EXERCISE 40 (Continued) 



appearance and symptoms. From this study make an estimate of the possible 

 affection, and note its probable cause and treatment, if any. 



Step 2. Kill each specimen observed, either by dislocating neck or by 

 chloroform, the latter being preferable for careful diagnosis. Remove feathers 

 from entire carcass where careful work is desired. 



Step 3. Open abdominal cavity for post-mortem examination by the 

 following procedure : Cut skin on middle of breast and abdomen on line from 

 cloaca to neck. Pull skin off sides of abdominal wall and dislocate thigh joints, 

 spreading the legs and wings so the bird will lie flat on back with breast 

 exposed. Fasten bird to operating table or pan, extending beak, wings and 

 feet and fastening from these points. Cut flesh and bones at sides and bottom 

 of sternum and remove the same completely by dislocating it at the clavicle 

 and severing flight muscles. The abdomen and thoracic cavities are now 

 exposed with all their organs in normal position. 



Step 4. Study each of the following organs in the order named and 

 compare with those in a normal specimen, which specimen should have 



Post-mortem Study 



131 



