The caruncle is inflamed in conjunctivitis. When this inflammation leads
to hypertrophy it is known as _encanthis_. This is a common condition in
_dogs_ and the caruncle may increase to the size of a pea or acorn, and
by compressing the canaliculi it leads to a profuse overflow of tears on
the cheek. At first there is the acute congestion of conjunctivitis, but
later there may be induration and pallor.
The _treatment_ of this condition consists in astringent and sedative
collyria in the early inflammatory stages, and later in the ablation of
the hypertrophied mass. The caruncle is seized with a pair of rat-tooth
forceps and snipped off with curved scissors, the free bleeding being
afterward checked by cold water.
In cases that seem, by reason of excessive vascularity ill adapted to
this method, the hypertrophied mass may be tied at its base with a stout
silk thread so as to cut off the supply of blood, and cause it to slough
off. A collyria of boric acid (4 per cent.) or mercuric chloride (0.02
per cent.) may be used to prevent infection.
=Tumors= of the Caruncle are met with, such as fibroma (Wörz), Sarcoma
and Melanosarcoma. For all alike the complete extirpation of the
neoplasm is demanded.