Treatment.—All the means hitherto discovered to arrest the disease have proved unreliable. Belladonna and the A.A., may do something, and had best be administered in all doubtful cases: but if an animal is indisputably rabid, it should be killed at once. The excision of the gland or ligament under the tongue is only mutilating the animal to no purpose.
If a dog is suspected, or has been bitten, or exposed to contagion, give him the A.A., three or four drops, according to his size, three times per day, and inject a dose of the same medicine into the wound at the same time. Only a small proportion of the animals or persons bitten by animals supposed to be rabid ever become mad.
CHAPTER III.—Part IV.
DISEASES OF THE EYES, EARS, NOSE, ETC.
Inflammation of the Eye, Ophthalmia
It may arise from a variety of causes, such as congestion of the brain; exposure to heat and cold; over-exertion; blows or other injuries; over-salted food, infection, foreign bodies, etc.
Symptoms.—The white of the eye is covered with red streaks; the clear portion in front (pupil) is dim; water runs down the face; the light cannot be endured and the eyelid is closed. An ulcer may appear afterwards in the front of the eye, and it may go on until it penetrates through the outer coating of the eye (cornea), and the fluids of the eye thus escape. In some cases proud flesh springs up from these ulcers.
Treatment.—The A.A., should be given, a dose of two drops only, two or three times per day. This in general will be sufficient for all forms of ophthalmia; but if the case is of some standing, or if ulcers or degenerations have taken place, two drops of I.I., may be given every night, and the A.A., in the morning.
A wash of Humphreys’ Marvel Witch Hazel, diluted one-half with soft water, will promptly relieve.
Amaurosis, Gutta Serena
This disease consists in entire or partial loss of vision in consequence of paralysis of the optic nerve, or interruption of its communication with the brain. Injuries of the head, or ball of the eye, or some disease of the brain, are the usual causes. The dog walks cautiously, head elevated, the eye has a peculiar glassy appearance, and the pupil does not dilate and contract when light is brought near or removed from the eye.