SECTIOX XIII 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVES 



DIZZINESS— VERTIGO 



Affections of the l)rain are comparatively rare in birds. 

 Vertig,"o has ])een known where tlie brain is congested, es- 

 pecially in very fat, plethoric birds. Excessive heat in hot 

 summer weather; absorption of poisonous substances (toxins) 

 from the intestinal tract; irritation due to intestinal worms; 

 injury to the head, as by a blow, etc., are the chief causes of 

 dizziness in birds. 



Vertigo has been observed in baby chicks. The l)irds appear 

 dizzy, finally fall over on their side helpless and in a few 

 minutes may recover or finally may die. 



Symptoms. — The adult bird throws its head upward, back- 

 ward, and to one side. It may walk sidewise or baclavard, 

 and have an unsteady walk — staggery. The bird may be 

 drowsy, and even have epileptiform symptoms. 



Treatment. — Place the affected bird in cool, well ventilated, 

 comfortable quarters, free from drafts, and for the adult give 

 thirty grains of Epsom salt, dissolved in w^arm w^ater. Give 

 also two-grain doses strontium bromid every hour. Thorough 

 purging is one of the first essentials. 



In case of limber neck (due to eating rotten meat) and 

 prostration, give one-tifth grain strychnin three times a day. 

 (See page 22^9.) 



HEMORRHAGE OF THE BRAIN 



This condition is technically called apoplexy. It may be 

 due to over-straining, as in egg-laying, in very fat birds. In 

 >ury to the head and over-stimulating food are also causes. 



Symptoms. — The hen may be found dead on the nest. The 

 symptoms are of short duration: the attack comes on sud- 

 denly, as the hemorrhage soon presses on the brain structures 

 so tliat the function of that part stops and the animal is seen 

 to stagger, fall, and die immediately. 



Postmortem Fiucliugs. — Upon opening the brain cavity and 

 examining the brain, there will be found hemorrhages (clots) 

 in the brain substance. 



EPILEPSY 



In the attack the l)ird emits sharp sounds, makes flopping 

 movements with its wings, falls on its side or back, moves 



