VARIOLOUS CONJUNCTIVITIS.
In cow pox, horse pox, and above all sheep pox, the infection sometimes falls on the conjunctiva, giving rise to the formation of the specific eruption on that membrane. The coexistent eruption on other parts of the body (udder, heels, hairy portions of skin) of the specific variolous eruption, furnishes the means of a satisfactory diagnosis. The lesions in the eye develop rapidly to an extreme severity. The lids are swollen and closed, lachrymation abundant, and early mixed with pus, and when exposed the conjunctiva is strongly congested with circumscribed areas of elevation. In cow pox these are circular in form, raised above the surrounding mucosa, having a deep red areola and a paler, flattened center. In sheep pox the elevations have the same general character, but are liable to be more numerous and confluent, and tend to permanent opacities, cicatrices, and perforations of the cornea with loss of the eye. Short of perforation, internal inflammations are not uncommon.
Treatment. At the outset this form may be aborted by the application of silver nitrate solution (2 ∶ 100) or sodium hyposulphite (1½ ∶ 100). Otherwise the local treatment is like that for simple conjunctivitis, cooling astringent and sedative lotions, and if need be, derivatives and eliminants.