Pseudomembranous Stomatitis of Pigeons and Chickens. 69 



genuine diphtheria in man appears to have been thoroughly dis- 

 proved by the observations of Roux and Yersin. 



The following differential characters have been noted : 



Bacillus Diphtheria ( Klebs-Lqffler) . 



1. In gelatine cultures grows only 



above 23° C. 



2. Kills Guinea pig and dog. 



3. Mice immune. 



4. Does not grow on potatoe. 



Bacillus Diphtherice Columbarum 



1. In gelatine cultures grows at 15- 



17° C. 



2. Guinea pig and dog nearly im- 



mune. 



3. Mice usually die with hepatic 



necrosis. 



4. Grows luxuriantly on potatoe. 



It may be accepted as demonstrated that the common diphtheria 

 of birds is essentially distinct from the genuine diphtheria of man, 

 and that when such diphtheria of the bird is conveyed to man as 

 has beeti often alleged (Richter, Gips, Bouig, Gerliart, etc.), 

 it is one of the forms of pseudo diphtheria that is produced, and 

 not that which is caused by the Klebs-L,ceffler bacillus. Dr. V. 

 A. Moore, who has cultivated specimens of the bacillus diphtherise 

 Columbarum obtained from Germany, considers the germ as 

 belonging to the group of the bacillus coli communis, and as not 

 the cause of the chicken diphtheria in America. Further investiga- 

 tion must settle whether the bacillus diphtheriae Columbarum is 

 the one cause of this affection in Europe, and what is the micro- 

 bian cause or causes of the disease in America. 



Incubation. This is very variable. False membranes may 

 form in twenty-four hours in some cases ; in other cases they 

 may be delayed from four to fourteen days (Colin, Babes, Pus- 

 carin, Marinescu). 



Symptoms. There is dullne.ss, pro.stration, sunken head, ruf- 

 fled feathers, altered hoarse voice, drooping wings, wheezing 

 breathing, difficult deglutition, sneezing, and patches of dark red 

 congestion in the fauces covered with a thin film, at first translu- 

 cent, but soon becoming dense, adherent, opaque, whitish or 

 yellowish. As it becomes older this deposit becomes granular, 

 wrinkled, dry and friable. It is more adherent in chickens than 

 in pigeons.and causes bleeding when detached. Necrotic changes 

 may take place in the mucosa leading to considerable loss of 

 tissue, and even to perforations of the soft palate, pharynx or 

 oesophagus. It may remain circumscribed by the region of the 



