PTERYGIUM.
This name is employed to designate a triangular conjunctival fold broader at its sclerotic end and gradually narrowing to its corneal extremity, with loose, slightly overlapping borders, and firmly fixed to the structures beneath. It is more vascular than the surrounding conjunctiva, and its comparatively large blood-vessels have suggested the veins of an insect’s wing—hence its name. The growth may extend from either canthus toward or partly over, the cornea.
Möller and Leclainche claim its existence in dogs, though rarely to such an extent as to demand surgical interference. Dunewald operated on a case in the cow.
Unless growing, it need not be interfered with. It may be dissected up with scissors the narrow end being dragged on by forceps. Another method is to cauterize the narrow end with the electric cautery which leads to material contraction of the entire mass.