218 THE DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



eye. It has also been seen as a senile change, but in 

 other cases cannot be traced to any special cause. Treat- 

 ment is very unlikely to be followed by benefit in confirmed 

 cases, but nux vomica may be tried ; in recent cases, 

 especially in young animals where it may be traced to 

 debility, or in suckling bitches, improvement may follow 

 administration of tonics and the removal of debilitating 

 influences. In the pregnant bitch it may disappear after 

 her pups have been born. Amaurosis may follow an 

 attack of epilepsy ; the effect of a seton in the poll or 

 blistering the head may then be tried. 



Dislocation op the Eyeball is seen especially in small 

 dogs with prominent eyes and results from injuries received 

 when fighting, more particularly scratches from a cat. 

 The dislocation is rendered possible by the presence of a 

 ligament instead of a bony process above the orbit ; doubt- 

 less the contraction of the temporals during anger or fear 

 facilitates the escape. The eyelids usually remain intact, 

 and the eyeball rests on their outer surface, giving the 

 face a most peculiar appearance. The nerve is so stretched 

 that amaurosis is liable to follow under any circumstances, 

 but especially when undue violence is used in the operation 

 of returning the ball to the orbit. This maybe accomplished 

 by cleaning it, oiling it well, opening the palpebral fissure 

 with the left hand, or elevating the upper lid by means 

 of the blunt end of a curved needle (well oiled) and with 

 the right hand exerting delicate pressure and slight 

 rotatory manipulation on the ball. In some cases even a 

 slight slit on the upper lid will be required. This accident 

 is liable to recur, and when protrusion has taken place 

 several times successively sutures may be inserted in the 

 eyelids to keep them closed temporarily. May hew records 

 this accident as occurring from use of the tape when 

 medicine was being given. 



Extirpation of the Eyeball is resorted to in cases of 

 protrusion with thorough disorganization, also in malig- 

 nant disease. It is effected by insertion of a thread 

 through the ball from side to side and the gradual 

 division of the structures which retain it in position, 



