SYMPTOMS.—The symptoms are quite marked. These are severe loss of appetite, lameness and general lack of condition. Sometimes large swellings appear in the region of the hock, knee, and joints of the feet. The muscles of the back are held stiff and arched, the muscles are tender and sensitive when pressed, and the dog may be unable to move his hind parts. Other cases may show a serious train of symptoms. A bitch that has raised a litter of pups, when in poor flesh, is often affected with this disease. A lameness of one or more of the limbs that shows a tendency to shift about is the only sign noticed in the mild form of the disease. Stiffness of the joints is noticed, especially if the quarters are affected, and the dog lies around a good share of the time and refuses to go far for its food. In Acute Rheumatism, the pain in the affected muscles and joints is intense, and when these parts are handled, or the joints moved, the dog will whine from the pain produced. When lying down, asleep, sudden contractions of the muscles may be noticed. This is due to the pain resulting from the relaxing of the muscles. This disease may pursue a long course; the joints become greatly enlarged, and the dog grows very thin and weak. In such cases, a complete recovery seldom follows. TREATMENT.—Prevention is very important, such as providing dry, comfortable quarters, and the avoidance of exposure. Unless this is practiced, but little can be obtained from medical treatment. A soft laxative diet is also indicated: Salicylate Soda, three drams; Quinine Sulphate, one dram. Make into twenty capsules and give one capsule every three or four hours. When the bowels are constipated, give two or three ounces of Castor Oil. The above doses are based on a dog weighing forty pounds. Smaller or larger dogs should receive the same medicine but proportionately to their weight. It is advisable, in cases where the limbs are badly swollen, to apply liniments, and I would recommend the following: Aqua Ammonia Fort., two ounces; Oil of Turpentine, two ounces; Sweet Oil, four ounces. Shake and rub on the affected parts once or twice daily. 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.