498 DISEASES OF THE EYELIDS 



slight wounds on the lids should be considered important on 

 account of the deformity, entropion or ectropion which might 

 result. 



All wounds should be examined thoroughly in order to 

 determine the actual condition present. The wound should 

 be cleaned and washed with boric acid solution (2 per cent.). 

 Approximate with sutures and cover the surface with flexible 

 collodion or airol paste. After adhesions have taken place 

 the sutures may be removed and a dusting powder applied. 

 Irritating substances should be avoided to prevent irritation 

 to the eye proper. 



When edema is present as a result of the injury, warm 

 water applications are useful. If abscesses develop they 

 are opened, drainage effected, and boric acid powder applied. 

 All wounds should be given careful attention to prevent 

 complications in the eye itself. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE EYELIDS. 



Blepharitis. 



Definition. —An inflammation of the eyelids often leading 

 to edema and suppuration or abscess formation. 



Etiology.— Several factors have to do with producing this 

 condition: (a) Wounds and bruises often develop into 

 abscess formation, (b) Mange, particularly follicular, is a 

 frequent cause in dogs; and sarcoptic mange in cats, (c) 

 Eczema, (d) Exposure to cold winds, water, etc., seen in 

 hunting dogs, (e) Spread of inflammation from the conjunc- 

 tiva. (/) Foreign bodies penetrating the lids, such as brier 

 barbs, etc. 



Symptoms.— The condition is self-evident. An examina- 

 tion should be made to determine the cause of the inflamma- 

 tion, whether it is due to parasites, trauma, eczema, or other 

 things. 



Prognosis.— The prognosis is favorable in most cases unless 

 complications involving the eye are present. 



Treatment.— Treatment must be applied to remove the 

 cause of the condition. When due to mange mites non- 

 irritating antiparasitic agents are recommended. Balsam 



