196 GENERAL DISEASES. 



food are the causes assignable. In some breeds a constitutional fat pro- 

 ducing tendency seems to exist. 



Treatment. —Enforced regular exercise; a deprivation of sweets, veg- 

 etables, and starchy food ; raw, lean beef, in a reasonable quantity should 

 be the principle article of diet. 



(Rickets. 



Rickets is a peculiar unhealthy condition of the whole body. This disor- 

 der is quite common among young dogs, and more especially the larger 

 breeds. 



Causation. — Debilitated or rachitic sire or dam may transmit a taint 

 to their offspring, or it may arise from improper feeding, lack of sunlight, 

 impure air, close confinement, and impaired nutrition. In some instan- 

 ces it is developed rapidly after other diseases, which have left the system 

 in a state of debility. 



Symptoms . — To correctly comprehend the changes in rickets it is nec- 

 essary to briefly consider the physiological growth of bone. Every tubu- 

 lar bone grows in length and thickness; in length by the deposit of new 

 layers of cartilage-cells, in which limy salts are then deposited. It grows 

 in thickness by the addition of new layers of bony substances immedi- 

 ately beneath the covering of the bone. As the growth in thickness is 

 much more insignificant, and progresses slower than in length, the dis- 

 turbances of the physiological growth at the cartilaginous ends are more 

 marked and liable to occur. "While the bone is enlarging externally by 

 new formation, absorption takes place in the centre. In rickets this ab- 

 sorption goes on, but prompt ossification is suspended or but imperfectly 

 performed. 



No bone affected by this disease retains its normal form. The angles 

 become rounded ; the long or tubular bones cease to grow in length; the 

 ends swell and become bulbous. The weight of the body causes the bones 

 of the fore-legs especially to bend, and permanent angular deformity 

 results. The bones of the head seem to grow at the expense of the body, 

 and it appears swollen and ill-shaped. 



The coat is rough and staring; the gums and lips pallid; the muscles 

 flabby; the general appearance of a rachitic animal is unhealthy, stunted, 

 and unsightly. Digestion may remain undisturbed, but occasionally diar- 

 rhoea supervenes; then the disease becomes materially aggravated. 



Treatment. —Pure fresh air, sunlight, and dry, well ventilated kennels 

 are absolutely necessary. Lime water should be given freely with the 

 food, which ought to be generous and nutritious. Cod liver oil is the one 



