218



The Marquis of Tavistock,



its head under its wing (to use a common, if incorrect, expres¬

sion). The eye appears dull, and there is little or no appetite.

Heat is the only really effective treatment, and if the bird is

not too far gone will generally effect a cure. Little benefit is

likely to be derived from medicine or dieting, as the patient will

hardly touch food until it begins to mend. Where enteritis is

due to the swallowing of some irritant such as paint or varnish

the symptoms are more acute, and convulsions and paralysis of

the legs may ensue. Kecovery will depend on the strength of

the bird’s constitution and the quantity of poison taken, and

little or nothing can be done but to keep it warm and quiet,

hope for the best and expect the worst !


PLEURISY. —Often accompanied by pericarditis. Symptoms much

the same as those of enteritis. Generally fatal in a few hours.

Warmth the only remedy.


Inflammation of the Lungs. —Due to chill. The bird pants

heavily and breathes noisily, the eye remaining fairly bright.

It seldom puts its head under its wing as the labour of breathing

is thereby increased. Treatment : Great heat and a fairly moist

atmosphere.


BRONCHITIS. — Generally due to chill. Symptoms much the same

as those of inflammation of the lungs. In enough distilled

water to last for a week’s supply put 30 grains of carbonate

of ammonia, 30 drops of tincture of squills, and 50 drops of

glycerine, and give the mixture instead of plain water. There

is often no marked loss of appetite. Keep in a very warm and

rather moist atmosphere.


PERITONITIS.—Generally the result of some internal injury, and

almost invariably fatal in a few hours. The symptoms of

chronic peritonitis are sometimes indistinguishable from those

of tuberculosis, the bird feeding w T ell, but showing extreme

emaciation and some diarrhoea.


TUBERCULOSIS. — Most commonly met with in Cockatoos.

Symptoms : Emaciation and diarrhoea, and, in acute cases,

vomiting. A tame bird may become extremely savage, probably

under the influence of pain. The appetite usually remains

good. Tuberculosis is by no means so incurable as some



