190 



POULTRY DISEASES 



infectious. The affected wing droops and the bird is unable 

 to fly. 



Predisposino; causes are. housing^ in cnhl lofts and allowing 

 the birds to roost in drafts. 



The affected birds should be isolated from the l)alance of 

 the flock. 



Abscess formation sometimes occurs, pus being of a case- 

 ous consistency. Birds may recoyer, but if abscesses form 

 they may lose the power of flight. 



ABSCESS OF THE FOOT 



Abscess of the foot may be caused by injury due to a 

 thorn as a Russian thistle or hedge thorn haying punctured 

 the soft parts. In Figure 70 there is illustrated an abscess 

 of this nature. The thorn has penetrated the soft parts be- 

 tween the two inner toes. A, 

 indicates an opening through 

 which a cheesy pus was re- 

 moyed by aid of a curette. 

 No treatment other than 

 opening the abscess and 

 scraping out the pus was 

 giyen. The bird made a per- 

 fect recoyery. 



Abscess of the sole of the 

 foot is of connnon occurrence. 

 This condition is sometimes 

 called "bumble foot." The 

 sole of the foot becomes 

 ])ruised by a thorn prick, 

 stone bruise or other injury 

 resulting in suppuration. It 

 may also result from birds 

 jumping onto hard floors 

 from high perches. Pus in 

 the domestic fowl is always of 

 a cheesy nature; that is, there 

 is no liquid present so that 

 simple lancing will not be ef- 

 fectiye as the pus will nut drain out, but must be scraped out. 

 It is best in treating these conditions to make a bold incision 

 laying open the parts and carefully curette out eyery particle 

 of the material, then saturate witli tincture of iodin and dress 

 with absorbent cotton and bandage. Dress the wound once 

 daily. 



After treatment of the foot, place the bird in a clean, dr}^ 

 place, preferably on straw, so as to keep dirt out of the sore. 



Fig. 70. Thorn Abscess. 



A, opening tiirongh which clieesy pus 

 was liberated. 



