CATARACT. 635 



2. Cataract. 



This is at times the result of blows, but often comes on without any apparent cause, and 

 without inflammation, although it may supervene upon an attack of ophthalmia. There is 

 generally dilatation of the pupil, and if closely examined, the lens usually has a striated 

 appearance, the stria either radiating from the centre or circumference. 



In addition to this cataract, which is of a soft nature, we have what may be termed senile 

 cataract that milky bluish-white appearance of the crystalline lens which we see in all old 

 dogs, but to a larger extent in animals that have been carelessly treated in life. We cannot expect 

 to cure this species of cataract until the philosopher's stone is found ; but by a better regulated 

 diet, and plenty of exercise, with comfortable housing, we can usually check the tendency to 

 degeneration of the lens, and prevent total blindness. 



Treatment. Try to find out if there has been any error in the feeding, and remedy it. Let 

 the animal have abundant exercise, and a cold bath every morning ; let him not be pampered or 

 coddled, nor have too warm a bed. Let him have plenty of food and a larger supply of meat 

 than usual, but avoid giving sugar. As to medicine, small doses of tincture of nux vomica may 

 be given twice a day, and cod-liver oil most assuredly deserves a fair trial. You may change the 

 tonic occasionally for a short course of quinine. 



3. Disease of the " Haw." 



The membrana nictitans, or inner eyelid, so useful in the canine economy for preventing dust 

 &c., from injuring the eye, is subject to enlargement or hypertrophy ; it gets hardened, somewhat 

 cartilaginous, and rolls outwards, thus giving not only an unsightly appearance to the eye, but 

 considerab'y annoying and inconveniencing the animal. 



Spaniels, and some dogs that go to ground, are more subject to the disease than others, 

 although general ill-health and bad treatment may induce it. 



Treatment. The congestion must first be got under by mild eye-lotions, while at the same 

 time we endeavour to improve the dog's condition by keeping him clean, and feeding well and 

 rationally. The enlarged portion of the membrane must then be got rid of by operation. This 

 is simple enough, but must be done carefully. Either with a hooked needle or small arterial 

 forceps, you seize the "haw," and dragging it forward, pare it with a fine-pointed surgical 

 scissors. Continue the eye-wash until the inflammation is quite gone. 



4 Amaurosis. 



Atnaurosis, or gutta serena, as it is often called, from the peculiar almost glass-like appearance 

 of the eye, is a form of blindness or dimness of sight sometimes seen in the dog, and depending 

 on a partially or completely paralysed state of the retina and optic nerve, which prevents the 

 picture on the former being taken cognizance of or conveyed to the brain. 



The eye is peculiarly clear and the pupil dilated, perhaps immovably so. The gait of the 

 animal attracts attention : he staggers somewhat, and seems unable to avoid stumbling against 

 objects in his way, while his expression seems meaningless. 



Treatment. As a rule, this is unsatisfactory. The strictest attention, however, must be paid 

 to the general health and the feeding. If the disease seems induced by the presence of worms, 

 they must begot rid of; if by foul mouth and decayed teeth, see to those. If the gutta serena 



