THE EYE AND EYELIDS 



109 



After-treatment consists in the daily application of some 

 non-irritant antiseptic solution, such as boracicacid (10 grains 

 to the ounce) or chinosol {h grain to the ounce). vA '^W^ 



The prognosis as to complete return to normal appearance i,-' 

 must be guarded, as frequently the improvement is only ^pp 

 temporary. 1 ^ _'BKAr! 



Cataract. v^^ * 



Symptoms. — Although usually a disease of old age, this is "' 

 by no means a rule without exception, as the author has 

 seen it in canine patients five and nine months old respec- 

 tively, and others have also made the same observation. A 

 cataract is defined as an opacity of the lens, and the first 

 sign of its appearance is a dulness or shin}-, pearly appear- 

 ance of this portion of the eyeball. It may follow severe 

 ophthalmia, and occasionally comes as a sequel to some 

 debilitating disease. 



Operation. — Operative treatment for cataract does not give 

 such successful results in veterinar}' patients as in those of 

 the human surgeon. A very guarded prognosis should always 

 be given, as, although the result may be a restoration to 

 partial vision, it more often leads to disappointment. In 

 the human subject the sight may after the operation be still 

 further improved by spectacles, but in the dog, although 

 these adjuncts have been affixed, there are certain difficulties 

 to be overcome which prevent their general application. The 

 object sought after is the removal of the opacity of the 

 lens. 



There are several methods of operating, two of which will 

 be described here. A general anaesthetic is advisable, as it is 

 essential that the patient shall keep perfectly still. The eye, 

 the pupil of which has been dilated with atropine, is carefully 

 disinfected with boric acid, perchloride of mercury, or 

 chinosol solution, and a speculum inserted to keep the lids 

 apart. In the first operation an instrument termed a cysti- 



