DISEASES OF THE EYE 129 



may show a precipitate toward the bottom of the anterior 

 chamber. The pupil is usually contracted and dilates slowly 

 when the animal is moved into the light. The acute inflammation 

 gradually subsides, and about the tenth to the fourteenth day 

 the lids and cornea may appear normal. 



The periods between these acute attacks of ophthalmia may 

 vary from a few weeks to several months. Severe work, debility 

 and the character of the ration influence their frequency. It 

 is not uncommon for animals that have been given a rest to suffer 

 from a second attack on being put to work. The attendant may 

 observe a hazy or whitish condition of the margin of the cornea. 

 The upper lid may show an abrupt bend of its margin and a deep 

 wrinkle. The color of the iris appears to have lost its lustre, and 

 the aqueous humor and lens may be cloudy. After a variable 

 number of attacks glaucoma or cataract develops. 



The history of the case will enable the attendant to recognize 

 this form of Oi^hthalmia. 



Treatment is unsatisfactory. Preventive measures consist 

 in avoiding conditions favorable to the production of the disease. 

 This should be practised so far as possible. At the time the 

 attack occurs, the animal should be given a cathartic. One pound 

 of Glauber's salts in a drench is to be preferred. Eest in a 

 darkened stall is indicated. An eye lotion containing three 

 grains of silver nitrate in one ounce of distilled water should 

 be applied to the eye three times daily. A water solution of 

 atropine or eserine should be used for the purpose of relieving 

 the spnptoms of iritis or glaucoma. A very light diet should 



be fed. 



Infectious Ophthalmia of Ruminants. — This occurs as an 

 acute inflammation of the eyelids and cornea. The disease is 

 highly infectious, affecting all of the susceptible animals in the 

 herd. It commonly occurs during the late summer and fall. 



The symptoms appear suddenly. The animal is feverish, 

 the eyes closed and the cheeks are wet with tears. The cornea 

 9 



