614 PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SURGERY 



and the fat has disappeared from the connective tissue. 

 There are also lesions of prolonged decubitus, consisting of 

 oedematous infiltrations in the subcutaneous tissue and ser- 

 ous membranes, ecchymoses, dermal wounds and eschars. 



DIAGNOSIS. — The diagnosis is easy, especially by at- 

 tentive observation of the patients, and when the disease is 

 enzootic. It may then be recognized on first sight. The 

 age of the patient is sufficient to distinguish it from rachitis. 

 During the painful period it may be confounded with rheum 

 atism, but the persistence of the affection, the etiology and 

 commemoratives facilitates the differentiation. 



PROGNOSIS. — The prognosis is all the more grave 

 when the disease rages as an epizootic. The cure is difficult 

 and can only be accomplished in the early stage. The prog- 

 nosis is therefore alvirays unfavorable. In connection with 

 years of scarcity and droughts it is often impossible to pro- 

 cure the diet necessary to ameliorate the condition. All 

 treatment is useless when the disease has advanced, and 

 especially to the period of fractures. For rich land owners, 

 who can furnish the necessary good nourishment, the prog- 

 nosis is more favorable, and especially when the animals 

 are only slightly affected. But in bad years, when good 

 nourishment is scarce, even the mild cases cannot be saved. 

 Animals in the middle of an attack may sometimes be saved 

 by an appropriate diet. The fact is that the prognosis de- 

 pends upon the economical condition of the agriculturists. 



TREATMENT.— The treatment must be prophylactic 

 and curative. Prophylaxis, based upon etiological facts, has 

 been earnestly recommended by Cantiget, and it has been 

 accomplished by cultural improvements in the districts 

 where the disease was enzootic. The use of phosphates 

 and superphosphates as manure has given good results. 

 The use of fodder obtained from districts where the disease 

 is unknown is also advisable. Emigration into countries 



