ULCERATION OF THE CONJUNCTIVA 521 



If any shreds of membrane are present, they should be 

 removed with the scissors. Antiseptic and astringent collyria 

 are used until the symptoms subside. 



CORROSIONS AND BURNS OF THE CONJUNCTIVA. 



These occur rather commonly in dogs and cats the result 

 of accident or intent. They may also be due to the use of 

 strong collyria. A common practice, when dogs are fighting, 

 is to separate them by throwing ammonia, pepper, or other 

 irritant substances into their eyes. This often results in a 

 serious inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea. Thermic 

 agents, such as hot water, also produce extensive injury. 



Treatment.— A careful history of the case should be 

 obtained if possible in order to determine the cause of the 

 injury. It would be best to first flush out the eyes with a 

 warm boric acid solution (2 per cent.), and if the injury is 

 produced by strong alkalies, follow with some soothing, 

 lubricating agent, such as warm milk, or a dilute glycerin 

 solution. Oleaginous preparations are also to be recom- 

 mended. Ophthalmic ointments are useful. If the cauter- 

 ization has produced an opacity of the cornea, of great value 

 is a solution of succus cineraria maritima compositus (50 

 per cent.) used daily. 



ULCERATION OF THE CONJUNCTIVA. 



A more or less extensive ulceration of the conjunctival 

 membrane occurs following diseases or injuries. It has been 

 observed following burns and corrosions; in birds, tuberculosis 

 produces it. 



Treatment.— When ulceration of the conjunctiva occurs, 

 the part should be thoroughly cleaned, curetted, and the 

 base of the ulcer cauterized with silver nitrate followed by 

 salt solution. This treatment niay be repeated in a few days, 

 if necessary. The conjunctival sac should be washed daily 

 with boric acid (2 per cent.) to prevent infection and injury 

 to other parts of the eye. 



