586 Veterinary Medicine. 



limbs tend to enlarge or thicken, and this is likely to be more 

 uniform than in rachitis, and not to be confined so much to the 

 epiphysis. Tlie implication of the stifle, hock or other joint, 

 with marked synovial distention, and mobility or dislocation of the 

 patella, is common and may be the earliest manifestation of illness. 

 The bones of the face usually show early changes. The superior 

 maxillary and nasal bones, beneath the zygomatic spine and 

 infra orbital foramen and along the line of the molar alveoli be- 

 come especially bulging and rounded, the other facial and cranial 

 bones suffering to a lesser degree. In the lower jaw, also, the 

 disease predominates along the region of the molar alveoli, and 

 the loosening of the molars permits them to deviate inward so 

 that the grinding surfaces come perceptibly nearer to the median 

 line, and the outer half of the tooth is rapidly worn while the 

 inner edge projects as a sharp cutting ridge (cliisel teeth). 



For the same reason, the softening branches of the lower jaw 

 deviate inward, tending to still further destroy the due approxi- 

 mation of the upper with the lower molars, and to diminish the 

 breadth of the intermaxillary space. The great thickening of the 

 rami of the maxilla tends still further to reduce the intermaxillary 

 furrow. 



Fractures and detachment of tendons and ligaments are com- 

 mon results of the rarefaction, a portion of the bone often remain- 

 ing adherent to the tendon. 



Gary gives the following statistics of fifteen cases : lame in the 

 fore limbs 11 (mostly shoulder), in hind limbs 11 (mostly hip 

 and stifle), stiff in loins 8. unable to rise without aid 3, had in- 

 dented ribs 4, had shifting lameness 8, had chronic indigestion 

 6 ; mares 5 ; geldings 8 ; mules 2 ; ages were — one 3 years, yfz'^ 

 6 3'ears, three 7 years, one 8 years, tzvo 9 3'ears and three 10 years. 



When the bones are enlarged their softness and friability may 

 be shown by pricking with a needle, which will often freely 

 penetrate the rarefied bony tissue. It should be first rendered 

 antiseptic by dipping in strong carbolic acid. 



From the first the general health fails, there is difficulty in 

 mastication, digestion is more or less impaired, nutrition is im- 

 perfect and muscular flabbiness, weakness and wasting advance 

 more or less rapidly. In advanced cases emaciation is often a 

 marked feature. 



