Experimental fluorosis in sheep: alleviating effects of aluminum

Five groups of 4 sheep were given for 33 mo a daily oral dose of 0, 1.9 or 4.7 mg fluoride (F)/kg body weight with or without 13.5 mg aluminum (Al)/kg. In all treated animals the general health status was disturbed and osteo-dental symptoms appeared while F levels were increased in teeth, bones and organs. In sheep given the higher F dose, pathologic lesions were observed in kidney and liver. Most disturbances were dose-related and alleviated by simultaneous administration of aluminum sulfate, mainly for the lower F dose.