Tooth lesions and fluoride content in teeth, bones and antlers of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
Abstract
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) from the US Air Force Academy (USAF A) at Colorado Springs, Colorado have shown antler fractures and tooth lesions. Brittle bones and tooth lesions have been associated with high ingestion of fluorides. The present study compared prevalence and severity of tooth lesions with fluoride content in teeth, bones and antlers of mule deer from USAF A with deer from other two areas in Colorado. Mule deer tissues were collected during 1993-1995 from: USAF A (N=262), Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site (pCMS, N=24), and game management units (GMU's) in northwestern Colorado (N=16). The severity of tooth lesions was rated using a 0 (normal) to 5 (severe
hypoplasia) scale. In all areas the median lesion score was 1; the highest score in USAFA was 5 vs. 3 in the other areas. Median fluodide concentrations (Jlg/g d.w.) were higher (p<0.002) in second incisors and bones of mule deer collected at the USAFA (669.9, N=246 incisors, 744.5, N=247 bones) than in deer from PCMS (507.3; 494.7, N=24) and
GMU's (426.2,466.2, N=16), respectively.
Within the USAF A, median fluoride concentrations in teeth and bones were lower (P I. 5 years) than in females. Median fluoride concentrations were lower (P
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