ACUTE OSTEOMYELITIS. 267 
an infected wound near it, or serious inflammation has occurred in its imme- 
diate vicinity. 
On pus forming, the cavity of a joint is converted into an abscess, and the 
usual signs are manifested — swelling, heat, redness, and constitutional disturb- 
ance. Recovery without loss of the joint is then impossible. 
ACUTE OSTEOMYELITIS. 
Following inflammatory diseases, and especially the infectious, there now 
and then, but only rarely, appears the disease of the bones termed osteomyelitis. 
Puppies are the most frequent victims of the acute form; while occurring after 
maturity it is generally the very old that suffer; and in them the trouble is 
chronic and of slow growth. 
The disease is an inflammation within the bones, of their marrow, and it com- 
monly results in mutiple abscesses. As a rule the joints of the largest bones of 
the legs, and oftener than otherwise of the forelegs, are involved by the acute 
form; although it sometimes exhibits a preference for the ribs. And owing to its 
resemblance to rheumatism, doubtless cases are often mistaken for that disease. 
The general acceptation is that it is caused by a germ, termed staphylococcus. 
Swelling and tenderness of the affected parts and constitutional disturbance, 
as indicated by fever, are the most prominent signs; and the same occurring 
after distemper, diphtheria or other infectious disease, this affection might rightly 
be suspected. 
Recovery from both forms is possible, but since deformity is invariably left 
and the dog practically ruined, while it would be necessary to persist in treat- 
ment for a long time, it could not be encouraged. 
The manifestation of the chronic form is a “bunch” or tumor of compact or 
spongy bony tissue on some bone, and generally one of the vertebra or bones 
of the spinal column. 
A surgical operation is required in the removal; which should only be 
attempted when the bunches are likely to occasion much trouble as they grow 
larger. 
