484 VETERINARY SURGICAL THERAPEUTICS. 
At first, cold applications are resorted to (continued irrigation, cold 
or astringent compresses). Later, blisterings, specially with the bichro- 
mate of potass (2 to 4 parts in 30), fine points of needles cauterization. 
Often, by simple change in shoeing, the lameness can be relieved and the 
animal be able to do his work or be fattened (Faulon). To this effect, the 
diseased toe is relieved from carrying weight; the height of the hoof is 
reduced by paring it low, no shoe is put on that side; while on the con- 
trary the hoof of the sound side is left untouched, and a pad of leather 
placed between it and the shoe. It is prudent to exercise the animal 
for some time on soft ground. In some cases, like Gutteridge, neurotomy 
has to be performed. 
VIII. 
RACHITISM. 
This expression must be reserved to name the softening of bones in young 
animals, and that of osteomadacia for the same alterations occurring in adults. 
These two morbid conditions seem to have similar causes and the differ- 
ences observed in the lesions depend invariably on the condition of dé- 
velopment of the diseased bones; in osteomalacia, the bone, already cal- 
cified, loses all its lime salts which are taken up by the circulation and 
eliminated, while the alterations in rachitism are the result of an insuf- 
ficient calcification. 
Relatively frequent in young dogs and pigs, rdchitism is observed some- 
times in colts, calves, sheep, wild carnivora kept in captivity (lion, tiger), 
monkeys and gallinacious. The special conformation of the members of 
‘some species of dogs (the basset), considered by Daubenton as the result of 
rachitism, arrested in its progress and afterwards transmitted by heredity, is 
no longer considered as pathological, but as a character special to this 
breed. Yet rachitism is frequent in dogs, specially the Danish. Young 
‘pigs of improved breeds (English and other crossings) seem predisposed 
to it. Ordinarily the disease is manifested by general symptoms and 
local troubles. The alterations of bones vary much. On the extremi- 
ties, epiphysar swellings are observed, the bones are bent; the front legs, 
deviated forwards, backwards, outwards or inwards, assume special aspect. 
The vertebral column may be curved upwards (cyphosis) or downwards 
(lordosis) or sideways (scoliosis). Bony growths are sometimes seen at 
the union of the ribs and their cartilage (rachitic bead) or on the sternum 
{chicken chest). The bones of the cranium present in some cases fon- 
tanels. In pigs and young goats, the maxillaries are swollen. The same 
occurs in horses. The case of Laquerriére, was that of a four years 
old horse, in which both jaws were affected. The little mare men- 
tioned by Soula was affected when three years old. ‘The branches of 
