Rachitis is a a deficiency disease of the osseous system characterized by an excess of newly formed bone that fails to calcify. The disease is caused by an imbalance of the calcium to phosphorus ratio or a deficiency of either mineral. The presence of vitamin D is an essential factor if there is a major imbalance in the Ca: P ratio.

A 6-year-old Angus cow was admitted to Stange Memorial Clinic on December 28, 1955. The animal was suffering from a myositis with calcification in the left front leg. The carpus was fixed in complete flexion, rendering the limb entirely useless. The animal also had a vaginal prolapse which had been caused by the lunging gait and the tremendous muscular exertion needed to rise.

On December seventh a 6-year-old Holstein cow was admitted to Stange Memorial Clinic as a "Hardware" suspect. Physical examination revealed a slightly elevated temperature, absence of pain in the sternal region, increased respiratory sounds over the entire right lung, absence of respiratory sounds in the left lung, and a rapid, weak heartbeat.