226 The Care of Animals 



OSTEOPOROSIS 



This IS a disease of horses, and is commonly known 

 as "big head." In some regions it is rather prevalent, 

 while in other regions it is rarely seen. This fact is 

 explained by the presence or absence in the soil, water 

 or food of some substance which is important in the 

 growth and nutrition of bone. The disease is probably 

 associated with the salts of lime. 



Osteoporosis is an absorption and softening of the 

 bony structure. The bone becomes increased in size, 

 but lighter in weight, and very porous or spongy. The 

 disease is usually first observed in the bones of the 

 head. The bones of the face become enlarged, giving 

 the face a full, rounded appearance. The lower jaw- 

 bones become enlarged ; later, the legs are affected. 

 The bones may be slightly inflamed, somewhat tender 

 upon manipulation, and locomotion may be interfered 

 with. As the disease progresses, the animal falls away 

 rapidly in flesh. 



The treatment for this trouble consists in the use 

 of tonic medicines, combined with a variety of nour- 

 ishing foods, and hygienic surroundings. Once the 

 disease is well established, treatment is of little avail. 



BONY ENLARGEMENTS 



Bony bunches, or enlargements, are technically known 

 as "exostoses." They may occur at any point on a bone, 

 but are most frequently found and are most serious in 

 the region of a joint. An exotosis, "or bony bunch," is 



