CONTAGIOUS DISEASES 235 



and by the continued accumulation of the catarrhal products 

 the lids become enormously distended. 



We may find that the germs of disease have invaded areas of 

 the mouth. These areas appear as yellowish or yellowish- 

 white patches on the mucous membrane of the mouth. It is 

 a diphtheritic inflammation, that is, if the membrane be torn 

 off the part will bleed; in other words, there is a destruction 

 of masses of cells under this membrane. 



Sanitation and Treatment. — 'If a bird is not a valuable one 

 it is better to destroy it. 



It is well to remember that the head as well as the body 

 must be buried deeply or, better, burned. The most of the 

 contagion is in the head. 



Thorough cleanliness and disinfection of the buildings are 

 essential. 



The germs of the disease can be carried on the hands, cloth- 

 ing, feeding utensils, or on the feet of animals. 



Always quickly isolate the sick birds. 



If it is the desire to treat the sick bird and the best results 

 attained, it will be necessary to at first procure a syringe with 

 strong bulb so as to force the liquid through the nasal canal. 



An ordinary medicine-dropper bulb does not give force 

 enough. Syringe out the parts with a 20 per cent, common 

 baking soda. After a few minutes this will be found to have 

 dissolved the mucus. Next syringe out the parts with per- 

 oxid of hydrogen and water, equal parts. This will thoroughly 

 cleanse the parts, which are now ready for the drug calculated 

 to destroy the germs and allay the inflammation. Inject a 

 quantity of the following: 



Oil of thyme 30 drops. 



Oil of eucalyptus 20 



Menthol 10 grains. 



Oil of petrol 2 ounces. 



Mix thoroughly. 



All liquids injected onto an inflamed mucous membrane 

 should be warm. 



Treat the eye in the same manner as the nasal type, and 

 touch the ulcers in the mouth with stick nitrate of silver (lunar 

 caustic). 



