Chronic fluorosis in buffaloes: Clinico-pathological studies

Abstract

Five villages each from Kunkavav, Lathi and Liliya talukas from the Amreli district of Gujarat State were selected in the present study. A total of 336 blood and urine samples each were collected randomly from buffaloes exhibiting clinical signs of dental fluorosis in areas where water fluoride level was above 1.12 ppm. Hemoglobin and total erythrocyte count were significantly reduced in buffaloes exposed to higher concentrations of fluoride in the water whereas higher eosinophil count was reported in affected buffaloes as compared to control animals in all three talukas. Significantly reduced concentration of calcium, phosphorus, total protein and increased activity of alkaline phosphatase was found in serum samples of affected buffaloes as compare to controls. The fluoride concentration in urine, serum and bone samples was higher in affected buffaloes. Grossly ankylosis of knee joint was evident in one of the affected buffaloes which died during the course of the study. Microscopically sections of bones revealed dilated and irregular haversian canals with thick trabaculae having sharp heavy outlines. It was concluded that higher serum/urine fluoride level and increased serum ALP activity might be used as screening parameter for chronic fluorosis in buffaloes maintained in fluoride affected zones.