SECTION XIII 



Diseases of the Brain 



Dizziness— Vertigo 



Affections of tlie brain are comparatively rare 

 in birds. Vertigo has been known where the 

 brain is congested, especially in very fat, pleth- 

 oric birds. Excessive heat in hot summer weather ; 

 absorption of poisonous substances (toxins) from 

 the intestinal tract; irritation due to intestmal 

 worms; injury to the head, as by a blow, etc., are 

 the chief causes of dizziness in birds. 



Symptoms.— The bird throws its head upward, 

 backward, and to one side. It may walk side- 

 wise or backward, and have an unsteady walk— 

 staggery. The bird may be drowsy, and even have 

 epileptiform symptoms. 



Treatment.— Place the affected bird in cool, well 

 ventilated, comfortable quarters, free from drafts, 

 and give thirty grains of Epsom salt, dissolved 

 in warm water. Give also two-grain doses stron 

 tium bromide every hour. Thorough purging is 

 one of the first essentials. 



In case of limber neck (due to eating rotten 

 meat) and prostration, give one-fifth grain strych- 

 nine three times a day. (See page 102.) 



Hemorrhage of the Brain 



This condition is technically called apoplexy. 

 It may be due to over- straining, as in egg-laying, 

 in very fat birds. Injury to the head and over- 

 stimulating food are also causes. 



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