322 THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF THE DOCt. 



those supporting weight, hence general deformity. This is 

 rarely or ever the case with dogs (excepting, as mentioned, 

 in the facial bones), more particularly as regards the ribs and 

 spinal column ; therefore it may be taken as a general rule, 

 that canine rickets, when it does exist, only does so in a 

 partial form. The position of the body probably exercises a 

 considerable influence in this respect, the same weight on the 

 spinal column being not brought to bear as in the erect posi- 

 tion of the human 'being. 



Treatment. — This chiefly consists in avoiding those causes 

 which I have enumerated as giving rise to the malady. When 

 the disease is established, then it will be necessary to adopt, 

 in conjunction with hygienics, medical treatment ; bearing in 

 mind that defective nutrition is the original cause, it behoves 

 us to remedy, as far as lies in our power, the existing evil. 

 We have seen that the bones are deficient in earthy materials ; 

 our object should therefore be to supply what is required. 

 Mineral tonics are especially indicated. Bonefilihgs, pulver- 

 ized egg-shells, or lime-water mixed with good oatmeal por- 

 ridge, are exceedingly beneficial. Cod-liver oil is also a 

 useful adjunct ; while daily and, if need be compulsory exer- 

 cise is absolutely necessary. 



It is almost needless to observe that dogs of a rachitic dia- 

 thesis should not be used for bi ceding purposes. 



SCROFULA. 



Scrofula is a disease of common occurrence among the 

 lower animals, and the canine race forms no exception to the 

 fact. 



As with human beings, so with the dog j it is usually met 

 with in early life, and is traceable to those causes which give 

 rise to it in our own species — such as near relationship in 

 breeding and certain morbid conditions of one or both 

 parents. 



