!)2 DISEASES OF THE EYE. 



tention, and either by means of adhesive plaster or the suture 

 (sewing). The suture is probably the preferable agent. 



Suppurating wounds in the eyelids may be the consequence of 

 the necessary abstraction of a considerable surface of the skin, in 

 the removal of warts or tumors. The principal thing to be at- 

 tended to is the frequent removal of the matter by means of tow 

 or cotton wool. The rest may generally be left to nature. 



Inversion of the lids is of very rare occurrence in the horse. 



Warts are sometimes attached to the edges of the lids, and are 

 a source of great irritation. When rubbed they bleed, and the 

 common opinion is true — ^that they are propagated by the blood. 

 They should be taken off with a sharp pair of scissors, and theii 

 roots touched vdth the lunar caustic. 



The membrane which covers the Haw is subject to inflamma- 

 . tion. It is, indeed, a continuation of the conjunctiva, the inflam- 

 mation of which constitutes ophthalmia. An account of this 

 inflammation will be better postponed unljl the nature and treat- 

 ment of ophthalmia come under particular notice. 



The Haw; or Membrana Nictitans, is subject to inflammation 

 peculiar to itself, arising from the introduction of foreign bodies, 

 or from blows or other accidents. The entire substance of the 

 haw becomes inflamed. It swells and protrudes from the innei 

 angle of the eye. The heat and redness gradually disappear, but 

 the membrane often continues to protrude. The inflammation 

 of this organ often assumes a chronic character in a very short 

 time, on account of the structure of the parts, which are in gen- 

 eral Uttle susceptible of reaction. 



The ordinary causes of this disease in the horse are repeated 

 and periodical attacks of ophthalmia, and blows on the part. 

 Young and old horses are most subject to it. 



Emollient applications, bleeding, and restricted diet wiUbe 

 proper at the commencement of the disease, and, the inflamma- 

 tion being abated, slight astringents will be useful in preventing 

 the engorgement of the part. Rose-water with subacetate of 

 lead wiU form a proper eye-wash. If the protruding body does 

 not diminish afber propei means have been tried, and for a sufR- 

 cient period, it must be removed with a curved pair of scissors. 

 No danger will attend this operation if it is performed in time ; 

 but if it is neglected, ulceration of the part and the grovrth of 

 fungous vegetations vidll give a serious character to the afiair. 

 A second operation may also be necessary, and even a third, and 

 fungus heematodes will probably be established. 



Ulceration and caries (decay) of the cartilage will sometimes 

 be accompanied by ulceration of the conjunctiva. This will fre- 

 quently prove a very serious afiair, demanding, at least, the re- 

 moval of the haw. 



