Inflammation of one or both eyes is of fairly frequent occurrence amongst dogs, more especially when a dog has distemper; in fact, the eyes nearly always participate in this malady. Injuries, such as those produced by passing through thickets, etc., are also causes of this condition: likewise chemical, and other mechanical agencies.

The conjunctiva, or membrane lining the eyelids becomes an intense red: the eyes are intolerant to light, and tears flow freely over the face: the eyelids adherent, more especially after sleep, with a purulent discharge issuing therefrom.

Prolonged inflammation is liable to end in the production of opacity of the cornea, the surface of this membrane becoming a bluish white.

In distemper, ulceration of it is not uncommon. When Hounds are kept in damp kennels, where the sanitary arrangements are bad, very severe forms of distemper ophthalmia are frequent. The remark applies also to other dogs so situated.

Treatment

This must be of both a " local" and general kind.

Sponge eyes several times daily with a weak boracic acid lotion (30 grains to 6 ounces of water), using a sponge or piece of linen previously dipped in boiling water. Good results sometimes follow fomenting with luke-warm tea, its simplicity being a recommendation. When the cornea is ulcerated, use a solution of nitrate of silver (4 grains to the ounce of distilled water) as drops, night and morning. Keep the dog's head steady, part the lids, and then apply.

These drops will be equally useful for " cloudy cornea".

Rest the eyes by keeping dog in a dark place. Around the margins a little of Singleton's Golden Eye Ointment will be of as much service as aught else that can be recommended, and can be procured at any drug stores.