DISEASES. 65 



the contrary, atrophy of that organ, then dropsy of the heart ; 

 also ossification of vascular tissues, or contraction of the cavity 

 of the aorta ; finally, inflammation of the muscles or valves 

 of the heart, produced by parasitical animalculae (see page 54, 

 " Inflammation of the Lungs "). Eemedies can scarcely be 

 applied in any of these diseases. Ziirn gives no further infor- 

 mation on the subject. 



Diseases of the Brain frequently occur in parrots. If 

 the brain (as well as the heart and the lungs) after death 

 appear filled with blood, either all over or in parts, then we 

 may know that congestion of the brain, or a condition called 

 in man apoplexy, has arisen. Cause : Great excitement, terror, 

 anxiety, &;c. ; too great heat, too much hemp seed in warm 

 weather, and sudden and violent flow of blood. Symptoms : 

 Strange manner of holding the head on one side, turning 

 the eyes about, staggering or going backwards, twirling round, 

 a rapid death in convulsions. Preventative measures : Averting 

 the above-mentioned influences ; hydrochloric acid (78^ in the 

 drinking water ; scanty diet, and much green food. Treat- 

 ment : Cold water over the head, either with a douche or by 

 laying on it a wet sponge ; as a purgative, castor oil (72). 



Convulsions, Epileptic Fits, &c,, are also the result of 

 disorder in the brain, or other important organs. The parrot 

 suddenly shrinks together, with violent twitching, beating of 

 the wings, or twirling round ; or it begins to tremble, totters, 

 rolls the eyes and then the head, falls down, and writhes 

 violently. Causes : The same as above ; also from being kept 

 in too small a cage ; too great heat either from the fire or 

 the sun ; seclusion from mate, &c. Preventative measures : As 

 above. Remedies: Change of food, much green food, and fruit; 

 coolness, fresh air, change of place, and, for the rest, those 

 suggested above. When the attack comes on, take the parrot in 

 the hand and hold it upright, so that it may not bruise and 

 injure itself severely, but may find relief. In doing this, 

 however, one must guard against its bites. I strongly depre- 

 cate the customary barbarous remedy of cutting off a toe, or 

 otherwise letting blood. If convulsions only occur once, they 

 are not of great importance ; only when they recur should 

 remedies be applied, and, before all things, endeavours made 

 to discover the cause. Not unfrequently the smaller, nimbler 



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