94 DISEASES OF THE GREYHOUND. 



shock to withstand, from the want of speed in the puppy, and his 

 great natural and instinctive objection to jump either up or down. 

 When, therefore, after eight months in the bitch, or nine in the 

 dog puppy, the joints continue very lumpy and enlarged, I 

 consider it a sign of natural weakness of constitution, or of 

 the imperfect supply of food containing the phosphate of lime, 

 such as wheat or oat flour. The use of salt is also a great aid to 

 the formation of bone, from its increasing the digestive powers, 

 and from the general stimulus to secretion which it affords. If 

 not previously used, therefore, it is well to supply it on detect- 

 ing the existence of rickets or a tendency to it. A grain of the 

 sulphate of iron, combined with the same quantity of sulphate of 

 quinine, will also tend to strengthen the constitution, and increase 

 the deposit of lime, as well as relieve the tendency to inflamma- 

 tion of the joints, which often goes on to irreparable destruction 

 and deformity. But if puppies are reared on the principles 

 I have endeavoured to explain, these enlargements will very 

 seldom occur, except as a sequel to distemper in very obstinate 

 and severe cases. So long as actual deformity is avoided, I would 

 never despair till the dog is arrived at maturity, as, by careful 

 feeding and the use of the above remedies, I have known 

 astonishing cases of recovery from enlarged and rickety joints ; 

 but, alas, these recoveries are too often only to the eye. The 

 texture of the bone is too soft to stand the severe trials of the 

 course, and a fracture takes place at a time when, perhaps, a 

 large sum of money is invested on the success or failure of the 

 pet of the kennel. Every dog is liable to accidents, and may 



