140 POULTRY DISEASES 



the cause of this disease, and as such to be avoided. Verrucose 

 pericarditis has been found. The nodules form in a line or in 

 an irregular manner in the vicinity of the valves. These nod- 

 ules may become so large that they interfere with the action 

 of the valves and a regurgitation of the blood results. 



Chronic endocarditis is often found. In old birds calcifi- 

 cation of the aortic walls has been observed. 



RUPTURE OF THE HEART AND LARGE BLOOD VESSELS 



Internal hemorrhage (bleeding) due to rupture of the heart 

 or large blood vessels is common in overfed fowls. It may 

 be caused by any excitement or overexertion in such birds. 

 It is described in this section because affecting organs of cir- 

 culation. 



Symptoms. — There is a sudden blanching of the comb and 

 mucous membranes followed by great weakness, coma and 

 death. No treatment is practicable. 



HYPERTROPHY OF THE HEART 



The causes of this condition have been thought to be ol)- 

 struction of the circulation due to tuberculous growths in the 

 liv-er or mesentery and also a sequela of gout and rheumatic 

 conditions. It is found in both fowls and cage birds. 



Symptoms. — The most prominent symptom is that of dysp- 

 nea accompanied by a wheezing sound. 



