These occur in all domestic animals, but are especially frequent in dogs
and cats from scratching with the claws. In clumsy handling of the
eyelids, the mucosa is wounded by ragged and uneven nails. Injuries and
stings by insects which are attracted by the reflection from the eye
constitute a specially grave lesion, often proportionate to the nature
of the poison instilled.
_Symptoms._ There are usually closure of the eyelids, with exudation and
thickening of the conjunctiva especially in the vicinity of the wound, a
free flow of tears, mingled it may be with blood, and the visible
evidence of the lesion on the exposure of the injured part. If the
cornea is implicated, even the pupil is contracted, showing photophobia.
_Treatment._ Slight noninfected wounds will heal readily under simple
astringent collyria, following upon the removal of any cause of
mechanical irritation. A solution of corrosive sublimate, 1:5000, or of
boric acid, 4 per cent. may be used. If photophobia exists ½ per cent.
of atropia sulphate or 1 per cent. of cocaine hydrochlorate will usually
give relief. Extensive wounds may require sutures, and sloughing tissue
may be excised with fine curved scissors. Excessive granulations may be
removed in the same way. For stings use a potassium permanganate
solution (2 grs. to 1 oz). Violent inflammation may be met by a laxative
and by leeching the periorbital region.