504 DISEASES OF THE EYELIDS 



unless the lashes are directed toward the cornea and more or 

 less injury to this membrane occurs. Trichiasis is often con- 

 genital in dogs, although it may be acquired. The smaller 

 breeds of dogs are most often affected (Pekinese and Japanese 

 spaniels). It also occurs in the cat and bird. In the latter 

 fine, small feathers, which take the place of the eyelashes, 

 are misdirected. 



Symptoms.— The principal symptoms are lacrimation, kera- 

 titis, blepharospasm, and ulceration of the cornea. The eye 

 must be examined by elevating the lids, and after cleansing 

 with tepid water the lashes will be seen taking an abnormal 

 direction. Extensive irritation and injury have been observed 

 in such cases when they have been neglected. 



Prognosis.— Favorable, except when the complications lead 

 to corneal ulcer, or panophthalmitis. 



Treatment.— Removal of the offending lashes is the first 

 consideration. Their removal is effected by pulling them 

 out with small tweezers or forceps. Temporary relief can 

 also be obtained by cutting the lashes close to the margin 

 of the lids. More permanent results will be obtained by 

 performing the entropion operation. Any injury to the 

 structures of the eye should be treated with antiseptics 

 (boric acid 2 per cent, solution in distilled water). 



DISTRICHIASIS. 



Definition.— A condition in which there are two rows of 

 eyelashes present on the margin of the lids. One row is 

 usually normally directed while the other is misdirected 

 against the eyeball. The smaller breeds of dogs are most 

 often affected. The abnormal lashes grow out from the 

 puncta or outlets of the Meibomian glands. 



The symptoms and treatment are the same as in trichiasis. 



ADHESIONS OF THE EYELIDS. 



A normal adhesion of the eyelids is found at birth, and 

 continues for a period of twelve to fifteen days. At this 

 period the eyelids open and assume their normal function 



