CHAPTER XXIII 
SURGICAL DISEASES 
ANESTHETIZING FOWLS 
Occasions demanding the administration of a general anesthetic 
are limited largely to serious operations undertaken in connection 
with the study of the functions of certain organs. Pearl and Surface 
have pointed out that by the ordinary method of administration of an 
anesthetic, ninety per cent of the subjects will die under the anes- 
thetic. If less of the drug is administered, reflex excitability is not 
lost, and the bird will struggle. It is likely that the explanation of 
the high mortality lies in the fact that the air sac system of birds 
furnishes opportunity for the storage of a large amount.of anesthetic 
which is wholly absorbed in a short time and not eliminated by ex- 
piration as in mammals. The excessive amount of anesthetic prob- 
ably affects the vagus center which causes cardiac inhibition, respira- 
tory failure and death. 
These writers obviate fatal results in anesthetizing hens by inject- 
ing subcutaneously in the axilla 1-200 grain of atropine sulphate dis- 
solved in 1 ec. of warm normal salt solution. Administration of 
ether follows immediately and the bird will be ready for operation 
in fifteen to twenty minutes. 
ARTHRITIS IN PIGEONS 
Arthritis of the wing joints of pigeons, preventing flight, may be 
caused by a number of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis or 
diphtheria; by gout or by mechanical injury. Klee observes that 
carrier pigeons are subject to the disease under such circumstances 
as to indicate the existence of a common cause. In affected birds 
one wing usually droops, for involvement of both wings is rare. 
On examination the shoulder and elbow joints will be found to be 
somewhat swollen, reddened and painful. In undertaking treat- 
ment, isolation of the bird is absolutely necessary to ensure rest for 
the joints. He recommends applying a woolen bandage to the wing 
in such a way as to secure immobility and applying lead water to the 
same at frequent intervals. The bandage should be changed every 
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