DACRYOCYSTITIS 525 



Symptoms.— A copious tear flow over the lid margin. An 

 examination of the surroundings of the patient should be 

 made, and also a close inspection of the conjunctiva and 

 lacrimal apparatus, to determine if possible the cause of the 

 condition. In certain breeds of dogs (spaniels, poodles, 

 Boston terriers) it should not be looked upon as anything 

 serious. 



Prognosis.— As soon as the causes are removed most cases 

 recover promptly. In case the lacrimal passages are 

 obstructed, the prognosis would be unfavorable. 



Treatment.— If possible remove the cause of the condition. 

 If in the lacrimal passages, they should be opened by injecting 

 a warm solution of boric acid (2 per cent.) or sodium bicar- 

 bonate (1 per cent.) with a fine nozzled syringe. As the duct 

 is often very small the operation is not always successful. 



DACRYOCYSTITIS. 



Definition.— An inflammation of the lacrimal sac. It is 

 quite common in dogs and cats. 



Symptoms.— The first symptom is a swelling or bulging in 

 the neighborhood of the inner canthus of the eye. When 

 pressed with the finger the contents are forced out through 

 the puncta lacrimalia. The discharge may be serous, mucoid, 

 or purulent, depending upon the age of the condition. The 

 case often develops suddenly, the skin over the swelling 

 becoming shiny and red. It often perforates and through 

 the opening blood-tinged pus is discharged. Later the 

 discharge becomes mucoid or serous. A lacrimal fistula 

 frequently results from the continuous tear flow through the 

 abscess opening. Dacryocystitis usually becomes chronic. 



Prognosis.— On account of its chronicity and the develop- 

 ment of fistula the prognosis is not very favorable. As a 

 rule several weeks are required to bring about complete 

 recovery. 



Treatment.— In dacryocystitis, lacrimal catarrh and fistula 

 thorough irrigation with warm antiseptic solutions is 

 indicated. Apply with a syringe with a fine long nozzle. 

 If the fistula persists, open the canaliculus and lacrimal sac 

 by slitting and treat as an open wound. 



