RICKETS. 447 



tlie greytoimd, the mastiff, and other large dogs, between three 

 and nine months old, when the knees and hocks will strike the eye 

 as out of all character with the rest of the frame. Here, so lono- 

 as the legs are not bent out of shape, and there is no lameness 

 the breeder need feel no anxiety, as in course of time the enlarge- 

 ment of the joints subsides, leaving only what is particularly 

 desired, namely, large bony and strong joints, without any mal- 

 formation. It is extraordinary^ to what an extent this bony de- 

 velopment sometimes goes, especially in young dogs, bitches seldom 

 showing the same amount of it. Inexperienced breeders are often 

 sadly puzzled to know whether such puppies are worth rearino-, 

 and I have often saved the lives of valuable animals, which had 

 been condemned as diseased, but which ultimately turned out to be 

 all that could be wished. When, therefore, such a state of thino-s 

 exists, let the patience of the owner be exercised till the ninth or 

 tenth month, or sometimes still longer, and, if about this time the 

 limbs do not grow into shape, it will be quite early enough to 

 consider what is to be done. But, again, there is to be met with 

 a scrofulous enlargement of the joints which is seldom got rid of; 

 but this occurs in delicate puppies, and not in the large overgrown 

 animals which are the subjects of the mere " big joints " above 

 described. There is a puffy and soft feeling communicated to the 

 hand on examining the leg, and usually there is a tenderness on 

 pressure, together with more or less lameness in walking or run- 

 ning. This scrofulous enlargement may occur in the knees, hocks, 

 or stifles, but the last-named joints are most usually the seats of 

 the disease. Sometimes nature rallies and throws off this tendency 



