DISEASES OF THE LOCOMOTORS ORGANS 89 



and become deformed. This is especially true of the 

 extremities. 



Causes. — The most common cause of the disease 

 is a faulty diet. In the Corn Belt, where corn forms 

 the principal part of the ration fed growing hogs, 

 rickets is not uncommon. Such a diet is deficient in 

 inorganic matter, and unless supplemented by milk, 

 pasture, or other feeds, the bones are not' supplied 

 with the necessary elements. Lack of exercise, 

 crowded, quarters, filth, etc., help in causing the dis- 

 ease. A tendency toward rickets in pigs is no doubt 

 hereditary. 



Symptoms.-^The animal is usually fat at the be- 

 ginning of, the disease. Large, well-grown pigs inay 

 suddenly develop symptoms of paralysis of the hind 

 parts. The weakened condition of the.- thigh-bones 

 and the extra weight that they support causes their 

 fracture, and the symptoms resulting resemble the 

 above condition. At other times there is a weakness 

 and bending of the bones in the extremities, breaking 

 down upon the feet, bending or arching of the back, 

 straddling gait, deformed or distorted condition of 

 the face and snout. The latter condition is known as 

 snuffles. 



When the disease takes on a chronic form, or has 

 prbgressed for some time, the pig becomes unthrifty 

 and stunted. When a fracture of a principal bone in 

 the extremity occurs, it is best to destroy the pig. 

 Snuffles is another condition that does not respond to 

 treatment. 



Treatment. — Rickets can be prevented by feeding 



