Clinicopathological profile of induced chronic arsenic toxicity in goats

Abstract

Chronic arsenic toxicity was induced in goats by oral administration of sodium arsenite @25.0mg/kg b. wt. daily for 12 weeks. Clinically ,there were dcvelopment of gastrointestinaL and nephritic signs with 100% mortality. Intoxicated goats had Leucopaenia, anaemia and increased erythrocyte fragility rate. Rumen pH became acidic with complete absence of its protozoan activity. An increased BSP clearance time was observed in the intoxicated goats. Urinanalysis revealed low specific gravity and pH alongwith marked presence of protein, sugar, cast, pus cells and arsenic (>70% mg%). Significantly decreased concentrations of urea nitrogen and creatinine with increase of alkaline phosphates were observed in urine. The elimination of arsenic mainly occured through the faeces and skin.