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.
But little can be done for these cases. In the earlier stages a dose of the A.A., may possibly arrest its progress, but generally it is incurable in man or beast.
Cataract
Opacity of the crystalline lens, or of its capsule, or both, prevents the transmission of light, and thus causes blindness. One or both eyes may be affected; old dogs generally suffer in both. The causes are the same as those which lead to cataract in the horse; and to the section thereon reference should be made. But little can be done by way of medicine; A.A., will sometimes relieve.
Pterygium
This disease, which consists in a thickened state of the cellular tissue of the conjunctiva, extending from the inner angle of the eye towards the cornea, is not uncommon in dogs, both old and young. In pups it is often cured by the mother’s licking the eye; in old dogs it proves intractable. It sometimes follows ophthalmia.
TREATMENT.—You may give daily a dose, one to three drops, of A.A., with decided benefit.
Eczema of the Eyelids
In this affection small pustules appear on the edges of the lids at the roots of the lashes; presently they break, emit matter, which drys into crusts, mats the hair, and glues the lids together. If not arrested, the ulceration extends and destroys the bulbs of the hair, and with them the eyelashes.
TREATMENT.—The eyelashes should be clipped off close to the eyelids; the parts carefully washed with a sponge and diluted HUMPHREYS’ MARVEL WITCH HAZEL, morning and night, to prevent agglutination. When crusts have formed they can be best softened and removed by fomentations with warm water. Care should be taken not to drag away the purulent matter with force. Give I.I., morning and night.
Fistula Lachrymalis
The Lachrymal canals, which originate from the internal angle of the eye, convey the tears into the lachrymal sac, an oval bag, which is a receptacle for tears. It is situated near the angle, and constitutes the upper extremity of the nasal duct. If this duct be obstructed, the tears flow over on the cheek and a small tumor forms in the sac. This is followed by inflammation, suppuration, and the formation of an abscess, which bursts externally and leaves a fistulous opening, through which tears flow from the sac on to the cheek.
TREATMENT.—Sponge the eye with warm water, and give A.A., morning and night, if the eye or lids are inflamed, or the I.I., if no manifest inflammation is present.
Canker in the Ear
This disease consists of an inflammation of the internal ear, followed by ulceration and the formation of matter. It is usually the consequence of some injury, but may also result from excess of food and want of exercise, or from frequent and sudden exposure, as in case of dogs taught to go in the water, among whom it is quite common; it may also come from parasites; fat dogs are more subject to it than others.
SYMPTOMS.—The dog manifests pain by shaking his head, scratching his ears, or whining. The internal ear looks red, afterwards may ulcerate; a discharge occurs, and a blackish fluid will be found at the bottom of the ear, sometimes in considerable quantity; there is high fever, which, with the continuance of the discharge, may wear out the dog.
TREATMENT.—Wash the ear frequently with warm water, to carefully remove the discharge; afterwards apply some diluted MARVEL WITCH HAZEL.
Give A.A., three or four drops, alternately with I.I. The same dose four times per day; it may be successful.
Deafness
CAUSES.—It is sometimes a sequel of distemper, fever, or inflammation of the brain; it is also due to general debility, an accumulation of hardened wax, old age and canker.
TREATMENT.—Examination must be made to ascertain if it is due to the impaction of hard wax; if so, a little warm water and soap may be injected twice a day; after a few days the wax will most likely be softened sufficiently to allow of its removal. If the disorder follows distemper, C.C., should be given; if fever or inflammation of the brain, A.A.; if canker, also the C.C., a dose morning and night.
Serous Cyst or Abscess of the Ears
This affection of the ear generally arises from some injury, which is followed by an accumulation of a pale, straw-colored fluid between the outside and inside skin of the ear. Sometimes it increases slowly, at others rapidly, so much so that in a few days there will be a quarter of a pint deposited. The best thing is to open the swelling at once with a lancet, at the lowest part of the inside of the ear, and press out all the fluid. If this can be done effectually, adhesion of the two skins takes place without anything else being necessary. But if the discharge has been caused by a severe blow, it may continue for a week or two. Occasionally, if the punctured place is not kept open, the fluid accumulates a second and third time; if such should be the case, it will be advisable to inject a little warm water, and lay the ear in a vessel containing warm water for five or ten minutes, once a day for several days. Give I.I., also morning and night.
External Canker
External Canker is mostly found on the ears of dogs with short coats; it comes generally on the outside of the ears, beginning at the tips, and gradually extends down to the roots.
CAUSES.—Constitutional tendency; unsuitable food; want of cleanliness; sudden disappearance of eczema.
TREATMENT.—I.I., is the proper remedy, giving once or twice per day.
The ears should be washed once a day with warm water and soap. After they are dry, the following lotion should be applied with a sponge; Glycerine one part, HUMPHREYS’ MARVEL WITCH HAZEL two parts, to water three parts.
Ulceration of the Nose
Ulcerations of the nose are not common in dogs, but they should not be neglected, as they might injure or destroy the sense of smell. They sometimes occur in old dogs, and emit a purulent, or sanious, and most offensive discharge. This condition is attended with pain, noisy breathing, attempts to sneeze, etc.
TREATMENT.—C.C., is the proper remedy, and may be given two or three times per day.
The nostrils should be washed and syringed with tepid water, morning and night.