RICKETS
Cause.—Perhaps the most common cause of this disease is a faulty diet, as food that is deficient in inorganic matter. Unless supplemented by milk or other foods containing lime salt, the bones are not supplied with the necessary elements; lack of exercise, ill-ventilated, filthy kennels, etc., help in causing the disease. A tendency towards Rickets in pups is no doubt hereditary.
Symptoms.—The dog is usually in good condition at the beginning of the disease. Large, well grown pups may suddenly develop symptoms of paralysis of the hind parts. The weakened condition of the thigh bone, not being able to support the dog’s weight, fractures. At other times there is a weakness and bending of bones in the limbs, breaking down of the feet, bending or arching of the back, straddling gait, deformed or disfigured condition of the face or nose.
Treatment.—Rickets can be prevented by careful feeding on suitable foods and keeping the dog clean in well ventilated kennels, where he can get plenty of exercise. Whenever a litter of several pups show symptoms of the disease, the character of the food should be looked into, and if faulty corrected by adding to it medicines or food containing required elements. It is hardly practical to use medical treatment other than bitter tonics. Unless the disease is in an advanced stage, it can usually be controlled by careful feeding of a ration rich in inorganic substances, as bone dust, lime water, and crushed egg shells, with a view of supplying calcareous matter to the system. This can be fed to the bitch nursing the pups or, if the pups are weaned, feed them carefully.
RINGWORM
Cause.—Dogs may become infected with Ringworm by coming in contact with infected dogs, or by being shipped in crates or boxes in which infected dogs have recently been transported, or by using blankets, brushes, collars, etc., which have been recently used by infected dogs.
Symptoms.—Small red spots first appear on the skin, gradually enlarging, and are covered with a thin, grayish scale, under which is found a serum. The hair falls out as a result of the infection of the skin by the parasite. The outside of the affected patches is red, while the inner portion takes on a grayish-white color, giving it a ring appearance. This condition is followed by severe itching; the dog rubs and scratches severely.
Treatment.—The most effective drug is Tincture of Iodine, applied once daily with a brush. Great care must be exercised, as this disease may be transmitted to man, and to all domestic animals. Sanitary surroundings and good, clean food, that is easily digested, assists materially in eradicating the parasites.