Covered as it is by the bones of the orbit, and by the palpebræ the
sclera is little liable to traumatic lesions. Wounds with swords,
needles, nails, splinters of wood, and other sharp pointed bodies are
not unknown, however, and penetration by shot is especially common in
setters. Rupture from blows of clubs, beams, poles, stumps, etc., are
also met with.
The _symptoms_ are profuse lachrymation with more or less of blood, and
when the eyelids are separated the wound may be discovered and its
gravity estimated by protrusion of the vitreous. Slight injuries which
are not infected heal readily under the treatment recommended for
keratitis. Infecting and penetrating wounds are liable to cause
panophthalmitis and destruction of the eye. Foreign bodies, if present,
should be removed when possible. Pyoktannin is especially recommended by
Stilling.