Treatment. Alter the feeding, see that the water is clean, and give a dose of Epsom salts. (See page 9.)
JAUNDICE
Not a common disease
Symptoms. A yellow comb may indicate jaundice, but there are no definite external symptoms. Post-mortem examination shows distention of the gall bladder, due to an excessive secretion of bile.
Cause. Said to be due to continued congestion of the liver, arising possibly from too much heat-giving food.
Treatment. If the disease is suspected, give one grain of calomel as a purgative and feed on more green food.
KIDNEY DISEASES
With the exception of gout, kidney diseases cannot be detected by external symptoms
Gout (see page 63) is the commonest disease of the kidneys. In addition, there are some disorders of the kidneys (e. g., enlargement) that may be noticed on post-mortem examination. Little is known about these diseases; there are no symptoms that can be recognized before death, and no treatment can be recommended.
LEG WEAKNESS
Constitutional weakness, to which the heavier breeds are more subject than are the lighter ones
Symptoms. Fowls walk in an unsteady manner, without showing any specific cause for lameness. Young birds are more likely to be affected in this manner, particularly those of the heavier breeds.
Cause. Too rapid growth, the bird outgrowing the strength of its legs.