Burns may occur in all domestic animals from acids, alkalies, quicklime,
carbolic acid, boiling liquids, etc. The cornea usually suffers, being
the part most exposed. The caustics cause swelling, blanching and
finally exfoliation of the epithelium, or even of the superficial layers
of the cornea. In burns by hot liquids vesication may be present. If the
destruction extends deeply into the cornea there may be escape of the
aqueous humor and destruction of vision. If less penetrating, there may
still develop vascularity, and permanent opacity by reason of the
formation of a cicatrix or a change of structure in the layers of the
cornea, or, in dogs especially, adhesion of the cornea to the eyelids
(symblepharon). In the early stages there is closure of the eyelids,
with swelling, profuse lachrymation, and photophobia.
_Treatment._ The first object is to remove or neutralize the offending
body. Thus sulphuric or other mineral acid would demand a free
irrigation with a 1 per cent. solution of carbonate of soda or potash.
For alkalies, carbonated water, or a 4 per cent. solution of boric acid
may be employed. For lime, Gosselin recommends free irrigation with
saccharated water. The first step, however, should be to wipe out the
particles of lime with a soft rag soaked in oil.
The pain may be met by a solution of cocaine (1 per cent.), or atropia ½
per cent. In addition, we may irrigate with cold water or apply weak
antiseptic collyria, and employ derivation by the bowels or the skin.