OBSERVATIONS OF FLUOROSIS IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS OF THE INDIAN THAR DESERT, RAJASTHAN, INDIA

Toxic effects of chronic fluoride (F) exposure in the form of osteo-dental and non-skeletal fluorosis were observed in 85 domesticed animals living in Udasar village, Bikaner district of Rajasthan, India located in the That desert of India where fluoride (F) in drinking water sources (bore wells) varies between 1.6 ppm and 2.2 ppm (mean 1.9 ppm). These animals included cattle (Bos taurus), goat (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries). Among immature animals the highest prevalence of dental fluorosis was found in calves (41.0%) followed by lamps (28.5%) and kids (20.0%), while among mature (adult) animals, highest prevalence of dental fluorosis was observed in cows (17.8%) and lowest in goats (13.3%). Their anterior teeth showed light to deep yellowish staining and striated lines. In severe forms of dental fluorosis, recession of gingival swelling and irregular wearing of teeth were also present. Among 28 cows and 15 goats, rate of the skeletal fluorosis was 7.1% and 6.6% respectively. However, no sign of skeletal fluorosis was observed in sheep. On the contrary, among young animals 12 calves, 10 kids and 7 lamps, rate of skeletal fluorosis was reported to be 16.6%, 10.0% and 14.2% respectively. Results of the present study suggest that ground water fluoride play a role in pathogensis of chronic fluoride intoxication.