SECTION IX 



DISEASES OF THE OVARY AND OVIDUCT 



PROLAPSE OR EVERSION OF THE OVIDUCT 



This is a common ailment of laying hens. Stimulating 

 feeding and aggravated constipation have been found asso- 

 ciated with this condition. When the eggs are large and 

 considerable straining takes place during their passage, and 

 in inflammation of the mucous lining of the oviduct or egg 

 canal, prolapse or a protruding of the mucous membrane 

 through the cloaca may be observed. In constipation, the bow- 

 els becoming gorged, and this in addition to the obstruction 

 when the egg canal contains one or more developing eggs, aud 

 the ovary, being active, is larger and adds to the bulk, pre- 

 disposes to prolapse. 



This condition is most often seen in hens that are hea\y 

 layers. It perhaps occurs most often in old hens. If the 

 prolapsed or protruding mucous membrane is allowed to ex- 

 tend through the anus, it soon becomes inflamed from ex- 

 posure to the air and infection. Later the parts may become 

 ulcerated as a result of mechanical injuries or the attack of 

 germs. 



Treatment. — Wash off the accumulated material on the vent 

 feathers with clean, soapy, warm water. After cleansing the 

 hands, replace the protruding mass, using on the fingers car- 

 bolized vaselin, three to five per cent strength. Keep the 

 hens on a light diet for several days so that the parts may 

 have a rest and the irritation causing the trouble subside. It 

 is best to give only soft feed and liqujds. Give the hen a 

 tablespoonful of olive oil and plenty of clean water. 



OBSTRUCTION OF THE OVIDUCT (Egg Bound) 



This is a common ailment of laying hens, perhaps the 

 commonest of all discussed conditions of the oviduct. The 

 poultry raiser calls it ''("^g bound," by which he means there 

 is something in the oviduct which the bird cannot force out. 



The upper portion of the oviduct, or that part which re- 

 ceives the ovum (yolk) as soon as it is fully formed in the 

 ovary and delivered, is lined with secreting cells. In this 

 part'the albumin which surrounds tlie yolk is formed. Further 

 along the glands secrete the shell or calcium layer after form- 



