48 Surgical Diseases and Surgery of the Dog 



tion rarely takes place. It is seen in poorly nourished animals and 

 also those with rheumatic tendencies. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. The disease commences as a hazi- 

 ness which is sometimes streaky, near the center of the cornea. 

 This gradually spreads over the whole cornea, at the same time 

 showing scattered spots of greater density. There is usually a 

 slight flow of tears and some photophobia. Soon new blood vessels 

 commence to grow out into the layers of- the cornea from the 

 ciliary vessels towards the center, producing a dull-red or salmon 

 color. In the course of time, generally some months, the eye com- 

 mences to clear from the periphery and the vessel formation sub- 

 sides, although slight haziness and even minute vessels sometimes 

 persist. 



Treatment. The indications are to allay the inflammation and 

 maintain mydriasis and for this purpose nothing is better than fre- 

 quent instillations of atropine solution (i :ioo). Internally, the sali- 

 cylates should be administered in rheumatic subjects and tonics 

 in asthenic animals. In the clearing stage, after irritation has sub- 

 sided, the yellow oxide of mercury ointment ( i : 60) may be ap- 

 plied with advantage. 



OPHTHALMITIS. 



This term is applied to acute inflammation of part or all of 

 the eye. It is generally of a suppurative type. As a rule, it results 

 from causes of external origin, such as traumatism, perforating ulcer 

 of the cornea, infected operations, burns, etc. One case is on record 

 as having followed washing of the animal with strong lye. Accord- 

 ing to some authorities, it may arise by endogenous infection. 

 When litnited to the anterior chamber the disease remains unilateral, 

 but when the entire eye is affected, the fellow usually sooner or 

 later becomes involved. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. The eye is tumefied and projecting, 

 and very sensitive. The conjunctiva are red and swollen. The 

 cornea loses its transparency, or if a perforation has occurred, a 

 wound is seen with injected or granular edges through which 

 issues a purulent matter. There is some fever present and the 

 animal is depressed and refuses to eat. When there is absence of a 

 wound, an ophthalmoscopic examination is necessary to detect the 

 presence of inflammatory debris. 



