The meaning of the term amaurosis is imperfect vision, depending on changes in the deeper structures of the eye. The name " gutta serena " is sometimes given to the same affection, suggested by the peculiar glassy appearance of the eye, which while it remains clear loses its expression and becomes staring.

The manner and staggering gait of the animal suggest dimness of sight.

Causation

Certain forms of amaurosis may he caused by long continued illnesses and other debilitating circumstances. Others may supervene upon severe digestive and liver disturbances, and possibly where worms exist.

Amaurosis sometimes arises from wounds of the head, blows, etc. Certain poisons can induce the affection.

Symptoms

In severe cases the sight becomes suddenly dim and the animal is soon totally blind. More often the changes are gradual, and impairment of vision progresses by slow degrees. The uncertain, hesitating gait at first attracts attention. The eye then may show but little change from the normal, but as the disease progresses the pupils become dilated, the eye clearer and expressionless. Even when only one eye is at first affected, the other eventually becomes similarly diseased through sympathy.

Treatment

In certain conditions a sudden attack of amaurosis may occur and be recovered from.

In cases where the changes are by slow degrees, the chances are the least encouraging. Were it possible to clearly determine the cause in each instance, much might result from proper medication.

In but a very few cases can positive indications for treatment be discovered, and the only evident duty will be to improve the general health, and treat symptoms.

Intestinal troubles are to be overcome; the animal treated for worms, if a suspicion of their presence exists; the body sustained and nourished; more and better blood generated; and a long course of iron and strychnine is advised after all known causes are remedied.

The following pill is a combination of these drugs. -

℞ Ferri. Phosphas. ℥ iss Strychniae gr.ss.

Ft. Pil. No. xl. Sig. Dose one twice daily.

The fact that loss of sight occurs in a number of diseases, among them acute and chronic meningitis, should not be forgotten. Those affections present such characteristic symptoms, the danger of confounding them with amaurosis seems well nigh impossible.