271 



front of the eye -witli a featlier some drops of a solution of -i grains of 

 atropia in an ounce of water. 



The treatment of internal ophthalmia should embrace first the re- 

 moval of all existing causes, or sources of aggravation, of the disease, 

 which need not be here repeated. Special care to protect the patient 

 against cold, wet, strong light, and active exertion, must, however, 

 be specially insisted on. A dark stall, and a cloth hung over the eye, 

 are important, while cleanliness, warmth, drjmess, and rest are equally 

 demanded. If the patient is strong and vigorous a dose of 4 drams of 

 Barbadoes aloes may be given, and, if there is auj^ reason to susx^ect 

 a rheumatic origin, one-half a dram powdered colchicum and one-half 

 ounce salicylate of soda may be given daily. Locally the astringent 

 lotions advised for external ophthalmia may be resorted to, especially 

 when the superficial inflammation is well marked. More important, 

 however, is to instill into the eye, a few drops at a time, a solu- 

 tion of 4 grains of atropia in 1 ounce distilled water. This may be 

 effected with the aid of a soft feather, and may be repeated at inter- 

 vals of ten minutes until the pupil is widely dilated. As the horse is 

 to be kept in a dark stall the consequent admission of light will be 

 harmless, and the dilation of the pui)il i)revents adhesion between the 

 iris and lens, relieves the constant tension of the eye in the effort to 

 adapt the pupil to the light, and solicits the contraction of the blood 

 vessels of the eye and the lessening of congestion, exudation, and 

 intraocular pressure. Sliould atropia not agree with the case, it may 

 be replaced by morphia (same strength) or cocaine in. 4 per cent solu- 

 tion. Another local measure is a blister, which can usually be api^lied 

 to advantage on the side of the nose or beneath the ear. Si^anish flies 

 may be used as for external o^jhthalmia. In very severe cases the 

 parts beneath the eye may be shaved and three or four leeches applied. 

 Setons are sometimes beneficial, and even puncture of the eye-ball, 

 but tliese should be reserved for professional hands. 



The diet throughout should be easilj' digestible and moderate in 

 quantity — bran mashes, middlings, grass, steamed hay, etc. 



Even after the active inflammation has subsided the atropia lotion 

 should be continued for some weeks to keep the eye in a state of rest 

 in its still weak and irritable condition, and during this i)eriod the 

 patient should be kept in semi-darkness, or taken out only with a 

 dark shade over the eye. For the same reason heavy draughts and 

 rapid paces, which would cause congestion of the head, should l)e 

 carefulh" avoided. 



RECURRENT OPHTHALMIA — PERIODIC OPHTHALMIA — MOONBLIND- 



NESS. 



This is an inflammatorj' affection of the interior of the eye, intimately 

 related to certain soils, climates, and systems, showing a strong tend- 

 ency to recur again and again and usually ending in blindness from 

 cataract or other serious injury. 



