GENERAL DISEASES 163 
lungs in the former and by the fact that pneumonic lungs are hepa- 
tized and will sink when placed in water. Affected birds show a 
distressed appearance and breathe with difficulty. The respirations 
are short and panting. The discharge and wheezing observed in 
bronchitis are absent. The normal temperature of 107° to 108° F. 
is raised 2 or 3 degrees. The birds have an increased thirst. Evi- 
dence of pain is produced by pressure on the ribs over the lung area. 
Where both lungs are affected death may follow shortly after the 
onset through pressure on the air cells resulting in a shutting off of 
the air supply and suffocation. In less severe cases the congestion 
may subside or the condition may develop into pneumonia. 
Treatment. The bird should be placed in warm quarters and 
given a diet consisting largely of green food. One third to one half 
teaspoonful of Epsom salts dissolved in water should be administered 
once a day for two or three days. Also give 10 drops of spirits of 
nitre twice daily. 
PNEUMONIA 
Characterization. Pneumonia of fowls is of relatively rare oc- 
currence in the classic form distinctive of this disease in other ani- 
mals. The disease is sporadic in character and frequently only one 
bird in a large flock may be infected. 
Etiology. Pure pneumonia cases which have come under the 
observation of Gallagher have been due to the presence of the 
pneumococcus. It has the characteristic diplococeus form on micro- 
scopic examination and is similar in its cultural characteristics to 
the pneumococcus of Frankel. Its infrequent sporadic invasion sug- 
gests that the fowl is normally resistant, and that predisposing causes 
of an obscure nature are responsible for its pathogenicity in certain 
individuals. 
Symptoms. The most characteristic symptoms are more rapid 
breathing with physical signs of distress and general malaise. 
There may be a mucous discharge from the nostrils, and the tempera- 
ture is elevated. As thé disease progresses, the comb assumes a 
darker color at the tips, or rear, or in hanging combs at the more 
dependent portions. This darkened appearance progresses with the 
disease and practically the entire comb may assume a purplish color 
due to lack of oxygen in the circulating blood and weakened heart 
action. In fatal attacks, the strength fails rapidly and the bird 
reaches a comatose condition in which it may linger for several hours 
before death. 
