Diseases of Poultry. 
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strengthened to some extent by the use of iodide of iron, quinine, hypophosphitcs, ami such 
means; but if the disease occurs, death is really for the benefit of the poultry-yard. The flesh 
of fowls which die from this disease is unfit for food. Sometimes scrofulous deposit forms 
round the joints, or in other places ; such birds should never be bred from. 
Paralysis. — See Apoplexy. 
Peritonitis. — Inflammation of the lining membrane of the abdomen. Now and then 
caused by injuries, which cases are practically hopeless. More usually it is due to the escape of 
a ruptured ovum , or egg, into the abdominal cavity, and in a less acute degree by excessive 
straining, or over-stimulation of the reproductive organs, in which way many cases are directly due 
to the stimulating condiments so largely advertised. As to symptoms, peritonitis may usually be 
suspected whenever a hen in full laying, with bright red comb, and with no previous illness, shows 
evident pain and distress. Cases of the less severe type may often be treated successfully by 
perfect quiet and the administration of five drops of tincture of hyoscyamus three times a day for 
a few days, with a little brandy occasionally. Steaming over boiling water is also most useful, 
which can be done without disturbing the fowl much, by keeping her in an open basket, and 
holding this over the hot can or tub now and then. 
Pip. — We do not regard the hard and horny appearance which often appears at the end of a 
sick fowl’s tongue, and goes by this name, as any disease whatever. It either arises from obstruc- 
tion in the nostrils, causing the bird to breathe through its mouth, and thus drying the tongue ; or, 
where there is any real affection, is analogous to a “ foul tongue” in human beings. In the latter 
case a dose of aperient medicine may be given, and chlorinated soda applied to the part with 
benefit, removing any scale or crust which will come off without difficulty or pain. 
Pneumonia. — Inflammation of the lungs. Besides the cough, which might hardly be 
distinguished from that of bronchitis, there will be quickened and distressed breathing, like 
gasping or panting, and generally considerable matter coughed up. A good ear can detect 
“ crepitation ” if brought in contact with the back. The b : rd must be put in a warm place, and fed 
on a little bread and milk only. Rub in a little turpentine between the shoulders among the roots 
of the feathers, or paint on some iodine tincture, as a counter-irritant ; and if observed early, give 
half a drop of Fleming’s tincture of aconite in a spoonful of water every half-hour, or alternate 
it with half the ordinary adult dose of the solution of phosphorus often prescribed, which 
the chemist will supply. Later, or as another good alternative treatment, give two drops of 
antimonial wine or ipecacuanha wine, in water, every hour. If improvement sets in, give only half 
as often. If the bird is very weak, give brandy and egg. 
Very young chickens reared artificially often succumb to pneumonia, owing to coming from 
a far too hot and foul “ mother ” into cold air. The heat should at once be reduced if this 
occurs ; but for those affected, special care, counter-irritation, and a little aconite or medicated 
wine in their water, is about all the treatment such tiny creatures arc capable of undergoing. 
Rheumatism. — The symptoms of this disease arc an evident weakness of the legs, stiffness 
in the joints, or contraction of the toes. One or more of these may also be caused from cramp ; 
but as both demand similar treatment, it is not very necessary to be particular in the diagnosis. 
The disease is easily distinguished from leg-weakness by the fact that the latter occurs only in 
young birds, and presents no symptoms beyond mere want of muscular power. 
