Clinico-pathological studies and therapeutic effects of febuxostat on visceral gout in vanaraja chicken

The present study investigates the clinico-pathological effects and therapeutic potential of Febuxostat on aceclofenac-induced visceral gout in Vanaraja chickens. A total of 72 day-old Vanaraja chicks were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: Group I (Control), Group II (Aceclofenac + Bottle Gourd Juice), Group III (Aceclofenac + Febuxostat), and Group IV (Aceclofenac + Febuxostat Treatment). Birds in the aceclofenac-treated groups exhibited clinical signs of dehydration, lethargy, anorexia, emaciation, and greenish diarrhea, with a mortality rate of 22.77% in Groups II and IV. Hematological analysis revealed significant increases in packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC), and total leukocyte count (TLC) in aceclofenac-induced groups, while Group III (preventive treatment with Febuxostat) showed values comparable to the control. Serum biochemical analysis demonstrated elevated uric acid and creatinine levels in aceclofenac-treated groups, indicative of renal dysfunction. However, Febuxostat administration significantly reduced serum uric acid levels, mitigating renal damage and restoring hematological and biochemical parameters to near-normal levels. Bottle gourd juice also exhibited a protective role, reducing clinical signs and improving body weight. These findings suggest that Febuxostat effectively prevents and alleviates aceclofenac-induced visceral gout, with bottle gourd juice providing additional supportive benefits.