SECTION XIII 



Diseases of the Brain 



Dizziness — ^Vertigo 



Affections of the brain are comparatively rare 

 in birds. Vertigo has been known where the 

 brain is congested, especially in very fat, pleth- 

 oric birds. Excessive heat in hot summer weather ; 

 absorption of poisonous substances (toxins) from 

 the intestinal tract; irritation due to intestinal 

 worms ; injury to the head, as by a blow, etc., are 

 the chief causes of dizziness in birds. 



Symptoms. — The bird throws its head upward, 

 backward, and to one side. It may walk side- 

 wise or backward, and have an unsteady walk — 

 staggery. The bird may be drowsy, and even have 

 epileptiform symptoms. 



Treatment. — Place the affected bird in cool, well 

 ventilated, comfortable quarters, free from drafts, 

 and give thirty grains of Epsom salt, dissolvjed 

 in warm water. Give also two-grain doses stron 

 tium bromide every hour. Thorough purging is 

 one of the first essentials. 



In case of limber neck (due to eating rotten 

 meat) and prostration, give one-fifth grain strych- 

 nine three times a day. (See page 102.) 



Hemorrhage of th« Brain 



This condition is technically called apoplexy. 

 It may be due to over- straining, as in egg-laying, 

 in very fat birds. Injury to the head and over- 

 stimulating food are a,lso causes. 



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