Diseases of the Alimentary Tract 61 



Inflammation of the Crop 



Inflammation or catarrh of the crop usually accompanies 

 more or less general disturbances of the digestive system. 

 As a result of the irritated condition of the mucous mem- 

 brane the functions of the crop are disturbed or arrested. 

 This trouble, when not due to a generally run-down condi- 

 tion and lack of tone, is usually caused by eating moldy or 

 putrid food and, especially, irritating mineral poisons. 

 Unslaked lime, paint skins, and common salt are some of 

 the more frequent causes. Worms in the crop may also 

 cause an inflammatory condition. It also occurs as a 

 complication with diphtheria, cholera, etc. Inflammation 

 of the crop is usually accompanied by more or lesS severe 

 inflammation of the other regions of the digestive tract. 

 The cause which irritates the crop also disturbs the mucous 

 linings of the other regions. 



Diagnosis. — The most prominent sjTuptom is distention 

 of the crop, and on examination the swelling is found to be 

 soft and due to accumulated liquid or gas, mixed with more 

 or less food. The birds are dull, indisposed to move, and 

 there is belching of gas, loss of appetite and weakness. 

 Pressure upon the crop causes the expulsion through the 

 mouth of liquid and gas having an offensive odor, due to 

 fermentation. 



Treatment. — The first step in the treatment of this dis- 

 ease is to empty the crop as completely as possible. This 

 can be done by holding the bird head downward and care- 

 fully pressing and kneading the crop. After most of the 

 contents have been expelled in this way give the bird several 

 spoonfuls of lukewarm water and then empty the crop as 

 before. Give a slight purgative such as a small teaspoonful 

 of castor oil. The bird should be kept without food for 12 

 to 20 hours and then fed sparingly on soft, easily digested 



