64 Diseases of Poultry 



Diagnosis. — In general the symptoms are very similar to 

 those in cases of inflammation of the crop (see p. 61). The 

 birds present the general appearance of being sick, viz., 

 loss of appetite, indisposition to move and roughness of 

 plumage. Constipation quite often accompanies gastritis. 

 However, if the inflammation extends to the intestines there 

 may be diarrhea. 



Treatment. — The most important thing in the treatment 

 of this kind of a disease is to ascertain and remove the cause. 

 Medical treatment without removal of the cause will do but 

 little good. The kind of food which the birds have access 

 to should be examined and any changes made which might 

 remove the cause of the trouble. The addition of fine 

 (chick size) charcoal to the mash and the generous use of 

 good green food are recommended. For a time the birds 

 should be fed often, giving only a small quantity at a time. 

 A good cooked food is often more easily digested and will 

 aid in stopping the irritation. Give the birds barlej^ water 

 or milk to drink, or add 20 grains of bicarbonate of soda 

 (baking soda) to a quart of drinking water. Rice water 

 to which 4 grain of arsenite of copper to each quart has been 

 added is also recommended. In severe cases give 2 grains 

 of subnitrate of bismuth .3 times a day in a teaspoonful of 

 water. Counteract constipation with Epsom salts (20 

 grains) or castor oil (one teaspoonful) once a day as long 

 as may be necessary. 



DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES 



Simple Diarrhea 



In many fowls a condition of mild diarrhea is chronic 

 throughout the lifetime of the bird. Again birds often 

 acquire a slight diarrhea which will last for a longer or 



