Rickets is a peculiar unhealthy condition of the whole body. This disorder is quite common among young dogs, and more especially the larger breeds.

Causation

Debilitated or rachitic sire or dam may transmit a taint to their offspring, or it may arise from improper feeding, lack of sunlight, impure air, close confinement, and impaired nutrition. In some instances it is developed rapidly after other diseases, which have left the system in a state of debility.

Symptoms

To correctly comprehend the changes in rickets it is necessary to briefly consider the physiological growth of bone. Every tubular bone grows in length and thickness; in length by the deposit of new layers of cartilage-cells, in which limy salts are then deposited. It grows in thickness by the addition of new layers of bony substances immediately beneath the covering of the bone. As the growth in thickness is much more insignificant, and progresses slower than in length, the disturbances of the physiological growth at the cartilaginous ends are more marked and liable to occur. While the bone is enlarging externally by new formation, absorption takes place in the centre. In rickets this absorption goes on, but prompt ossification is suspended or but imperfectly performed.

No bone affected by this disease retains its normal form. The angles become rounded; the long or tubular bones cease to grow in length; the ends swell and become bulbous. The weight of the body causes the bones of the fore-legs especially to bend, and permanent angular deformity results. The bones of the head seem to grow at the expense of the body, and it appears swollen and ill-shaped.

The coat is rough and staring; the gums and lips pallid; the muscles flabby; the general appearance of a rachitic animal is unhealthy, stunted, and unsightly. Digestion may remain undisturbed, but occasionally diarrhoea supervenes; then the disease becomes materially aggravated.

Treatment

Pure fresh air, sunlight, and dry, well ventilated kennels are absolutely necessary. Lime water should be given freely with the food, which ought to be generous and nutritious. Cod liver oil is the one important medicinal remedy to depend upon, although iron and quinine can be added to the treatment if their need is indicated.

In large breeds there is a liability to deformity which might be easily mistaken for rickets. It results from confinement and over-feeding, the body becoming too large, and too heavy for the legs to sustain. In such cases the quantity of food should be lessened, and by regulated exercise the weaker parts strengthened.