CHAPTER X. 



Diseases of the Abdominal Cavity. 

 Peritonitis. 



The thin serous memlirane which Hues the abdominal cavity 

 and covers the internal organs is called the peritoneum. In- 

 flammation of this membrane may occur in connection with 

 the inflammation of certain internal organs such as the intes- 

 tines, liver, kidneys, etc. In these cases the inflammation ex- 

 tends from the diseased organs on to the wall of the body 

 cavity. Peritonitis may also be caused by the entrance of 

 foreign bodies into tlie abdominal cavity. It may further be 

 caused by severe bruises or injuries of the abdominal wall. 



Foreign bodies enter the abdominal cavity chiefly through 

 perforation of the intestine. This may occur through severe 

 inflammation, by sharp-pointed objects pushing through the 

 intestinal wall or by parasitic round worms or other parasites 

 puncturing the wall. In many cases mature eggs separate 

 from the ovary but fail to enter the oviduct. Or, owing to 

 rupture of the oviduct or a reversal of its peristalsis, the tgg 

 substance may enter the abdominal cavity. Usually these eggs 

 are absorbed or walled off without very serious annoyance to 

 the bird. In other cases they may cause severe peritonitis. 

 Finally foreign bodies may enter the abdomen through such 

 operations as caponizing. 



Diagnosis. — The sick birds appear restless and lose their 

 appetite. There is a high fever. The abdomen is swollen, hot 

 and tender. Pressure on the abdomen produces evidence of 

 sharp pain. Usually, but not always, a severe thirst accom- 

 panies peritonitis. As the disease progresses the bird becomes 

 weaker, is unable to stand and the legs are drawn up clo'^c to 

 the body often with convulsive movements. 



Post-mortem examination shows the peritoneal membrane to 

 be deep red in color (provided the bird has just died or has 

 been freshly killed without bleeding). This membrane is usu- 



