Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1886-02-19
SICK HORSES Y e
Graphic Description of Periodic OphLhal-
mia or "Moon-Eyed Sickness"

Ufaphlc DESCRIPTION OF Periodic OphIhal-
mia or "NIoon-Eyed Sickness"
"What's the cause of so many horses
having bad eyes here lately?" was
asked of a veterinary surgeon.
.The most COMMON disease that,
afilicts the eyes of horses about Cincin-
natl is known technically as ophthal-
mia, and it is to be distin guishcd from
simple passive Inflammation of the eye
by its constitutional nature as we'll as
because it is more deeply-seated. The
former is only superficial. Some of the
best veterinary authorities believe the
disease IS located in the deep-seated
tissues of the organ. 1t is for this rea-
son that these cases are so unsuccess-
fully treated. Generally the horses
eye is i~rretrievably injured before the
surgeon is called in"
"What appearance does the disease
havep"
"The average appearance is weep
ing, tears copiously flowing down the
checks, the eyelids somewhat swollen
OF entirely or partially closed, and
when the eye-ball is exposed it will be
found to have receded from it's natural
position. This is due to the retracting
muscles acting on the eye and with
drawing it from the light i
"How do you examine the eye?"
Always take the animal away from
the strong OF glaring light; then the
animal makes little OF no resistance to
the inspection. The instrument used
is an ophthalmascope." i
Horsemen generally when the eye
becomes sunken and the 'haw' is
forced over past the eyeball think this
is the cause of the disease and cutit off,
don't they?"
Eyes, that is a popular fallacy. The
membrane nectatans, or haw, as you
call it, is in these cases inilamcd and
red on account Of its partaking of the
disease of the eye. 1t is the effect, not
the cause. This membrane is used by
the horse just as our fingers to remove
any foreign substance that may get on
the eyeba1l. Hence the operation for
hooks or snakes in the eye by cut
ting off a portion Of the membrane is
barbarous, and should never be per-
mitted. The %conjunctiva OF red portion
of the eyelid is swollen and vascular,
pouring forth copious tears; when the
pupil is only moderately contracted,
turbid or muddy, the aqueous humor is
thick, with an entire absence of that
transparency that is Observed health.
The iris or choroid have no longer their
natural color"
"What is the choroid?"
'sThe second membrane of the eye
ball, beneath the white of the eye.
Sometimes a central yellow spot is
noticed at the bottom Of the eye. This
is n indication that pus has been
secreted, which is usually quickly alb
sorbed. Rapid and delusivc changes
now follow. Perhaps the corner, which
was cloudy and opaque, becomes trans
parent and clear. The eye shows a dis
position to avoid the light. Tears
flow, and a well-developed case Of
ophthalmia has developed. When
there are tumors on the lid and much
moisture, both eyes are generally
simultaneously affected"
"What is this disease commonly
called?"
'Oh! there are a number of names
among the non-professional. Perhaps
the most NJ is moon-eyed blind
ness, from a supposition that the moon
has something to do with the periodic
ity Of the attacks. The absurdity of
this, however, is at once apparent
when we note that the disease returns
at indefinite and Encyclopedias. As
the attacks become more frequent, the
entire crystalline lens becomes opaque,
and then the disease known as cataract
takes place, which is i~ncurable."
''The periodic ophtlalmia is about the
same as cataractph
eyes. that's about the size of it.n
"Bnt cataract can be cured in a per-
SOM"
Eyes, bat they must wear glasses;
and l fancy horses with spectacles or
eyeglasses would hardly be salable."
Cincinnati Enquirer.
No scientific analysis has yet ao-
nonntnd for tho nhanno'of oolon Of thu