646 
MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
White vitrol . . 10 grains, 
Rose-water ... 5 ounces. 
The above may also be used for other eye complaints, as wel 
as for injuries inflicted from blows, scratches, or punctures. 
When the inflammation is subdued, a bluish dimness, over 
the eyeballs, sometimes follows. In this event, sprinkle a 
little of the following powder on the eyeball:— 
Sugar of lead . . 1 scruple, 
Calomel ... 1 drachm, 
Cataract .—This is a disease of the crystalline lens of the 
eye, which becomes white and opaque, and generally of a 
hard, homy consistence, instead of being clear and trans¬ 
parent, as in its natural state. When complete, this disease 
causes total blindness. It may be brought on by an injury, 
and generally only affects the injured eye. Aged dogs are 
very subject to the complaint. 
The only remedy for this malady, is an operation which 
is termed couching; which should only be attempted by an 
experienced veterinary surgeon. The operation is performed 
in two different ways. In the first of these, a needle is in¬ 
troduced, and the covering of the lens torn, and its contents 
depressed into the posterior chamber of the eye, where it is 
gradually absorbed by the vessels of the eye, called the ab¬ 
sorbents. The second is called extraction, by which the lens 
is entirely taken out, and a small incision made with a knife 
in front of the eye. The latter mode is most perfect, 
and when neatly performed, is done without much hazard to 
the eye. 
Washes are recommended for this complaint, but they are 
very unlikely to produce a cure, although they may keep 
down inflammation. One in very common use is Goulard’s 
extract, or the one above recommended, with which the eye 
may be bathed twice or thrice daily. 
