DISEASES OF THE OVARY AND OVIDUCT 157 



EPIZOOTIC ABORTION IN BIRDS 



Under this head, there have been mentioned by several writers, 

 an affection in birds in which the eggs were expelled from the 

 oviduct before the formation of the shell had taken place. We 

 have noted this in flocks when crushed oyster shells were kept 

 constantly before the birds. The question arises, is there any con- 

 nection in the train of causes in the bird and mammals? 



INFLAMMATION OF THE OIL GLAND 



In the fowl there are no oil glands nor sweat glands found 

 in connection with the feathers. This is compensated for by 

 an oil gland located in the posterior dorsal region of the 

 abdomen and at the base of the tail. The bird obtains the 

 oil with its beak and stripping each feather separately oils 

 them. 



Inflammation of this gland has been noted. The region 

 of the gland becomes swollen, red, and painful to the touch. 

 ^Microscopic examination shows a true acute inflammation. 

 The ducts are occluded and the bird suffers considerable 

 pain. Hot applications are indicated. 



