72 A MANUAL OF TOY DOGS 



uncommon in the dog. The eyes look perfectly right, 

 but the dog is blind. This may be an hereditary 

 condition, but sometimes comes in as a result of weak- 

 ness pure and simple. Iron tonics, cod liver oil, nux 

 vomica, etc , may be given, and sometimes prove 

 effectual. Good living is essential. These cases are 

 occasionally cured rather suddenly, but as a rule are 

 incurable. 



Simple cold in the eyes or more often, only in one 

 is a very ordinary ailment, but distressing both to 

 sufferer and owner. The affected eye waters more or 

 less profusely, and is kept partly closed. Within, there 

 is the same appearance as in catarrhal ophthalmia, but 

 in a less degree, and there may be fever and constitu- 

 tional disturbance, in which case the patient must be 

 treated for a coryza, or " common cold." A boracic 

 and poppy-head lotion is the quickest cure for cold 

 in the eyes, and is also useful in the ophthalmic con- 

 dition. It soothes the pain greatly, and is best applied 

 by means of a small all-indiarubber ball syringe. On 

 no account must a syringe with a bone or glass or 

 vulcanite point be used : the indiarubber nozzle is soft, 

 and from it one or two drops can easily be inserted 

 between the eyelids. The amount of resistance the 

 patient makes will be proportionate to the severity of 

 the inflammation, and as this lessens he will endure 

 the operation with serenity. To make the lotion at home, 

 buy a poppy-head, price about a halfpenny, from any 

 chemist, and boil it for an hour or longer in half a pint 

 of water, adding to this as it evaporates. When the 

 water is sherry-coloured, dissolve 10 grs. of boracic acid 

 powder in each fluid ounce, allow to cool, and use as 

 frequently as convenient once every hour, while the 

 congestion of the lining membrane of the eyelids is 

 active. 



Sore Feet. Eczema, or little boils between the 

 toes and round the dew-claw on the front legs, s a 

 trouble which besets some dogs. Constitutional treat- 



