EXTERNAL ULCER OF THE EAR 627 



as well as for injuries inflicted from blows, scratches, 

 or punctures. 



Cataract. — This is a disease of the crystalline lens 

 of the eye, which becomes white and opaque, and 

 generally of a hard, horny consistence, instead of 

 being clear and transparent, as in its natural state. 

 When complete, this disease causes total blindness. 

 It may be brought on by an injury, and generally only 

 affects the injured eye. Aged dogs are very subject 

 to the complaint. 



The only remedy for this malady is an operation 

 which is termed couching ; which should only be 

 attempted by an experienced veterinary surgeon. 

 The operation is performed in two different ways. 

 In the first of these, a needle is introduced, and the 

 covering of the lens torn, and its contents depressed 

 into the posterior chamber of the eye, where it is 

 gradually absorbed by the vessels of the eye, called 

 the absorbents. The second is called extraction, by 

 which the lens is entirely taken out, and a small in- 

 cision made with a knife in front of the eye. The 

 latter mode is most perfect, and when neatly per- 

 formed, is done without much hazard to the eye. 



Washes are recommended for this complaint, but 

 they are very unlikely to produce a cure, although 

 they may keep down inflammation. 



EXTERNAL ULCER OF THE EAR. 



This disease has by some been mistaken for 

 canker, but it is very dissimilar. This complaint is 

 known by a foul ulcer, which is situated on the lower 

 edge of the flap, or one on both ears, in the form of 

 a slit. The pain of this sore induces the dog almost 

 continually to shake his head, which irritates the sore, 

 and increases the discharge of matter. 



