GENERAL DISEASES. 



233 



RICKETS OR RACHITIS (Bone Softening), 



When not hereditary, is caused by a lack of health- 

 giving food. It is peculiar to young animals. Give l-£ 

 to 3 drams phosphate of lime once a day, or cod liver 

 oil, 4 oz., lime water, 2 oz., once a day. Nutritious diet 

 and pure air. (See page 69.) 



Fig. 102. Rickets in humerus of dog. 



BONE BRITTLENESS (FRAGILITAS OSSIUM), 



Is rare except in districts where the water and soil are 

 lacking in lime salts and phosphates. The general health 

 is affected and fractures are common. 



Remedy. — Change pasture and water and feed on nu- 

 tritious, phosphatic foods. The salts of iron are .valuable 

 tonics. Sulphate or carbonate of iron is useful., but the 



