184 KENNEL DISEASES. 
anterior part, the so-called cornea. That is the toughest membrane of the eye, 
and, unlike the other portion, is transparent, so as to permit light to enter; and 
is aptly termed “the window of the eye.” 
There are several forms of inflammation of the cornea which may result from 
contusions or bruises; and now and then abscesses follow such injuries. Some- 
times, also, they occur as complications in severe attacks of conjunctivitis. 
Not infrequently they form during distemper; and in some instances they appear 
without appreciable cause. 
When an abscess of the cornea is forming, there is intense pain and such 
intolerance of light that the victim scarcely opens his eyes, and stoutly resists 
their being examined. The flow of tears is very profuse indeed. 
On examination, the cornea is found to be of a gray or yellowish color, and 
at some point there is exhibited a spot, often but little larger than a pin’s head, 
around which the discoloration is deeper, and which from its appearance quite 
plainly suggests the nature of the existing trouble. Where the abscesses are 
large they very generally break and leave open ulcers. Small abscesses may 
also pursue this course; oftentimes, however, they do not “come to a head,” but 
are absorbed without breaking. In which cases dense white spots are left in 
their places. These contract in time, but are never entirely obliterated. 
If discovered early, and its true nature is clearly defined, under cocaine an 
abscess should be lanced, with generous incision that reaches to the bottom of 
the trouble. 
The after-treatment should consist of the use of antiseptic lotions, to secure 
perfect cleanliness, corrosive sublimate gauze for coverings, and iodoform or 
calomel as dusting powders. 
Where the abscesses break, the treatment is essentially the same as for ordi- 
nary ulcers of the cornea. 
IRITIS. 
The iris is the muscle which surrounds the “pupil,” and is called the “col- 
ored part of the eye.” It corresponds to the “stop” or diaphragm of a camera, 
and serves the same purpose. In its centre there is an opening which consti- 
tutes the “pupil.” 
Inflammation of the iris is fortunately not a common disease. It may occur 
as a complication of other diseases of the eye, but the usual cause is traumatism 
or direct violence, by blows or injuries. 
The symptoms to a considerable extent resemble those of catarrhal conjunc- 
tivitis, but the pain is, as a rule, much more severe. There is also a change in 
the pupil that is quite characteristic. The normal or healthy pupil will open 
and close; that is, the iris dilates and contracts under certain conditions. In 
