The Illustrated Horse Doctor / Being an accurate and detailed account of the various diseases to which the equine race are subjected

by Edward Mayhew

2. A lenticular cataract or an opacity, within the substance of the lens.

3. A spurious cataract, or a particle of lymph adhering to the inner surface of the lenticular capsule.

If the whiteness changes appearances, in some positions seeming very thin or perceptibly less bulky, it is assuredly a capsular cataract which is inspected.

Most cataracts may either be partial or complete; but a spurious cataract is always partial, never permanent, and invariably caused by violence.

For spurious cataract, treat the injury to the exterior of the eye. For other cataracts, do nothing: there is no known medicine of any beneficial effect. However, it is well to add, the author's and the general opinion favors the absorption of cataract; or that these opacities may appear and after a time go away without the aid of medicine. Nevertheless, to hasten such a process, have the interior of the stable colored. However much in favor a clean white wall may be with grooms or with the lower order, exercise an informed judgment; have the wall shaded of the tint most pleasant to the inhabitants' sight, and the prospect of recovery will by so trivial an outlay be materially facilitated.

FUNGOID TUMORS WITHIN THE SUBSTANCE OF THE EYE.

These, fortunately, are rare affections. We know of no immediate cause for their production. No man can prophesy their appearance. The horse, to human judgment, may enjoy the top of health; may be in flesh and full of spirit—altogether blooming. Nevertheless, the action of the legs may perceptibly grow higher, and the ears become more active. The animal will wait to be urged or guided, when the road is clear. Also, it may run into obstacles, when the rider does not touch the rein. Should anything be left in the gangway of the stable, it is certain to be upset, by what the groom terms "that clumsy horse." Sometimes it will stand for hours together neglecting its food, with the head held piteously on one side. Occasionally, when at grass, it may be found separated from its companions, alone and dejected, with the head as before, held on one side, while the waters of the eye copiously bedew the cheek.

FUNGUS HÆMATOIDES, OR CANCEROUS
GROWTHS WITHIN THE SUBSTANCE OF THE EYE.

At last the eyes are examined. The eyeball may be clear, but some brilliant yellow substance may be discerned shooting from the base of the interior, and the horse is declared contaminated by a cancerous disease.