168 DISEASES OF DOMESTICATED BIRDS 
causing an ulceration of the surface. Frequently the diseased fowl 
dies as a result of the tearing of the cloaca and rectum by its canni- 
balistic mates. The presence of the disease in a flock causes a 
marked falling off in the egg yield and a decrease in the fertility of 
the eggs. 
Treatment. Vent gleet is very resistant to treatment. It is 
usually better to destroy the diseased bird than to attempt treatment. 
This is especially so in the case of the first birds attacked as by this 
means its spread may be prevented. Where treatment is desired the 
affected birds should be isolated. The discharge may be removed 
from the skin and feathers by washing with warm water. Anti- 
septics such as 5 per cent carbolic acid, or 1-1000 corrosive sublimate 
are to be applied to the external affected area, or a 2 per cent car- 
bolic ointment may be rubbed over the part. Argyrol in 15 per cent 
solution or cresol in 2 per cent solution may be injected into the 
cloaca twice daily. Roosters should be removed from the flock 
while the disease is present and if any are found diseased it would be 
advisable to destroy them. 
STRUCTURE OF THE FECUNDATED EGG OF THE FOWL 
The ovum or yolk on its release from the ovary and entrance to the 
oviduct appears as a yellowish ellipsoid body about one inch in diame- 
NY 
ys 
ie \\ 
een Te a, aS ete 
Fie. 18. 1, air sac; 2, shell; 3, white yolk; 4, blastoderm; 5, yellow yolk; 6, 
dense albumin; 7, chalaziferous layer of albumin; 8, fluid albumin; 9, 
chalaza; 10, shell membrane. (Original) 
ter. It is somewhat flattened on one surface, which presents an 
opaque whitish circular spot, the germinal disc (Fig. 18). Cell 
