Diseases of the Eyes and Ears. 221 
poultice, and administer a mild aperient. Ordinary 
cases readily yield to this treatment. Severe forms call 
for the application of leeches, the spongio-piline, first 
soaked in a hot infusion of poppy-heads, or it may be 
saturated with hot water, pressed out, and a few drops of 
laudanum poured on. The cathartic also must not be 
omitted. Chronic cases are denoted by watery eyes, 
opacity of the eyeball, and red membranes. Such call 
for the use of astringent lotions of zinc or nitrate of 
silver. Paint the eyelids outwardly with iodine, and 
intermediately use cold: water applications. Some prac- 
titioners place a seton behind the poll. When ulceration 
of the cornea is present, blow upon the spot a little dry 
oxide of zinc, and repeat daily as required. ‘Total loss . 
of vision in these cases results from implication of the 
humours as well as the deeper-seated tissues of the eye- 
ball. 
Cataract.—Several forms of this affection are observed. 
It consists of the opaque deposit of inflammation more 
or less interfering with the transparency of the optical 
tissues, of the lens, and occurs in three forms, viz., 
lenticular, or opacity of the lens; capsular, opacity of 
the capsule of the lens, and capsulo-lenticular, signifying 
that both the lens and its capsule are involved. Cataract 
may be peripheral or central, limited or diffused, and on 
these peculiarities depend the interference or otherwise 
with the vision. Cataract is common to old dogs, but it 
may occur at any age. The first is due to want of 
vitality ; the second arises from causes inducing inflam- 
mation. 
Symptoms.—Defective vision, or absolute blindness in 
proportion to the position and extent of the cataract. 
On examination of the eye, an opaque speck, or body, of 
variable size is seen through the pupil by daylight, or 
better in a dark place by the aid of a lighted candle. 
Treatment.—Recent cases in suitable subjects may be 
benefited by an operation for which special talent is 
required. Few dogs are worth the expense. 
Iritis.— Inflammation of the iris, or circular membrane 
of the eye, is the result of injury, or the membrane is 
