Diseases of the Alimentary Tract 79 



or eggs without any serious disturbance in their metabolic 

 processes. Several cases have also occurred where sup- 

 posedly normal birds were absorbing large numbers of yolks 

 or eggs. These birds were in apparently perfect physical 

 condition. The lumen of the duct was interrupted by fusion 

 of the funnel lips ; development of a tumor within the duct, 

 rupture of the duct, or failure of a portion of the duct to 

 develop. 



Nevertheless in about one-fourth of the experimental 

 ■ cases, and in many natural cases of obstruction to the duct, 

 death results from peritonitis, which is apparently caused 

 by the failure of the peritoneum to resorb the yolks or eggs. 



Diagnosis. — The sick birds appear restless and lose their 

 appetite. There is a high fever. The abdomen is swollen, 

 hot and tender. Pressure on the abdomen produces evi- 

 dence of sharp pain. Usually, but not always, a severe thirst 

 accompanies peritonitis. As the disease progresses the bird 

 becomes weaker, is unable to stand and the legs are drawn 

 up close to the body often with convulsive movements. 



Post-mortem examination shows the peritoneum con- 

 gested and covered with an opaque whitish or yellowish 

 exudate. This gives it the appearance of being thicker 

 than usual. In some cases quite large quantities of yellowish 

 cheesy matter (pus) are formed. This may be in free lumps 

 or masses or may adhere in a thin layer to the surface of 

 the peritoneum. The abdomen sometimes contains a yellow- 

 ish turbid serous liquid which may have an offensive odor. 



Treatment and Prognosis. — Only very seldom is treat- 

 ment for peritonitis successful. The disease is not usually 

 recognized until in an advanced stage. Ziirn^ recommends 

 wrapping parts of the bird in wet cloths and to give inter- 

 nally tincture of aconite, 2 drops (at the most) with a tea- 



1 Ziirn, F.A., "Die Krankheiten des Hausgefliigel." Weimar, 

 pp. 237, 1882. 



