356 DISEASES OF METABOLISM 



crouching position standing on one limb or shifting from one 

 leg to the other. Birds will walk or flap their wings with a 

 minimum use of muscles owing to the pain induced. Exami- 

 nation of the wings will show enlargement of one or more 

 joints. At first the swellings are soft and sensitive, but 

 later become more defined, firmer and not so painful. The 

 size of the nodules will vary in different birds but is usually 

 from that of a pea to a hickory nut. Considerable deformity 

 of the joints of the wings and limbs may be present. The 

 toes are often spread apart from the enlargement. In some 

 cases the joints become anchylosed, while in others degenera- 

 tion takes place with necrosis and a discharge of a whitish- 

 yellow soft mass. In the latter case there will be an ulcera- 

 tive process left which often exposes the joint. Small 

 nodules are found in other locations in the skin, muscles, 

 and tendons. The general symptoms of rough plumage, 

 pendent wings, paleness of the comb and wattles, and general 

 emaciation develop gradually. The bird will frequently die 

 from exhaustion. 



Dogs show enlargement of the joints of the toes, meta- 

 tarsus ribs, etc. Lameness and stiffness are quite prominent 

 symptoms. A careful examination should be made in all 

 cases. Internal or visceral gout will not be recognized except 

 when accompanied by enlargement of the joints. 



Course. The disease is practically always chronic. A few 

 cases have been recorded of the acute form. The disease 

 develops irregularly from one joint to another and therefore 

 runs a protracted course. 



Diagnosis. The characteristic symptoms of enlargement 

 of several joints, microscopic examination of the contents of 

 the nodules, and chemical examination will make the diag- 

 nosis positive. 



Treatment. Dietetic. Foods rich in nitrogenous sub- 

 stances should be withheld. If necessary reduce the total 

 feed ration for a few days to a week. 



Medical. Alkaline agents, such as sodium bicarbonate 

 should be used freely in the drinking water of the fowls. 

 Give dogs 1.5 to 2.0 two or three times daily. The alkaline 

 preparations will assist in the elimination of the deposited 



