CHAPTER XII 



Diseases of the Circulatory System 



There are two classes of diseases treated in this chapter : 

 (1) diseases of the organs of circulation (the heart and blood 



vessels), and (2) diseases of the blood. 



diseases of the organs of circulation 



Pericarditis {Inflammation of the Pericardium, Dropsy of the 

 Heart Sac) 



This disease is often found associated with other diseases 

 of the circulatory system and with diseases of the lungs and 

 air-sacs and also with soreness of the joints. 



Diagnosis. — A differential diagnosis of this disease during 

 life is not usually possible. Salmon gives the following 

 symptoms: "There is great weakness, difficult breathing, 

 the head being thrown backwards, and the breath drawn 

 through the mouth in order to obtain sufficient air. If 

 forced to run the bird soon falls. In a case observed by 

 Hill there was tumultuous action of the heart and occasional 

 spasms." Examination of a bird dead from this disease 

 shows the heart sac full of serous liquid and sometimes the 

 cavity is divided by false membranes which may attach to 

 the heart as well as to the pericardium. 



Etiology. — The causes of this inflammation are not known. 

 It may result from exposure to cold or dampness. 



Treatment. — Treatment is impossible since the disease 



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