DOGS : THEIR MANAGEMENT. 433 



the cause of the injury, and then to apply some of the 

 remedies in the manner mentioned hereafter. 



The conjunctiva in the dog is very sympathetic with 

 the mucous membrane lining the stomach. The in- 

 terior of the stomach may be inflamed, and the eye 

 sometimes exhibits no sign of sympathy ; but more often, 

 as in distemper or rabies, it will denote the existence of 

 some serious disorder. So >f the animal's digestive pow- 

 ers are weakened by an undue quantity of purgative 

 medicine, the eyes will assume all the symptoms of dis- 

 temper, even to the circular ulcer in the centre of the 

 organ. However, in instances of this kind nothing need 

 be done for cure ; the major disorder being subdued, the 

 minor one subsides. 



No matter how virulent the disease of the eye may 

 appear to be — even though it should become perfectly 

 opaque — let it alone : any meddling does injury. No 

 bathing or medicaments can hasten the cure. Although 

 it should ulcerate in the centre, and the terrible appear- 

 ance of the eye be seconded by the entreaties of the 

 proprietor, still I caution you to continue quite passive. 

 Touch the ulcer with nitrate of silver, as is the common 

 practice, and the eye will most likely burst. The aque- 

 ous humor will escape, and a large bunch of fungus will 

 start up in the place of the ulcer occupied. This fungus, 

 if let alone, may fade away as the stomach returns to 

 health ; but a white spot is established in its place to re- 

 mind you of your officiousness. 



Nevertheless, simple ophthalmia occasionally will ap- 

 10 



