Pathomorphological changes of aceclofenac toxicity in layer chicks

Aim: The present research work was undertaken to study the patholomorphogical changes induced by repeated doses of aceclofenac. Materials and Methods: 100 BV-300 day old layer chicks were randomly divided into four equal groups and treated with aceclofenac at the dose rate of 0, 10, 20 and 30 ppm orally through feed for 21 consecutive days. Results: The abnormal behavioral clinical signs like dullness, lethargy, lameness, anorexia, feather plucking and uneven growth were noticed only in chicks of treatment groups III and IV with varied severity. Maximum mortality was observed in group IV (16%) followed by group III (4%). A dose dependent reduction in body weight was found in all the treatment groups. Grossly, on surface of visceral organs white chalky urate deposits of varying degree were observed in chicks which died during experiment from treatment groups III and IV. Histopathologically, the lesions were characterized by congestion, degeneration, haemorrhage and deposition of uric acid crystals. Kidney was the main target organ affected. Conclusion: The present study indicates that aceclofenac is hepatotoxic as well as nephrotoxic which causes visceral gout in layer chicks.