126 VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



from slight external injuries, is simple. First ascertain that there is no 

 foreign body causing the irritation. In making this examination, pro- 

 ceed as just directed; do not expect to find some large substance; look 

 for a minute speck which will be much more likely to reward the ex- 

 amination. If seen and quite small, touch it with a fold of dry cloth, and 

 it will probably adhere and come off on it. If larger, it may be removed 

 by brushing with a feather, or picked off with a pair of forceps. If no 

 offending body can be discovered, the inflammation must be treated dif- 

 ferently. The patient should be placed in a diminished light, and his 

 head should be tied up to the rack. In the early stage, fomentations of 

 warm water are desirable; but as soon as the active inflammation has 

 subsided, cold-water dressings should be substituted, because the parts 

 need bracing up, in order to restore their healthy tone. If the eye re- 

 mains weak, it may be bathed with: " 



Sulphate of zinc gr. iij, 



Water § i. 



or, 



Powdered alum gr. vi. 



Water §1. 



For more severe injuries, little more can oe done than to place nature 

 in the most favorable condition to exert her restorative powers. Ad- 

 vantage may be derived from smearing the skin of the eyebrows and 

 lids with: 



Extract of belladonna ... 5 i. 



Simple syrup § ss. 



Salts of lead should never be used, as they are liable to cause opacity of 

 the cornea. 



The treatment of the external laceration or injury, as distinct from 

 its effect on the eye, is the same as that of any other laceration or injury. 



Any very severe injury of the cornea or parts in its neighborhood, 

 whether arising from a blow or from irritation produced by a foreign 

 body, occasionally results m partial or even in complete, though generally 

 only temporary, opacity of that structure. The deposit is indicated by 



