240 DISEASES OF DOMESTICATED BIRDS 
No spindle shaped formation of the host cell has been observed in 
smears from ostriches. 
ACORN POISONING IN THE OSTRICH 
Robertson has observed a number of cases in which acorns have 
killed ostriches. These when consumed in moderation constitute a 
safe and excellent feed. However, when birds have access to a boun- 
tiful supply, they will gorge themselves with fatal result. The in- 
jury is caused by the astringent action of the tannic acid. 
Symptoms. The birds lie down persistently, seem constipated, 
strain and appear giddy. They stagger on tiptoe balancing them- 
selves with their wings. The feces consist of nearly cylindrical pel- 
lets of very hard material. The urine closely resembles green paint. 
Some birds twist their necks as if in pain. 
Morbid anatomy. Lungs, heart, liver and spleen appear normal. 
The stomach contains undigested acorns. The intestines show evi- 
dence of constipation with subsequent congestion. The duodenum is 
swollen, thickened and congested with blood. The mucosa shows 
acute inflammation and is covered with a dirty, grayish white deposit 
or slime. On scraping this off the mucosa is seen to be very red. 
The colon is packed with pellets of hard dung which are black in 
color and covered with a gray slime with traces of blood. The mucosa 
of the colon is also highly reddened. The ceca are packed with 
masses of hard dung. 
Treatment. The affected bird is given 25 ounces of raw linseed 
oil to which is added 4 drams of powdered Barbadoes aloes which 
previously has been dissolved in a little warm water. Twelve hours 
later each bird is given one ounce of bicarbonate of soda dissolved 
in water. Birds that refuse to eat may be drenched with gruel, raw 
eggs and brandy several times a day. 
REFERENCES 
1. Archibald. Aspergillosis in the Sudan ostrich. J. Comp. Path. and 
Therap., Vol. 26, 1918, p. 171. 
2. Jowett. Pulmonary mycosis in the ostrich. J. Comp. Path. and 
Therap., Vol. 26, 1913, p. 258. 
3. Marx. Ueber ein Infectidse Krankheit der Strausse. Centralbl. f. 
Bakteriol. (Hic.), 1 Abt. Orig., Bd. 27, 1900, S. 822. 
4. Neumann. La filaire de Vautruche (Filaria spicularia). Rev. Vét., 
T. 66, 1909, p. 544. 
5. Robertson. Paralysis in the ostrich. J. Comp. Path. and Ther., 
Vol. 28, 1910, p. 182. 
