67 



5. CONSTIPATION, 



Constipation is the opposite of diarrhoea, but it is 

 frecjuently produced by tlie same conditions. If para- 

 sites obstruct the intestinal canal, of course nothing 

 can pass and the result is constipation of a most ob- 

 stinate form. Sometimes the intestine becomes un- 

 usuall}' dry, particularly after a bird has been afflicted 

 with diarrhoea for some time; then its coaitents accum- 

 ulate in hard masses and form obstructions. These 

 obstructions of dry intestinal contents may appear at 

 any point of the canal but frequently develop close to 

 the lower opening, in the diverticulum known as the 

 cloaca. 



Constipated birds give evidence of the condition by 

 uneasiness, loss of appetite, frequent, unsuccessful at- 

 tempts and general depression. If the obstruction is 

 in the lower part of the bowel the treatment consists 

 in injecting small quantities of warm water b}' means 

 of a rubber syringe, or water in which linseed has been 

 boiled may be used for this purpose and should be pre- 

 ferred in cases where there is considerable irritation. 

 Sweet oil or glycerine may also be injected, all of 

 which tend to soften and facilitate the removal of the 

 impacted masses. When this treatment is applied to 

 hens, great care should be exercised to prevent the in- 

 troduction of tlie nO'Zzle of the syringe into the open- 

 ing of the oviduct. Sometimes it is necessary to em- 

 ploy a small blunt instrument, such as the handle of a 

 small spoon to facilitate the removal of the faecal 

 masses in this location. 



