DISEASE OF THE MEIBOMIAN GLANDS. BLEPHARADENITIS. SEBORRHŒA.
This is a blepharitis of the edges of the lids which are swollen, red, and incrusted along their margins with scabs and sebaceous concretions. When this scurf is removed the skin is found to be red, tender and glistening. The glands are the seat of congestion, and produce a modified secretion in excess, which dries into crusts instead of preserving its normal oleaginous consistency. As these glands open into the follicles of the eyelashes, their walls are implicated and shedding of the lashes is a common result. It may be assumed that this affection is often associated with the proliferation of microbes in the glands and gland ducts, while in other forms the presence of acari is the controlling factor. Wilson found the demodex folliculorum in the Meibomian glands of the horse, and Oschatz in those of the sheep.
Treatment. Smear the margins of the lids with vaseline and when the crusts have been thoroughly softened wash them off with Castile soap and warm water. Then dress the margin with the ointment of the yellow oxide of mercury 1, in vaseline 10. If demodex is suspected they may be squeezed out and the lids washed frequently with spirits of wine as a solvent.
HORDEOLUM. STYE. ACNE.
Like acne of the skin in general, this consists in inflammation and suppuration of a hair follicle and sebaceous gland. The whole lid or a large part of it may be swollen, but by stroking it with the finger, a hard, rounded, very tender spot will be detected and as the disease advances this develops a minute collection of pus. A specially wide orifice favors the entrance of the pus microbes, and the onset of the disease. It has been noted in dogs (Fröhner).
For abortive treatment Fick recommends dry heat from a pocket handkerchief or a heated teaspoon. If pus is present it must be evacuated, and recurrence guarded against by cleanliness and antiseptics. Use pyoktannin solution (1 ∶ 1000), or mercuric chloride (1 ∶ 5000) or yellow oxide of mercury ointment.
CHALAZION.
This is a pea like tumor growing from the tarsal cartilage, its flattened side toward the mucosa, which is red and angry, and its round surface toward the skin. When manipulated between the fingers it moves with the tarsus. It is usually of slow growth and may continue for years apparently unchanged. Some have thought it tuberculous, but its true nature is uncertain. Warner records the disease in the horse.
Treatment consists in incision and removal of the tumor, curretting of the cavity, and after antiseptic douching, suturing the lips.