263 



may be given, and, if there is any reason to suspect a rlienmatic origin, 

 one-half a dram po^Ydered 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 solution of 4 grains of atropia in 

 1 ounce distilled water. This may be effected with the aid of a soft 

 feather, and may be repeat-ed at intervals often minutes until the pupil 

 is widely dilated. As the horse is to be kept in a dark stall the con- 

 sequent admission of light will be harmless, and the dilation of the 

 pupil prevents adhesions between the iris and lens, relieves the con- 

 stant 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 les- 

 sening of congestion, exudation, and intraocular pressure. Should 

 atropia not agree with the case, it may be replaced by morphia (same 

 strength) or cocaine, in 4 per cent, solution. Another local measure is 

 a blister, which can usually be applied to advantage on the side of the 

 nose or beneath the ear. Spanish flies may be used as for external 

 ophthalmia. In very severe cases the parts beneath the eye may be 

 shaved and three or four leeches ai^plied. Setons are sometimes bene- 

 ficial, and even puncture of the eye-ball, but these should be reserved 

 for professional hands. 



The diet throughout should be easily digestible and moderate in 

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



Even after the active infiammatiou 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 period 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 be carefully avoided. 



EECUREENT OPnTHALMIA — PEKIODIC OPHTHALMIA — MOONBLmD- 



NESS. 



This is an inflammatory affection of the interior of the eye, intimately 

 related to certam soils, climates, and systems, showing a strong ten- 

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

 cataract or other serious injury. 



Its causes may be fundamentally attributed to soil. On damp clays 

 and marshy grounds, on the frequently overflowed river bottoms and 

 deltas, on the coasts of seas and lakes alternately submerged and ex- 

 posed, this disease prevails extensively, and in many instances in France 

 (Reynal), Belgium, Alsace (Zundel Miltenberger), Germany, and Eng- 

 land it has very largely decreased under laud drainage and improved 

 methods of culture. Other influences, more or less associated with such 

 soil, are poteu.t causative factors. Thus damp air and a cloudy, wet 



