Diseases of the Eyes and Ears. 22 1 



poultice, and administer a mild aperient. Ordinary 

 cases readily yield to this treatment. Severe forms call 

 for the application of leeches, the spongio-piline, first 

 soaked in a hot infusion of poppy-heads, or it may be 

 saturated with hot water, pressed out, and a few drops of 

 laudanum poured on. The cathartic also must not be 

 omitted. Chronic cases are denoted by watery eyes, 

 opacity of the eyeball, and red membranes. Such call 

 for the use of astringent lotions of zinc or nitrate of 

 silver. Paint the eyelids outwardly with iodine, and 

 intermediately use cold water applications. Some prac- 

 titioners place a seton behind the poll. When ulceration 

 of the cornea is present, blow upon the spot a little dry 

 oxide of zinc, and repeat daily as required. Total loss 

 of vision in these cases results from implication of the 

 humours as well as the deeper-seated tissues of the eye- 

 ball. 



Cataract. — Several' forms of this affection are observed. 

 It consists of the opaque deposit of inflammation more 

 or less interfering with the transparency of the optical 

 tissues, of the lens, and occurs in three forms, viz., 

 lenticular, or opacity of the lens ; capsular, opacity of 

 the capsule of the lens, and capsulo-lenticular, signifying 

 that both the lens and its capsule are involved. Cataract 

 may be peripheral or central, limited or diffused, and on 

 these peculiarities depend the interference or otherwise 

 with the vision. Cataract is common to old dogs, but it 

 may occur at any age. The first is due to want of 

 vitality ; the second arises from causes inducing inflam- 

 mation. 



Symptoms. — Defective vision, or absolute blindness in 

 proportion to the position and extent of the cataract. 

 On examination of the eye, an opaque speck, or body, of 

 variable size is seen through the pupil by daylight, or 

 better in a dark place by the aid of a lighted candle. 



Treatment. — Recent cases in suitable subjects may be 

 benefited by an operation for which special talent is 

 required. Few dogs are worth the expense. 



Iritis. — Inflammation of the iris, or circular membrane 

 of the eye, is the result of injury, or the membrane is 



