SURGICAL DISEASES 297 
In some cases. fluctuation occurs and in others the tumor remains 
hard. 
Surgical treatment involves incising the bottom of the swelling to 
allow the escape of the grayish semi-fluid contents. Sometimes the 
swelling contains a caseous mass of a lamellated structure. 
The cavity may be packed with gauze wet with perchloride of iron 
as a hemostatic and the whole foot bandaged. The bird is confined 
to an area not provided with a perch. The wound may be dressed 
every few days, some disinfectant being substituted for the per- 
chloride of iron. Likely the wound will continue to slough, and dis- 
charge an ill smelling secretion. In this event the foot may be bathed 
in a warm solution of compound solution of cresol. Iodine, zine chlo- 
ride or lunar caustic may be applied to the interior of the wound. 
Often treatment may require months, and necessitate trouble out of 
proportion to the value of the bird. 
Bumblefoot has been attributed to injury resulting from jumping 
from high perches or to roosting on perches of an unsuitable, angular 
character. 
CUTANEOUS EMPHYSEMA 
Emphysema of the skin designates a condition in which there 
is an abnormal amount of air in the subcutaneous region. The 
cause is either a wound or 
spontaneous rupture of the or- 
gans containing air, such as 
the trachea, or the various air 
sacs and passages communicat- 
ing between them. The air 
imprisoned beneath the skin 
may so distend the skin that 
the bird appears almost like a 
ball. 
The condition occurs in 
young canary birds and has 
Fic. 56. A young canary bird with em- been reported in fowls, turkeys 
physema of the skin. (Klee) and pigeons. 
Radical correction of the trouble by preventing the leakage is not 
possible, but relief of the condition may be accomplished by slitting 
the skin to prevent accumulation of air. 
