DISEASES OF THE EYE. 



[79 



matory action, extravasation of blood, the formation of 

 tumor, and ultimate suspension of nerve force. ' 



Extreme debility, either from, disease, haemorrhage, fiySK 

 longed lactation or an anjemia, may also be associated witll' 

 amaurosis. 



Symptoms. — The defect in vision may be gradual or sud- 

 den. - Obstructions are not seen until the animal is close upon 

 or touches them. The gait is peculiarly diagnostic of sight 

 affection. An uncertainy^f//«^ action is observed in locomo- 

 tion. The creature relies to a great extent upon the sense 

 of smell, and snuffs the air as he mo\ es about. 



Eventually the function of sight becomes totally lost. The 

 eye is clear (unnaturally so) and bright, hence the Arabic 

 term "gutta serena " — dear drops. No irritability in the 

 organ is observed, except occasionally at tjje commencement 

 of the disease, but, on the contrary, the brightest light is of 

 no effect. The pupil is dilated, and the eye has a more or 

 less vacant expression. One or both eyes may be affected, 

 according to the seat and extent of injury, or from sympathy, 

 which is exercised to a great degree in eye affections, and in 

 amaurotic ones generally in the end involves both. 



Treatment is unfortunately of little avail, and can only 

 be adopted with any degree of success in the early stage of 

 the malady. An active seton in the poll, strong iodine lini- 

 ment around the outside of the orbits, or blisters ; and, inter- 

 nally, strychnia or nux vomica, are the measures indicated. 

 The general health of the patient should be looked to, a 

 liberal diet allowed, with moderate exercise. 



IRITIS. 



Inflammation of the iris, or coloring membrane of the 

 eye, is not unfrequent in the dog. It may proceed from injury, 

 or deep-seated ophthalmic inflammation, 



