WOUNDS OF THE CONJUNCTIVA.
These occur in all domestic animals, but are especially frequent in dogs and cats from scratching with the claws. In clumsy handling of the eyelids, the mucosa is wounded by ragged and uneven nails. Injuries and stings by insects which are attracted by the reflection from the eye constitute a specially grave lesion, often proportionate to the nature of the poison instilled.
Symptoms. There are usually closure of the eyelids, with exudation and thickening of the conjunctiva especially in the vicinity of the wound, a free flow of tears, mingled it may be with blood, and the visible evidence of the lesion on the exposure of the injured part. If the cornea is implicated, even the pupil is contracted, showing photophobia.
Treatment. Slight noninfected wounds will heal readily under simple astringent collyria, following upon the removal of any cause of mechanical irritation. A solution of corrosive sublimate, 1:5000, or of boric acid, 4 per cent. may be used. If photophobia exists ½ per cent. of atropia sulphate or 1 per cent. of cocaine hydrochlorate will usually give relief. Extensive wounds may require sutures, and sloughing tissue may be excised with fine curved scissors. Excessive granulations may be removed in the same way. For stings use a potassium permanganate solution (2 grs. to 1 oz). Violent inflammation may be met by a laxative and by leeching the periorbital region.