CONJUNCTIVITIS.--This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the
eyelids and covering the eyeball. The two forms of conjunctivitis common in
domestic animals are the _catarrhal_ and _purulent_.

_The symptoms differ_ in the two forms of conjunctivitis. They may be
distinguished from each other by the difference in the character of the
inflammatory discharge. In the catarrhal form, there is a discharge of
tears and the lids are held more or less closed. The mucous membrane is
usually brick red in color and swollen. A little later the discharge
becomes heavier and adheres more to the margins of the lids. The lids
continue tender and the inflammation painful. The surface of the cornea may
appear white and the blood-vessels prominent, but it is only in the severe
cases that inflammation of this portion of the eye occurs. In such cases an
elevation in body temperature may occur. This is especially true of
purulent conjunctivitis when primarily caused by an infectious agent. In
the purulent form the discharge is heavy and pus-like.

_The treatment_ is both preventive and curative. The first object must be
to remove the cause. Irritating gases resulting from stable filth should be
remedied by correcting the unsanitary conditions in the stable. Conditions
favoring injury to the eye from foreign bodies, such as chaff and a
careless attendant, should be corrected. Animals suffering from the
infectious or purulent form of inflammation should be separated from the
other animals. Foreign bodies should be removed promptly before they have
had an opportunity to set up a serious inflammation. It is necessary to
confine the animal in some way before attempting to do this. Horses should
be twitched, cattle held by the nose, and the head of a small animal held
firmly with the hands. It may be necessary to cocainize the eye before the
operator can remove the foreign object with absorbent cotton or with
forceps.