CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES 147 



PSEUDO-TUBERCULOSIS 



The symptoms arc similar to tliose of true tuberculosis. 



Upon autops}^ the lungs may be noted to be thoroughly 

 studded with nodules varying in size up to that of a pea. 

 The nodules are firm to the touch and when sectioned are 

 found to be dense and appear homogeneous. 



The lesions may be mistaken for tul)erculosis, parasitic cysts, 

 nodular taeniasis, aspergillosis or coceidiosis. 



ACTINOMYCOSIS 



Furlan reports, that in four geese three months of age 

 there was found a filiriiious exudate over the pericardium and 

 peritoneum. ^Microscopic examination of scrapings from these 

 lesions showed colonies resembling those of actinomycosis. 



DISEASE OF THE SUBCUTEM 



There is found, at times, peculiar disc-shaped yellowish or 

 yellowish-grey bodies in the loose connective tissue that at- 

 taches the skin to the underlying structures. These bodies 

 are only one or two millimeters in diameter and upon being 

 sectioned and studied under the microscope show by their 

 microchemical action that they contain calcium salts. This 

 condition is found in birds of any breed and in any condi- 

 tion, but is most common in birds rather thin in flesh. There 

 is no evidence of it being an acute reaction of the tissues and 

 is apparently of no constitutional significance. All efforts to 

 isolate an organism or to reproduce the condition have l)een. 

 negative. There is a possibilit}^ that it may be a calcification 

 of a parasitic invasion. 



