RACHITIS—RICKETS :]61 



for bloating are observed in the early stages. Very often 

 the disease is not noted until the change in the form of the 

 bones begins. Deformity appears in various places. The 

 bones of the head and face show a bulging which gives the 

 animal a peculiar appearance. The limb bones show curva- 

 ture and enlargement at the joints. Palpation along the 

 ribs at the attachment of the bones to the cartilage will reveal 

 small, rounded enlargements. Twisting and curvature of 

 the spine are quite commonly observed. The teeth become 

 loose and displaced, the gums soft and spongy and bleed 

 easily. Deformity of other bones may be present. General 

 emaciation, weakness and irregular development of the 

 bones, with marked gastric and intestinal disturbances are 

 prominent symptoms. 



Course.— The course of rachitis is nearly always chronic, 

 lasting for several months. Occasionally the condition runs 

 an acute course when complications arc present. 



Prognosis.- When the disease is observed early and treated, 

 the prognosis is rather favorable. After there is marked 

 deformity and evidences of emaciation and malnutrition 

 very little can be hoped for. 



Treatment. —The first consideration in the treatment should 

 be the diet. Dogs should be allowed plenty of meat with 

 the addition of ground bone. In birds meat scraps and ground 

 bone seem to produce the best results. Gastric and intestinal 

 catarrh should be treated, if present, by alkalies and mild 

 laxatives. The lime deficiency must he relieved by the 

 administration of lime salts. Syrup of calcium laetqphos- 

 phate has been very satisfactory for this purpose (dogs, 8.0- 

 12.0; chickens, 1.0-2.0). This should be given twice daily 

 and continued for a few weeks. Chalk (calcium carbonate), 

 or calcium phosphate is also to be recommended in doses 

 of 1.0 to 8.0 daily. In some cases there will also be a 

 deficiency of phosphorus which can be replaced with calcium 

 phosphate. Phosphorus in a bland oil (dogs, 0.001-0.002 in 

 10.0 oil; birds, 0.005-0.001 in 2.0 oil) is also recommended. 

 Small doses of hydrochloric acid, well diluted, will assist in 

 the. solution and assimilation of lime. 



