Fluoride Toxicity in Domestic and Wild Animals

Abstract

Fluoride toxicity in animals has become an important toxicologic problem in many parts of the world due to the expansion of certain types of industrial operations that emit excessive fluorides into the atmosphere in areas of animal habitat. Animals normally ingest low levels of fluoride with no adverse effects. Small amounts of fluoride may even have beneficial effects, but when excessive amounts are ingested for prolonged periods of time, adverse effects are induced. Many sources may contribute to the total fluoride intake of animals. Various factors influence biologic responses of animals to excessive ingested fluorides. Signs and lesions of fluoride toxicity in animals have been characterized. The lesions observed in fluoride toxicity in various species of animals are essentially similar. Fluoride standards and a comprehensive guide for use in diagnosing and evaluating fluoride toxicity in animals have been compiled. Prevention and control of fluoride toxicity in animals can be achieved when the complexity of the disease is realized and the pathogenesis, symptomatology, and lesions are properly correlated, interpreted, and evaluated, and the source(s) of excessive fluorides are eliminated.