356 DISEASES OF CATTL.E. 



The vanincula lacrimalis is a small round body, frequently en- 

 tii-ely or partially black, situated in the inner angle of the eye, and 

 is designed to direct the tears toward the puncta lacriinalia. 



The puncta laerimaUa are two little openings, situated one in 

 each eyelid, a short distance from the inner comer, which admit the 

 tears into the lacrimal ducts leading to the lacrimal canal, whence 

 they are emptied into the nasal passages. 



CONJUNCTIVITIS (SIMPLE OPHTHALMIA). 



This is an inflammation of the conjunctival mucous membrane of 

 the eyeball and lids; in severe cases the deeper coats of the eye become 

 involved, seriously complicating the attack. 



Causes. — It may i-esult from a bruise of the eyelid ; from the intro- 

 duction of foreign mattei-s into the eye. such as chaff, hayseed, dust, 

 gnats, etc.; from exposure to cold; poisonous or irritating vapors 

 arising from filthiness of stable. Dust, cindei-s, or sand blown into 

 the eyes during transportation frequently induce conjunctivitis. 



Symptoms. — A profuse flow of tears, closure of the eyelids from 

 intolerance of light, retraction of the eyeball and corresponding 

 protrusion of the haw, disinclination to move, diminution of milk 

 secretion, eto. On parting the lids the lining membrane is found 

 injected with an excess of blood, giving to it a red and swollen 

 appearance; the sclerotic, or white of the eye, is bloodshot and the 

 cornea may be cloudy. If the disease advances, keratitis results, with 

 its train of unfavorable symptoms. 



Treatment. — Careful examination should be made to discover par- 

 ticles of chaff, etc., which may have lodged in the eye, and upon the 

 discovery of such a cause prompt removal is indicated. This may be 

 accomplished by flushing the eye with warm water by means of a 

 syringe, or, if the foreign substance is adherent to the eyeball or lid, 

 it may be scooped out with the handle of a teaspoon or some other 

 blunt instrument. To relieve the congestion and local irritation, a 

 wash composed of boracic acid in freshly boiled water, 20 grains to 

 the ounce, or acetate of zinc, 5 gi-ains to the ounce of pure soft water, 

 may be used, to which may be added 20 drops of laudanum. A few 

 drops of this should be placed in the eye with a cameFs-hair pencil 

 or soft feather three or four times daily. The animal should be 

 placed in a cool, darkened stable, and then a cloth folded into several 

 thicknesses should be fastened to the horns in such a manner as to 

 reach below the eyes. This should be kept wet with cold water dur- 

 ing the day and removed at night. If there is much fever and con- 

 stitutional disturbance it becomes advisable to administer 1 pound of 

 Epsom salt dissolved in 1 quart of water. 



