132 DISEASES OF DOMESTICATED BIRDS 
but the amount of food consumed is less than usual, owing to the 
general indifference to food during prolonged intervals. Emacia- 
tion is marked both in semi-acute and chronic cases, principally due 
to the fact that the destruction of the lining membrane of portions 
cf the intestine prevents normal assimilation of the food. Leg 
weakness and paralysis are frequently observed. 
Affected geese become greatly weakened and emaciated. After 
walking a few steps they will fall and after a struggle roll on their 
backs, a position which is frequently assumed. 
Morbid anatomy. The lesions are principally confined to the 
intestinal tract and are most noticeable in the ceca, in chickens and 
turkeys. In young chicks in which the disease assumes an acute 
course, the ceca are filled with a bloody semi-solid mass which shows 
through the intact tubes and gives them a distended contour. This 
mass consists of blood cells, exfoliated mucosa, fecal matter, and ex- 
tremely numerous coccidial forms of which the odcysts or egg forms 
are especially apparent on microscopic examination. In older fowls, 
the ceca may be distended to a greater or less degree. In the ma- 
jority of cases, the distention is marked and the tubes are firm to the 
touch over a considerable extent of their length. Hemorrhagic areas 
may show through the serous membrane, or the affected parts may ap- 
pear pale and deadened. One cecum only may give evidence of mor- 
bid changes, but as a rule both are equally affected. On incision, 
the lumina are found packed with a solid necrotic mass of a grayish 
color and cheesy consistency. The mucous membrane is completely 
degenerated and forms a part of the caseated mass. On microscopic 
examination, the necrotic material appears as an amorphous mass 
in which mucus, cells in various stages of degeneration, food material 
and numerous coccidial cysts are incorporated. The mucous lining 
of the duodenum is invariably the seat of pathologic changes and is 
the portion of the intestine first affected. In many instances, this 
is the only part which shows lesions on post-mortem examination. 
The lining membrane is deeply congested, or hemorrhagic. 
Diagnosis. Coccidiosis is readily diagnosed by a microscopic 
examination of the droppings of infected birds, or of the intestinal 
contents at autopsy. A small amount of the material is broken up in 
several drops of a 1 per cent potassium hydrate solution, normal 
salt solution, or water and about two drops of the mixture are placed 
on a glass slide and a cover glass applied. The coccidia usually 
are very numerous in advanced cases and are easily recognized in 
the odeyst or resistant stage. They have an oval appearance with 
