524 
SOCIETY MEETINGS. 
healthy animal, when these tissues are irritated, the secretion 
of the lachrymal glands stimulated by reflex action, washes off 
particles and foreign bodies, and lubricates the corneal surface. 
By this process of “ tearing ” traumatic disturbances are pre¬ 
vented, that would be caused when dust and sand are blown 
against the surface. 
In severe depression of the central nervous system, this 
functional activity is decreased, and in extreme conditions as 
paralysis, there is an absence of tears as a result of complete 
anaesthesia of the conjunctiva, especially of the corneal surface. 
The cornea then appears dry and loses its gloss. When the 
cornea becomes anaesthetized through any cause, as paralysis of 
the fifth nerve, dust and foreign particles lodge in the conjunc¬ 
tival surface, lachrymation does not appear to remove, and they 
become the foci for abscess formation. By extension of the ir¬ 
ritation, the entire substance of the cornea becomes organized 
and appears opaque. 
At first there is seen a small ulcer. Pyogenic bacteria enter 
these minute abrasions. Soon the cornea begins to suppurate 
and a staphyloma appears. When the abscess once starts, the 
cornea never recovers its normal transparency. 
Sensation of the cornea may be only temporarily lost, yet 
the effect of traumatisms may be sufficient to cause the entrance 
of micro-organisms. When the suppuration starts, it continues 
unchecked, even if sensation returns. 
Continued irritation of the cotton seed aliment to the mes¬ 
enteric nerve lining the surface of the intestines is conducted 
through the sympathetic chain to the spinal cord. By reflex 
action, through the cardeo-inhibitory centres of the medulla, 
and by the pneumogastric nerve, the action of the heart is in¬ 
hibited both in force and frequency and the cardiac muscles are 
relaxed. It has been proved that continuous irritation to the 
sympathetic nerve will also inhibit the vaso-motor centres in 
the medulla and cause a decrease in arterial pressure. 
Arrest of the circulation and slowing of the blood current 
along the paths of the cranial nerves, as the trigeminus, and 
blood stasis in the capillaries at their terminal filaments, may 
result in a loss of sensation, for sensation is dependent on a high 
degree of vascularity. 
The following description is quoted from the works of two 
authorities on diseases of the eye and the lesions and conditions 
are similar to those seen in these cattle. 
“Neuro-paralytic keratitis.”—“An ulcerated condition of 
