CATARRH OF THE CROP IN BIRDS—SOFT CROP 137 



esophagectomy. Diverticula may result from overdistention 

 of the esophagus with rupture of the muscles allowing the 

 mucous membrane to protrude; also due to cicatricial con- 

 tractions following inflammatory adhesions to lymph glands. 



Symptoms.— An enlargement will be noticed along the 

 region of the esophagus if it be in the cervical portion. Diffi- 

 culty in swallowing; saliva increased; regurgitation of small 

 amounts of undigested and decomposed food covered with 

 mucus; fetid odor from the mouth; the probang may pass 

 without difficulty although it may be obstructed by the 

 stenosis or stricture at the distal end. The symptoms of a 

 diverticulum are very obscure except when large and in the 

 cervical portion of the esophagus. The retention of food 

 gives rise to retching and vomiting, or from the ensuing 

 ulceration may result in the formation of a fistula. 



Diagnosis.— Careful observation of the symptoms; the 

 absence of gastric secretions in the vomitus; palpation 

 reducing the enlargement which 'will become refilled after 

 feeding. The use of the probang may assist in the diagnosis 

 by determining the presence of the stenosis or spasm. 



Prognosis.— Diffuse dilatation, or a diverticulum of the 

 thoracic portion of the esophagus, should be considered 

 incurable. The prognosis depends upon the completeness 

 with which nutrition can be carried on. It is always unfavor- 

 able as there is a tendency to ulceration and perforation of the 

 walls with formation of a fistula. 



Treatment.— No satisfactory treatment can be given except 

 in diverticulum in the cervical portion of the esophagus 

 which may be operated (see Esophagotomy) and the diver- 

 ticulum reduced by suturing. 



CATARRH OF THE CROP IN BIRDS. SOFT CROP. 



Definition.— A catarrhal inflammation of the mucous mem- 

 brane of the crop. 



Etiology.— Irregular feeding is a common causative factor. 

 Birds fed irregularly are quite liable to overload the crop, 

 resulting in distention and partial paralysis of the niuscular 

 walls. This condition interferes with the secretion of the 



