42 Surgical Diseases and Surgery of the Dog 



particles of sand or splinters of steel. The latter are apt to find 

 lodgment in the substance of the cornea. Hunting dogs sometimes 

 receive gun-shot wounds. 



Wounds are non-penetrating or penetrating. Non-penetrating 

 wounds are limited to the conjunctiva, the cornea, or sclerotic. When 

 free from virulent infection they heal kindly, but microbic activity 

 results in conjunctivitis or keratitis and its possible complications. 

 Penetrating wounds are always serious when they pass the anterior 

 chamber, owing to the liability to suppurative inflammation. Even 

 when only the aqueous humor escapes the possibility of hernia, of 

 the iris is always imminent. Penetration of the lens by a foreign 

 body may result in cataract. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. Contusions give rise to acute in- 

 flammation, lachrymation, pain, and photophobia, according to their 

 severity, and edema of the lids. When intraocular hemorrhage oc- 

 curs, the chambers become greatly distended and the eye acquires a 

 volume two or three times the normal and bulges. The lids become 

 everted and the humors assume a livid color, giving a hideous aspect 

 to the animal. Relief is sought by rubbing the eye against hard sur- 

 faces. Wounds and foreign bodies are easily seen upon close exam- 

 ination, but the organ is sensitive to manipulation. 



Treatment. In all contusions and wounds soothing antiseptic 

 applications are indicated, as described under conjunctivitis and 

 keratitis. Recent luxations are amenable to reposition, and if the 

 optic nerve is not lacerated the sight may be preserved. To replace 

 the globe, it is first cleansed and an assistant required to hold open 

 the lids as wide as possible. Steady, firm pressure is then exerted 

 over the globe outside the border of the cornea on both sides with 

 the balls of the thumbsy until the organ slips back, which it generally 

 does with a slight sound. It may be necessary to slit the external 

 commissure before reduction can be effected and reunite it with a 

 stitch later. Protective antiseptic bandages should be applied for a 

 few succeeding days and the organ closely watched for signs of in- 

 flammation. Luxation of some hours' duration or accompanied with 

 irremediable injury calls for enucleation of the globe. Foreign 

 bodies must be promptly removed after five to ten minutes of local 

 cocaine anesthesia (2 :ioo). They are best lifted with a fine sterilized 

 forceps or needle. When firmly embedded it may be necessary 

 to pass a broad needle into and through the cornea and behind it to 



