Diseases of the Eye
Ophthalmia—Blindness—Inverted Eyelids—Everted Eyelids—Torn Eyelids—Bareness around Margins
OPHTHALMIA
Inflammation of one or both eyes is of fairly frequent occurrence amongst dogs, more especially when a dog has distemper; in fact, the eyes nearly always participate in this malady. Injuries, such as those produced by passing through thickets, etc., are also causes of this condition: likewise chemical, and other mechanical agencies.
The conjunctiva, or membrane lining the eyelids becomes an intense red: the eyes are intolerant to light, and tears flow freely over the face: the eyelids adherent, more especially after sleep, with a purulent discharge issuing therefrom.
Prolonged inflammation is liable to end in the production of opacity of the cornea, the surface of this membrane becoming a bluish white.
In distemper, ulceration of it is not uncommon. When Hounds are kept in damp kennels, where the sanitary arrangements are bad, very severe forms of distemper ophthalmia are frequent. The remark applies also to other dogs so situated.
Treatment.—This must be of both a "local" and general kind.
Sponge eyes several times daily with a weak boracic acid lotion (30 grains to 6 ounces of water), using a sponge or piece of linen previously dipped in boiling water. Good results sometimes follow fomenting with luke-warm tea, its simplicity being a recommendation. When the cornea is ulcerated, use a solution of nitrate of silver (4 grains to the ounce of distilled water) as drops, night and morning. Keep the dog's head steady, part the lids, and then apply.
These drops will be equally useful for "cloudy cornea."
Rest the eyes by keeping dog in a dark place. Around the margins a little of Singleton's Golden Eye Ointment will be of as much service as aught else that can be recommended, and can be procured at any drug stores.
BLINDNESS
A predisposing factor in the production of blindness is that of old age, many aged dogs having what is known as senile cataracts. Injuries of any kind to the eye are liable to end in either partial, or complete, blindness.
In cataract, it is the lens, its covering, or both, that are the seats of disease.
In the so-called glass eye (Amaurosis), the appearance of the eye is that of a normal one, the optic nerve being in a paralytic state.
Opacity of the cornea does, in accordance with the degree and situation of such deposit, produce corresponding deficiency of sight.
INVERTED EYELIDS
In this diseased condition it is generally the upper eyelid that is turned inwards. If the eyelashes grow inwards, it is called Trichiasis. In both conditions it follows that the lashes must be in contact with the globe of the eye.
If only a few lashes are growing inwards, they should be pulled out, but, if numerous, this is not a good plan. To cure it, a surgical operation is necessary.
EVERTED EYELIDS
Like inverted or turned-in eyelid, everted, or turned-out eyelid is not a diseased condition, but the outcome of disease, probably of a weak orbicular muscle.
It is the lower eye that is usually affected, and is curable by operation only.
TORN EYELIDS
Injuries to the eyelids, unless properly treated, are liable to result in permanent unsightliness, or, it may be, affect the sight.
Either of the conditions last alluded to can be produced through injury to the eyelids externally, or internally.
Unless very slightly torn, it will be better to consult a M.R.C.V.S.
FOREIGN BODIES IN THE EYES
Minute particles of foreign substances, such as thorns, the outer covering of various seeds, etc., are liable to gain admission into the eyes.
If the glume of an oat seed, etc., lodges on the cornea, it may remain adherent, setting up inflammation of it. Blindness is a common result.
When the cornea is punctured, it is advisable to have professional advice.
After the removal of a foreign body—best done by turning the upper lid outwards and upwards with the fingers—insert a drop or two of castor oil daily for a few days, or as long as seems necessary. Severe injuries to the eyeball are liable to be followed by sympathetic inflammation in the sound eye.
BARENESS ROUND MARGINS OF EYES
It commonly happens that around the margins, through several causes, the hairy part becomes destitute of hair, giving the dog a very unsightly appearance.
In most instances the disease is of an eczematous nature, requiring constitutional treatment for its removal. (See Eczema.)
As an erythema it is seen in distemper, arising through the acrid discharge from the eyes scalding the surrounding areas.
Smear the part with a little Singleton's Golden Eye Ointment, or with a little vaseline, cold cream, or boracic acid ointment.