GENERAL DISEASES 175 
resulting shortly after the appearance of symptoms. The affected 
fowl shows loss of appetite, ruffled feathers, elevation of temperature, 
weakness and extreme depression. Diarrhea is frequently observed 
especially when the intestinal serosa is extensively involved. In 
cases of peritonitis due to rupture of the rectum, the droppings are 
scanty owing to the passage of a portion of the intestinal contents 
into the peritoneal cavity. The presence of yolk concretions, or 
fluid in the abdominal cavity may assist in a diagnosis. In either 
case the abdomen may show a pendant position. On palpation, the 
fluctuation of liquid may be felt, while the presence of concretions 
is determined by their dense consistency, free disposition and rounded 
contour. 
Morbid anatomy. The pathologic picture in peritonitis in birds 
is not usually marked by extensive congestion of the serous lining of 
the abdominal cavity and visceral organs. There may be localized 
areas of congestion, or hemorrhagic spots on the visceral peritoneum, 
especially that covering the ovary. In the majority of cases no 
macroscopic evidence of congestion is apparent. The disease is more 
often marked by exudates either of a serous, or semi-solid form. 
Evidently the morbid condition results principally from the absorp- 
tion of toxins generated by the action of microorganisms on foreign 
matter which has gained entrance to the cavity. The serous exudate 
is at times clear and straw colored, at other times cloudy and putrid. 
The septic condition is generally associated with a cheesy exudate 
which covers the viscera in small masses and is non-adherent to the 
membrane. Yolk concretions, or individual aborted yolks, display 
putrefactive changes. Where rupture of the oviduct or intestine has 
cecurred, egg material or intestinal contents respectively will be 
found and the rupture may be easily located. 
Treatment. The difficulty in diagnosing peritonitis during the 
life of the bird and the advanced stage reached when symptoms be- 
come apparent renders attempts at treatment impractical. Should a 
physical examination reveal the presence of yolk masses free in the 
abdcminal cavity, or a dropsical condition of the abdomen, surgical 
methods could be employed to remove the accumulations. The cavity 
could then be washed with sterile water or a mild antiseptic to remove 
septic exudates. 
VICIOUS HABITS 
Toe pecking. The conditions surrounding incubator chicks kept 
together in large numbers in brooders, are very different from those 
