342 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETKRiNAKY ART. 



Diseases of the Eijc. 



Among the various diseases to which domes- 

 tication and improper management have sub- 

 jected the horse, those of the eye are more fre- 

 quent and often more obstinate than any other ; 

 and what makes this subject peculiarly interest- 

 ing and important is, that unless a horse's eye 

 he absolutely perfect, he is liable to start and 

 stumble; and it is allowed that-ti horse, wliose 

 visual organs are imperfect, is often more un- 

 safe to ride than one totally blind. Another 

 consideration induces us to make some ad- 

 ditions to this subject, which is, that these 

 diseases, when allow^ed to exist any time, or 

 when improperly treated, are scarcely e\er 

 cured ; and, though apparently removed for a 

 time, ultimately terminate in blindness ; where- 

 as, by seasonably applying proper remedies, 

 the eyes have been perfectly and permanent!}' 

 restored. When the disease nrst appears, our 

 treatment must in some measure be guided by 

 the state of the horse's condition, strength, and 

 age. 8 nch as areyoung and in high order require 

 at first both bleeding and purging: but old 

 horses, particularly when low in condition, 

 cannot bear the loss of much blood, or the 



