin of the special nerve of sight (optic), 

 from disease of the internal coat of the eye (retina). It occasion- 

 ally occurs as a sequel of stomach staggers or indigestion. We 

 have also known it to occur in pregnant mares. Percival men- 

 tions several cases of amaurosis occurring in mares with foal, where 

 vision was perfectly restored after parturition. 



Symptoms.— The eye has a peculiar glassy appearance; the 

 horse carries his head very high, and is continually moving his 

 ears, and his action is high, lifting his feet as if he were stepping 

 over some obstacle. He is easily alarmed by any noise. The pu- 

 pil is dilated, and loses its natural elliptical form. If the glare of 

 a lighted candle is brought to bear upon the eye, the pupil refuses 

 to contract, thus showing that nervous influence is lost. 



Treatment.— The horse should have rest, and a strong dose of 

 purgative medicine given. If supposed to arise from effusion or 

 pres^sure on the nerve (optic), blisters and setons to the poll are 

 recommended, and diuretics should be used. In some instances 

 the powdered nux vomica, in doses of one scruple twice a day, has 

 been used with advantage. If amaurosis has continued for a 

 lengthened period, it is incurable, and treatment in such cases 

 would be entirely useless. 



