BRUISES AND WOUNDS OF THE ORBIT.
These may come from the same causes as fractures and though less violent may occasion inflammation which involves the eye or even the brain with fatal results. Thus in horses it has been a cause of infective inflammation, with a fatal extension (Robellet); in cattle a similar inflammation has extended to the cerebral meninges and caused death (Leblanc), and in dogs an advance to the eyeball threatens its destruction (Möller). Short of this necrosis is not uncommon (Rey).
Treatment. This does not differ materially from that demanded by penetrating wounds with fracture. A perfect cleansing and antisepsis of the wound is the first demand. A solution of boric acid (4 per cent.) or of mercuric chloride (1 ∶ 5000) liberally applied, and maintained thereafter on soft pledgets of surgical cotton, will often have the best results. All foreign bodies must be carefully removed, lacerated flaps and shreds may require suturing, dead portions excision, and finally abscesses or excessive exudate may require the lance, but cooling, antiseptic lotions and an elevated position of the head, are among the most prominent resorts.