152 THE VETERINARY DOCTOR. 
PTERYGIUM. 
Pterygium is a thickening of the tissue forming the membrane that 
joins the eyeballs and lids, and usually extends from the inner corner 
toward the transparent front part. Itis not uncommon among horses that 
are exposed to the weather and dusty roads during long journeys. It is 
‘caused by heat, dust and wind, as a rule. 
TREATMENT.—For inflammation with formation of pus or pus-like 
tears, give conium or euphrasia. One-tenth of a grain of nitrate of silver 
ground with sugar may be attended with the best results, but it should be 
continued for some time. Nitrate of silver is not to be applied as a caustic. 
To prevent the occurrence of pterygium, gently wash the eyes with cold 
water after a long journey on, dusty roads, first letting the horse cool. 
WORM IN THE EYE. 
Small worms, nearly an inch long, cylindrical, half-transparent, in size 
and color corresponding to white sewing-thread, are sometimes fourfd in 
the horse’s eye. The cause is not certainly known. 
Symptoms.—Deep-seated inflammation, usually in one eye only; the 
membrane joining the ball and lids is very much inflamed and tinged with 
blood; the transparent front of the eye becomes cloudy and obscured; closed 
eyelids; pain from the light. The worm, on careful examination, may be 
seen floating in the aqueous humor, and though it may not occasion acute 
pain, it will destroy the eye if allowed to remain many days. 
TREATMENT.—A veterinary surgeon should puncture the cornea just 
below the center with a lancet or trocar. The aqueous humor escapes, and 
usually the worm with it. The humor will collect by the next day, when 
the operation should be repeated if the first attempt has not been successful. 
: POLYPUS IN THE EYE. 
~ Occasionally small polypous excrescences grow on the ball or lids, 
sometimes resulting from a slight accidental breaking of the membrane, 
sometimes spontaneously. Similar growths may appear on the transparent 
front portion of the eye from like causes. 
TREATMENT.—The growths should ve removed with a delicate pair 
of scissors and the parts from which they are cut be then touched with 
some caustic. Any resulting fever may he treated fora short time with 
aconite and belladonna in alternation. Use mild washes, as in Simple 
Inflammation of the Eyes, which was previously considered. 
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