CHAPTER XV 
GENERAL DISEASES 
GOUT 
Characterization. Gout is a disease characterized by the in- 
crease of uric acid content of the blood and the deposition of uric 
acid salts in the joints as well as in various organs, especially on the 
serous membranes. ‘The disease apparently does not occur in birds 
living free but is frequent in cage birds of zoological gardens and in 
all sorts of domestic birds. Among these, hens are affected most fre- 
quently, waterfowl less frequently, and pigeons least. 
Etiology. Gout appears to depend for its causation, upon the 
use of feeds rich in protein in the absence of which many breeders 
believe that it will not occur. Furthermore, a one sided diet, close 
confinement, lack of exercise and heredity appear to be predisposing 
factors. 
Two types of gout are recognized, a rare gouty arthritis and a 
more common visceral gout. 
Visceral gout. In visceral gout the serous membranes of the 
chest and abdominal cavities are covered with a layer of uric acid 
erystals of greater or less thickness. In the pericardium which is 
affected with gout with greatest frequency, there is often a deposition 
of a layer of uric acid salts 1 to 2 mm. in thickness. 
Articular gout. This type preponderates in the joints of the 
feet as well as in those of the wings. The joints are thickened and 
inflamed, while the joint capsule shows a doughy swelling. Knotty 
swellings varying in size up to that of a cherry, occur in the vicinity 
and break outwards, discharging white or grayish yellow masses 
which consist of uric acid salts. 
Hebrant and Antoine describe a case showing unusually marked 
articular lesions. The subject from which the legs were taken was 
a cock two years old. The bird otherwise appeared in good health. 
The feed had been corn and wheat. The subject could not walk for 
it was unable to stand upon the feet. 
The lesions consist of a number of tumors, some of which are as 
large as a pea. They are particularly numerous on the inferior 
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