39 



4. OBSTKUCTION OF THE KUMP GLAND. 



There is a glaud at the poiut of the rump that se- 

 cretes an oily substance that tends to keep the feath- 

 ers in this region oily and sleek. This gland is the 

 largest of the sui)erficial glands of the body and some- 

 times the orifice through which it discharges its secre- 

 tion becomes obstructed. Then the region of the 

 gland swells and becomes painful. It may swell to 

 such an extent that it reaches the size of a walnut. 

 This causes considerable ])ain, the afflicted fowl be- 

 comes sluggish and generally indisposed and when it 

 is caught and examined the local swelling can be 

 readily disoO'vered. 



If the gland cannot be emptied by gentle pressure a 

 small incision should be made into it with a sharp 

 knife and its contents removed. If, however, the con- 

 dition has existed for a long time, the gland may fill 

 with a thick, cheesy-like material that cannot be 

 stpieezed out. It then becomes necessary to make a 

 somewhat larger opening and scoop the substance out 

 with the handle of a small spoon or some similar ob 

 ject. Then the cavity should be washed out by in- 

 jecting into it a vei'y weak solution of carbolic acid 

 d part of carbolic acid to 200 of water), or a solution 

 of boracic acid (15 grs. to the ounce). To prevent the 

 parts from becoming hard while healing an ap])lica 

 tion of oil or cosmoline should be made. 



3-1 



