Author: Krook LP, Justus C.
Source: Fluoride
Year: 2006
Comment:
Abstract / Excerpt:
On a farm in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, Quarter horses consuming artificially fluoridated water (up to 1.3 ppm F) for extended periods of time developed classical symptoms of chronic fluoride intoxication including dental fluorosis, crooked legs, hyperostosis and enostosis, hoof deformities, and microscopic evidence of reduced bone resorption. These symptoms began to appear about two years after fluoridation started in 1985 and gradually became more severe. Representative postmortem F concentrations in dry matter bone were: 587 ppm in a 20-year-old gelding drinking F water for the last 10 years; 936 ppm in a 17-year-old gelding on F water for the last 11 years; and 757 ppm in a 21-year-old mare on F water all her life. Blood serum thyroxin in a 19-year old mare (T4) was “very low”, and interference with reproduction was noted after five years. Radiographs of the third metacarpal bone revealed osteomegaly with thick lamellae from both ends extending throughout the medullary space. The levels of F ingestion and the bone F concentrations of these horses are far below those claimed to cause F intoxication in cattle. After fluoridation was terminated on March 29, 2005, colic gradually ceased and other significant improvements have occurred.
Citation: Krook LP, Justus C. Fluoride poisoning of horses from artificially fluoridated drinking water. Fluoride. 2006; 39(1):3-10.