INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. 93 



The Caruncula Lacrymalis, or TubeiQle, by means of which 

 the tears are directed into the canal through which they are to 

 escape fi'om the nostril, is sometimes enlarged in consequence of 

 inflammation, and the Puncta Lacrymalia, or conduits into which 

 the tears pass from the eye, are partially or completely closed. 

 The application of warm and em.ollient lotions wLU generally re- 

 move the collected mucus or the inflammation of the parts ; but 

 if the passage of a stylet or other more complicated means are 

 lequired, the assistance of a veterinary surgeon should be imme- 

 diately obtained. The lacrymal sac into which the tears pass 

 from the pimcta has occasionally participated ui the inflammatioii, 

 and been distended and ruptured by the tears and mucus. This 

 lesion is termed Fistula Laci-ymalis. It has occasionally existed 

 ui colts," and will require immediate and peculiar treatment. 



COMMON INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. 



The conjunctiva is occasionally the seat of great disease, and 

 that which is too often destructive to the eye. Inflammation of 

 the eye may be considered under two forms — the common and 

 manageable, and the specific and fatal. The Common Injlamr 

 motion is generally sudden in its attack. The lids will be foimd 

 swelled and the eyes partially closed, and some weeping. The 

 inside of the Ud will be red, some red streaks visible on the white 

 of the eye, and the cornea slightly dim. This is occasionally 

 connected with some degree of catarrh or cold ; but it is as often 

 unaccompanied by this, and depends on external irritation, as a 

 blow, or the presence of a bit of hay-seed or oat-husk within the 

 lid, and towards the outer comer where the ha'w cannot reach it : 

 therefore the lids should always be carefully examined as to this 

 possible source of the complaint. The health of the animal is 

 generally unaffected — ^he feeds well, and performs his work with 

 his usual spirit. Cooling applications to the eye, as the Goulard's 

 extract or tincture of opium, with mash-diet, and gentle physic, 

 will usually abate the evil ; or the inflammation will subside 

 without medical treatment.* 



* Note by Mr. Spooner. — Unless this disease is connected with influenza; 

 or some other malady affecting the whole system, it is usually produced by 

 external violence, and in nine cases out of ten, may be distinguished from 

 specific ophthalmia. When caused by a blow, there is in addition to swelling 

 of the lids, and a large effusion of tears, a considerable dimness or opacity 

 on the surface of the eye, whilst at the same time the interior is compara- 

 tively free from diseasa In specific ophthalmia, there is a greater amount 

 of disease in the interior of the eye, and little if any opacity of the cornea. 

 When connected with influenza there is much swelling of the lids, and a 

 great flow of tears, while the eye itself is tolerably free from injury ; and 

 when it proceeds from a cold, there is usually a thick matter, or mucus, dis- 



