CONJUNCTIVITIS 511 



Catarrhal Conjunctivitis.— A form of inflammation of very 

 frequent occurrence in all small animals. It is characterized 

 by congestion, swelling, and a discharge which may be serous, 

 mucous, or mucopurulent. 



Etiology.— Catarrhal conjunctivitis is often associated with 

 or secondary to other diseases, such as eczema, distemper, 

 epitheliosis, nasal catarrh, bronchitis and some constitutional 

 diseases. 



■Mechanical conjunctivitis often occurs in small animals 

 from injuries of various kinds, foreign bodies, dirt or dust 

 getting into contact with the membranes. Cold winds some- 

 times produce it in hunting dogs. 



Irritating collyria instilled too often may produce it. Seri- 

 ous disturbances are frequently observed from too strong 

 solutions. 



Infection no doubt plays an important role in producing 

 catarrhal conjunctivitis. The ordinary infection is con- 

 stantly present and develops when the local resistance is 

 reduced. 



Symptoms.— There is a distinct change in the color of the 

 membrane and a mucous or mucopurulent discharge. The 

 congestion of the membrane produces a pink or reddish 

 coloration which may be accompanied by a slight yellow tinge 

 due to interstitial infiltration. 



The secretion, at first serous, soon changes to mucous or 

 mucopurulent and collects around the palpebral margin. 

 The edges of the lids are found edematous. 



Some photophobia is present. The animal will show more 

 or less constant movement of the lids, and holds the lids par- 

 tially or completely closed. A careful examination reveals 

 the true nature of the condition. 



Prognosis.— As a rule favorable except when secondary to 

 infectious diseases. The inflammation usually subsides in a 

 week or ten days. 



Treatment.— A careful examination should be made to 

 determine whether any foreign substances are present which 

 must be carefully removed. 



Wash the membranes thoroughly with boric acid (2 per 

 cent.). This can be repeated two or three times daily during 



