VERMINOUS CONJUNCTIVITIS.
This form of conjunctivitis, described by Rodes in 1819, is due to the presence of the Filaria lachrymalis, which varies in length between ⅜ of an inch and 1 inch.
Like ophthalmia, the disease attacks cattle reared in wet localities.
Symptoms. The symptoms are those of acute conjunctivitis, and consist first of lachrymation, then of injection of the blood-vessels of the conjunctiva, together with swelling of the eyelids and photophobia. The animals keep the eye closed, and display extreme sensitiveness. Here again cocaine proves of value.
Examination is rather difficult, the worms being sometimes displaced towards the cornea or membrana nictitans, although more commonly they remain hidden in the folds of the mucous membrane towards the point where the membrana nictitans is inserted. It is, therefore, necessary to thoroughly expose the folds of the mucous membrane in order to discover them.
In time conjunctivitis becomes complicated with diffuse ulceration, keratitis, and sometimes with ophthalmia and suppuration of the eye.
Diagnosis. The diagnosis is rather troublesome, and cocaine is of great assistance.
Prognosis. This is rather grave.
Treatment. The object of treatment is the complete removal of the parasites. This can sometimes be attained by means of the finger, a pair of forceps, or a very clean feather.
Treatment is completed by injecting an antiseptic and anti-parasitic eye lotion for several days, lest some of the worms should remain hidden in the folds of the mucous membrane. One per cent. creolin or 1 in 2,000 sublimate solution may be used.
If in some exceptional case it is difficult to remove the parasites, they may be got rid of by injections or free irrigation. The stream of liquid, pointed in different directions, distends the mucous membrane and washes away the foreign bodies on its surface.