PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Basso P.C., Raiser A.G., Brun M.V., Guizzo Junior N., Feranti, J.P.S., Motta, A.C., Bortolini, C.E. & Muller D.C.M. 2010. [Pulmonary incisional biopsy by means of transdiaphragmatic paraxiphoid thoracoscopy with two ports in dog.] Biópsia pulmonar incisional por toracoscopia paraxifoide transdiafragmática com dois portais em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(7):566-572. Departamento de Clínica de Pequenos Animais, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97119-900, Brazil. E-mail: paula.basso@bol.com.br There are many respiratory diseases in small animals, as well as the possibilities of diagnoses, as laboratory and radiographic exams, bronchoalveolar lavage and biopsies. This research aimed at assessing the results of transdiaphragmatic paraxiphoid thoracoscopies in pulmonary biopsies of thirteen clinically healthy dogs. Under general anesthesia, each dog was insufflated with 30ml kg-1 of air in each hemithorax; two trocars were placed between the xiphoid appendix and the costal arch through the diaphragm. An endoscope was introduced by the first portal; while the second portal was used to allow access to the nippers in the biopsy forceps. Then, these nippers were removed and replaced by chest tube drainage. During the procedures, respiratory frequency, heart rate, oxygen saturation, arterial pressure and central venous pressure (CVP), hemogasometric parameters were checked. Within 48 hours after the surgery, drains were or drain was removed, with minimal production of air and/or liquid. In conclusion, this is a fast and safe technique, which is free of trans and post surgical complications, thus allowing the collection of sufficient material for pulmonary histological evaluation.

• Pulmonary biopsy thoracic surgery biópsia pulmonar cirurgia torácica

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Basso P.C., Raiser A.G., Brun M.V., Guizzo Junior N., Feranti, J.P.S., Motta, A.C., Bortolini, C.E. & Muller D.C.M. 2010. [Pulmonary incisional biopsy by means of transdiaphragmatic paraxiphoid thoracoscopy with two ports in dog.] Biópsia pulmonar incisional por toracoscopia paraxifoide transdiafragmática com dois portais em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(7):566-572. Departamento de Clínica de Pequenos Animais, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97119-900, Brazil. E-mail: paula.basso@bol.com.br As doenças respiratórias observadas na clínica médica de pequenos animais são numerosas, assim como as possibilidades diagnósticas, dentre as quais encontram-se os exames laboratoriais, os estudos radiográficos, os lavados broncoalveolares e as biópsias. Na presente pesquisa avaliaram-se os resultados da toracoscopia paraxifoide transdiafragmática para a realização de biópsia pulmonar em cães, sendo utilizados para tanto, 13 animais clinicamente sadios. Sob anestesia geral, produziu-se pneumotórax no volume de 30ml kg-1 de ar ambiente para cada hemitórax. O acesso foi obtido a partir de dois trocartes, posicionados entre o apêndice xifoide e o arco costal, os quais transfixaram o diafragma. O primeiro portal foi empregado para a passagem do endoscópio e o segundo para a utilização de pinça saca-bocado, empregada na obtenção de biópsia. Em seguida, a pinça foi removida e um dreno torácico foi posicionado através do portal. Durante os procedimentos, aferiram-se as frequências respiratória e cardíaca, a saturação de oxigênio, as pressões arterial média e venosa central e os parâmetros hemogasométricos. Os drenos foram removidos num período de até 48 horas de pós-operatório, verificando-se mínima produção de ar e/ou líquido. Concluiu-se se tratar de uma técnica rápida, segura e sem complicações trans e pós-operatórias, permitindo aquisição de material suficiente para a avaliação histológica do pulmão.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva A.A., Ferreira D.O.L., Porto C.D., Santarosa, B.P., Sequeira J.L. & Gonçalves R.C. 2010. [Safety and effectiveness of the transthoracic percutaneous lung biopsy technique for histopathological evaluation of the lung parenchyma in healthy sheep.] Segurança e eficácia da técnica de biópsia transtorácica percutânea para avaliação histopatológica do parênquima pulmonar de ovinos clinicamente sadios. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(4):328-334. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Distrito de Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618-000, Brazil. E-mail: andrezamedvet@yahoo.com.br The results and complications arising from use of the percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy technique in 20 clinically healthy sheep were analyzed. The animals were subjected to clinical examination followed by lung biopsy with a semi-automatic needle in the 7th right intercostal space, 5cm above the olecranon. The number of attempts to implement the procedure and size of the fragments were evaluated. The samples were evaluated histologically. After the slaughter, a postmortem examination assessed the technical complications and possible injuries. Among all animals which underwent biopsy only two did not tolerate the technique. Lung fragments measuring 4-7mm were obtained by an average of 1.8 attempts per fragment. The main changes related to the procedure were cough, labored breathing, increased heart and breathing rate, and increased bronco-bronchiolar sound. The postmortem examination revealed bleeding of the intercostal muscles and visceral pleura of various extend in all lambs, and a wound up to 14mm length in the lung of two animals that did not tolerate the procedure. From 20 attempts to implement the technique, 18 were successful, while in two of them the liver was mistakenly punctured. Samples of lung tissue were representative. It was possible to visualize intact structures, including bronchioles and alveoli. It could be concluded that lung biopsy is a safe and effective procedure to obtain lung samples for histological diagnosis.

• Lung biopsy biopsia pulmonar

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva A.A., Ferreira D.O.L., Porto C.D., Santarosa, B.P., Sequeira J.L. & Gonçalves R.C. 2010. [Safety and effectiveness of the transthoracic percutaneous lung biopsy technique for histopathological evaluation of the lung parenchyma in healthy sheep.] Segurança e eficácia da técnica de biópsia transtorácica percutânea para avaliação histopatológica do parênquima pulmonar de ovinos clinicamente sadios. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(4):328-334. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Distrito de Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618-000, Brazil. E-mail: andrezamedvet@yahoo.com.br Foram analisados os resultados e complicações decorrentes do emprego da técnica de biopsia pulmonar transtorácica percutânea em 20 ovinos clinicamente sadios. Os animais foram submetidos ao exame clínico seguido da biopsia com agulha semi-automática no 7º espaço intercostal direito, 5cm acima do olécrano. Foram analisados o número de tentativas para a execução do procedimento e o tamanho dos fragmentos. As amostras obtidas foram avaliadas histologicamente. Posteriormente ao abate, foi realizado o exame pos mortem para avaliação de complicações da técnica e das eventuais lesões provocadas. Entre todos os animais submetidos à biopsia apenas dois demonstraram resistência a técnica, sendo obtidos fragmentos pulmonares de 4-7mm de comprimento, com média de 1,8±1 tentativas por fragmento. As principais alterações relacionadas à técnica foram tosse, dispnéia inspiratória, elevação das freqüências cardíaca e respiratória e aumento do ruído broncobronquiolar. Ao exame post mortem observou-se hemorragia dos músculos intercostais e pleura visceral em todos os animais. Das 20 tentativas de execução da técnica, 18 obtiveram sucesso, enquanto que em duas o fígado foi equivocadamente puncionado. As amostras de tecido pulmonar foram consideradas representativas, pois foi possível a visualização de estruturas íntegras, incluindo bronquíolos e alvéolos. Podemos concluir que a biopsia pulmonar é segura e eficaz para obtenção de amostras pulmonares com fins de diagnóstico histológico.

Abstract in English:

RESUMO.- Néspoli P.B., Gheller V.A., Peixoto P.V., Carvalho A.U., França T.N., Facury Filho E.J., Godoy de Araújo D.K. & Bordin A.I. 2010. [Evaluation of renal biopsy techniques in sheep.] Avaliação de técnicas de biópsia renal em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(3):260-266. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa s/n, Coxipó, Cuiabá, MT 78060-900, Brazil. E-mail: nespoli@ufmt.br Devido à escassez de trabalhos sobre biópsias renais em ovinos foi desenvolvido um estudo comparativo entre três técnicas de biópsia renal nesta espécie. Neste estudo foram utilizadas nove ovelhas (26,64 kg ±4,86) mestiças (Santa Inês) em procedimentos seriados, com intervalos consecutivos de uma semana. Foram avaliados os aspectos clínicos, achados de patologia clínica, o peso das amostras renais, a qualidade histológica, o número de glomérulos e a presença de artefatos no corte histológico da técnica de biópsia percutânea cega, da biópsia guiada por ultrassonografia e do procedimento videolaparoscópico. Não foram observadas alterações hematológicas ou bioquímicas relevantes nos animais submetidos às biópsias renais e as manifestações clínicas detectadas foram leves e transitórias, exceto por um caso de obstrução uretral por coágulo sangüíneo. A técnica percutânea cega foi relacionada à maior ocorrência e gravidade de hematúria, com danos mais graves ao tecido renal e com o único caso de obstrução do fluxo urinário. Na técnica videolaparoscópica, o peso médio das amostras foi superior e a hematúria discreta e transitória. Verificou-se relação direta entre a ocorrência de hematúria grave e a presença de epitélio de transição nas amostras e o número de tentativas utilizado para a obtenção dos fragmentos.

• Renal biopsy

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Néspoli P.B., Gheller V.A., Peixoto P.V., Carvalho A.U., França T.N., Facury Filho E.J., Godoy de Araújo D.K. & Bordin A.I. 2010. [Evaluation of renal biopsy techniques in sheep.] Avaliação de técnicas de biópsia renal em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(3):260-266. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa s/n, Coxipó, Cuiabá, MT 78060-900, Brazil. E-mail: nespoli@ufmt.br Due to lack of studies about renal biopsies in sheep, a comparative study was performed for three renal biopsy techniques in this species. In this study, nine crossbred (Santa Inês) ewe lamb (26.64 kg ±4,86) were used in serial procedures with one week consecutive intervals. The clinical aspects, clinical pathological findings, renal sample weights, histology quality, number of glomeruli, and the presence of artifacts in the histology slices were evaluated using the techniques of percutaneous blind biopsy, ultrasound guided biopsies and of videolaparoscopic procedure. No relevant hematological or biochemical alterations were observed in the animals subjected to renal biopsies and the clinical manifestations detected were slight and transitory, except for one case of urethral obstruction by blood clot. The blind technique was related to more frequent and severe cases of hematuria, with more severe damage to the renal tissue and to the only case of obstruction of the urinary flow. In the videolaparocopic technique, the average weight of the samples was superior and hematuria was slight and transitory. A direct relation was seen between occurrence of severe hematuria and presence of transitional epithelium in the samples and the number of trials used for obtainment of fragments.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Néspoli P.B., Gheller V.A., Peixoto P.V., França T.N., Carvalho A.U., Godoy de Araújo D.K. & Malm C. 2010. [Evaluation of hepatic biopsy techniques in sheep.] Avaliação de técnicas de biópsia hepática em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(1):29-36. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa s/n, Coxipó, Cuiabá, MT 78060-900, Brazil. E-mail: nespoli@ufmt.br Due to lack of information about the subject and lack of studies that confront the techniques of liver biopsy in sheep, a comparative study between eight biopsy techniques in this species was developed. In this study, eight crossbred (Santa Inês) ewe lambs (17.95 kg ± 2.71) were used in serial procedures for eight consecutive weeks. Liver samples obtained through six percutaneous techniques and two videolaparoscopic techniques were analyzed. The clinical aspects, clinical pathological findings, hepatic sample weights, histology quality, number of centrilobular veins and portal spaces, and the presence of artifacts in the histology slices were recorded. For the percutaneous techniques, two types of needles were used, modified Menghini (M) and semi-automatic tru-cut (T). They were used in combinations with blind biopsies, guided by ultrasound (US) and monitored by video laparoscopy (VL) biopsies. In the videolaparoscopy procedures, Blakesley biopsy forceps and the method of liver fragment resection by VL were used. No relevant hematological or biochemical alterations were found and the clinical manifestations were slight and transitory. In a general way, the use of US and VL in percutaneous biopsies did not yield a significant improvement in weight and histology quality of the liver samples; however, the videolaparoscopic techniques allowed a wider access to the liver than the percutaneous techniques. The quality of the samples obtained through both VL techniques were equivalent; however, the resection technique enabled the collection of heavier samples, but determined the formation of perihepatic adherences. More difficulty in fragment retrieval, more fluctuation in weight and less quality were found in samples obtained with M needles when compared to T needles.

• Liver biopsy videolaparoscopy ultrasonography

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Néspoli P.B., Gheller V.A., Peixoto P.V., França T.N., Carvalho A.U., Godoy de Araújo D.K. & Malm C. 2010. [Evaluation of hepatic biopsy techniques in sheep.] Avaliação de técnicas de biópsia hepática em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(1):29-36. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa s/n, Coxipó, Cuiabá, MT 78060-900, Brazil. E-mail: nespoli@ufmt.br Devido à carência de informações sobre o tema e à ausência de estudos que confrontem as técnicas de biópsia hepática em ovinos, foi desenvolvido um estudo comparativo entre oito técnicas de biópsia nesta espécie. Neste estudo foram utilizadas oito borregas (17,95kg ± 2,71) mestiças (Santa Inês) em procedimentos seriados por oito semanas consecutivas e avaliados os aspectos clínicos, os achados de patologia clínica, o peso das amostras hepáticas, a qualidade histológica, o número de veias centrolobulares e espaços-porta e a presença de artefatos no corte histológico de amostras hepáticas obtidas através de seis técnicas percutâneas e duas técnicas videolaparoscópicas. Para as técnicas percutâneas empregaram-se dois tipos de agulhas, Menghini modificada (M) e Tru-cut semi-automática (T), combinadas com biópsias cegas, guiadas por ultra-sonografia (US) e monitoradas por videolaparoscopia (VL). No caso dos procedimentos vídeolaparoscópicos utilizaram-se pinça laparoscópica de biópsia Blakesley e método de ressecção de fragmento hepático por VL. Não foram observadas alterações hematológicas ou bioquímicas relevantes e as manifestações clínicas detectadas foram leves e transitórias. De uma forma geral, o uso da US e da VL nas biópsias percutâneas não resultou em acréscimo significativo do peso e da qualidade histológica das amostras hepáticas, porém as técnicas videolaparoscópicas permitiram acesso mais amplo ao fígado do que as técnicas percutâneas. A qualidade das amostras recuperadas com ambas as técnicas VL foram equivalentes, entretanto o uso da técnica de ressecção permitiu a colheita de amostras de maior peso, mas determinou a formação de aderências perihepáticas. Verificaram-se maior dificuldade na recuperação de fragmentos, maior oscilação do peso e menor qualidade das amostras obtidas com o uso das agulhas M do que com o das agulhas T.

Abstract in English:

RESUMO.- Ferreira G.J., Carvalho A.F., Branco E., Cabral R., Gregores G.B., Fioretto E.T., Lima A.R., Sarmento C.A.P. & Miglino M.A. 2009. Chorion biopsy in mongrel dogs. [Biopsia do cório fetal em cães.] Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(10):793-796. Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), Avenida Pte Tancredo Neves 2501, Montese, Belém, PA 66077-530, Brazil. E-mail: erika.branco@ufra.edu.br Com o grande desenvolvimento dos estudos gestacionais em todas as espécies, percebemos a necessidade de adaptarmos técnicas para diagnóstico pré-natal para cães. Assim, buscamos bases nas técnicas já existentes empregadas em humanos, e através destas, conseguimos estabelecer um método para coleta em cães, utilizando PCR para garantirmos a integridade das amostras. O procedimento foi realizado através de punção da cinta placentária com agulha de biopsia guiada por ultra-som. De todas as 14 amostras coletadas, duas apresentaram-se positivas para o cromossomo Y, presente apenas em machos, confirmando assim a viabilidade das amostras demonstrando com isso que através desta técnica podemos coletar material fetal para diagnóstico de alterações gênicas ou cromossômicas presentes nos cães antes mesmo destes virem a termo. A microscopia de material revelou fragmentos de cório fetal, colóide sangüíneo e eritrócitos. Em todo o material encontramos impregnações de hemosiderina devido à hemólise e ao resíduo de sangue dos hematomas marginais placentários. As cadelas submetidas a esta técnica tiveram partos normais sem óbito de nenhum filhote.

• Chorion biopsy placenta dog

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Ferreira G.J., Carvalho A.F., Branco E., Cabral R., Gregores G.B., Fioretto E.T., Lima A.R., Sarmento C.A.P. & Miglino M.A. 2009. Chorion biopsy in mongrel dogs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(10):793-796. Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), Avenida Pte Tancredo Neves 2501, Montese, Belém, PA 66077-530, Brazil. E-mail: erika.branco@ufra.edu.br With the great development of the gestational studies in all of the species, we noticed the necessity of adaptations of these techniques for prenatal diagnosis in dogs. Based on this, we studied the feasibility of chorion biopsy guided by ultrasound. Our results demonstrated accuracy on the sex determination being 2 males and 12 females, as well as it would be possible to identify chromosome alteration due to the quality of samplings. Sex determination was accomplished with the identification of Y gene chromosomes in PCR technique. After the collection, fragments were prepared for light microscopy studies and revealed fetal chorion tissue, blood colloid and erythrocyte. In the whole material we found hemosiderin impregnations due to the hemolysis and to the residue of blood of the placental marginal hematomes. The submitted female dogs to this technique demonstrated normal puppy births without death.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Eigenheer-Moreira J.F., Fernandes F.T., Queiroz F.J.R, Pinho T.G.& Ferreira A.M.R. 2007. [Comparative study of repeat breeds and healthy mares through endometrial histology and plasmatic progesterone concentrations.] Estudo comparativo de éguas repetidoras ou não de cio através da avaliação histológica do endométrio e das concentrações plasmáticas de progesterona. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(12):506-512. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Clínica e Reprodução Animal, Rua Vital Brazil Filho 64, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil. E-mail: joana.vet@gmail.com.br The study aimed to compare endometrial histology and plasmatic progesterone (P4) concentration of repeat breeds and healthy mares. The hypothesis was that there is a correlation between infertility and endometrial histology and P4 concentration in both groups. A total of 36 Campolina and Mangalarga Marchador mares in reproductive age (3-23 years) were used, 11 of them were healthy mares (Control group, 7 embryo recipient and 4 embryo donors), and 25 repeat breeders (10 embryo recipient and 15 embryo donors), classified as based on their reproductive history. Endometrial and blood samples were collected for respectively histological and plasma progesterone concentration evaluation. The endometrial samples obtained after biopsy were fixed in Bouin’s fluid, processed, included in paraffin, and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) for histopathological examination. Plasmatic progesterone concentrations were evaluated by enzyme immunoessay (ELISA). There was no correlation between progesterone concentration and fertility. But there was a positive correlation between age and fertility, as older mares had major tendency of subfertility than younger ones. There was also a correlation between biopsy categories and fertility, as more histological alterations were found, higher were the chances for the mares to be subfertile. However not all mares classified as Category I and II maintained pregnancy until parturition. Other factors could influence pregnancy maintenance. In the same way, not all mares in Category III were infertile. The endometrial biopsy was shown to be an easy and cheap diagnostic technique with minimal discomfort to the animals and, together with other data, to be a very important component in the investigation of mare fertility.

• Mare subfertility endometrial biopsy histopathology progesterone

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Eigenheer-Moreira J.F., Fernandes F.T., Queiroz F.J.R, Pinho T.G.& Ferreira A.M.R. 2007. [Comparative study of repeat breeds and healthy mares through endometrial histology and plasmatic progesterone concentrations.] Estudo comparativo de éguas repetidoras ou não de cio através da avaliação histológica do endométrio e das concentrações plasmáticas de progesterona. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(12):506-512. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Clínica e Reprodução Animal, Rua Vital Brazil Filho 64, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil. E-mail: joana.vet@gmail.com.br The study aimed to compare endometrial histology and plasmatic progesterone (P4) concentration of repeat breeds and healthy mares. The hypothesis was that there is a correlation between infertility and endometrial histology and P4 concentration in both groups. A total of 36 Campolina and Mangalarga Marchador mares in reproductive age (3-23 years) were used, 11 of them were healthy mares (Control group, 7 embryo recipient and 4 embryo donors), and 25 repeat breeders (10 embryo recipient and 15 embryo donors), classified as based on their reproductive history. Endometrial and blood samples were collected for respectively histological and plasma progesterone concentration evaluation. The endometrial samples obtained after biopsy were fixed in Bouin’s fluid, processed, included in paraffin, and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) for histopathological examination. Plasmatic progesterone concentrations were evaluated by enzyme immunoessay (ELISA). There was no correlation between progesterone concentration and fertility. But there was a positive correlation between age and fertility, as older mares had major tendency of subfertility than younger ones. There was also a correlation between biopsy categories and fertility, as more histological alterations were found, higher were the chances for the mares to be subfertile. However not all mares classified as Category I and II maintained pregnancy until parturition. Other factors could influence pregnancy maintenance. In the same way, not all mares in Category III were infertile. The endometrial biopsy was shown to be an easy and cheap diagnostic technique with minimal discomfort to the animals and, together with other data, to be a very important component in the investigation of mare fertility.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Barros C.S.L., Castilhos L.M.L., Rissi D.R., Kommers G.D. & Rech R.R. 2007. [Liver biopsy for the diagnosis of Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) poisoning in cattle.] Biópsia hepática no diagnóstico da intoxicação por Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):53-60. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Liver lesions caused by Senecio spp. poisoning in cattle are progressive and deaths may occur many months after the plant is ingested. Laboratory tests of liver function are not always reliable indicators of subclinical affected animals. Liver biopsy could be useful to identify cattle with hepatic lesions but without clinical signs and would have also a prognostic value since it is generally believed that hepatic lesions will eventually cause liver failure and death. Such animals could be picked out by liver biopsy before clinical signs develop and be sent to slaughter, minimizing economic losses. This study was aimed to evaluate the liver biopsy as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in cases of Senecio spp. poisoning in cattle. An outbreak of Senecio brasiliensis was diagnosed in dairy calves which ingested hay contaminated by 5-10% of this Senecio species. Liver biopsy using a Menghini needle by right transthoracic approach was carried out in 135 calves that ingested the contaminated hay. Biopsed calves were followed up for 26 months after the biopsy. Seventeen biopsied calves had typical lesions of Senecio spp. poisoning (positive calves) and 118 had histologically normal livers (negative calves). Hepatic lesions of positive calves included fibrosis, hepatomeglocytosis, and biliary hyperplasia. Fifteen out of the 17 positive calves died with typical clinical signs of Senecio spp. poisoning within 17-149 days after the biopsy; 13 of those were necropsied and had typical gross and histopathological lesions of Senecio spp. poisoning. Two positive calves were clinically normal at the end of the post-biopsy observation period. The prognostic value (sensibility) of the test was considered high since 88.23% of the positive calves died. The specificity of the test was considered very high (99.16%) since only one of the 118 negative calves died in the observation period. In none of the biopsed calves a negative effect related to the biopsy technique was observed.

• Poisonous plants Senecio brasiliensis Asteraceae liver biopsy diseases of cattle pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Barros C.S.L., Castilhos L.M.L., Rissi D.R., Kommers G.D. & Rech R.R. 2007. [Liver biopsy for the diagnosis of Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) poisoning in cattle.] Biópsia hepática no diagnóstico da intoxicação por Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):53-60. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Liver lesions caused by Senecio spp. poisoning in cattle are progressive and deaths may occur many months after the plant is ingested. Laboratory tests of liver function are not always reliable indicators of subclinical affected animals. Liver biopsy could be useful to identify cattle with hepatic lesions but without clinical signs and would have also a prognostic value since it is generally believed that hepatic lesions will eventually cause liver failure and death. Such animals could be picked out by liver biopsy before clinical signs develop and be sent to slaughter, minimizing economic losses. This study was aimed to evaluate the liver biopsy as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in cases of Senecio spp. poisoning in cattle. An outbreak of Senecio brasiliensis was diagnosed in dairy calves which ingested hay contaminated by 5-10% of this Senecio species. Liver biopsy using a Menghini needle by right transthoracic approach was carried out in 135 calves that ingested the contaminated hay. Biopsed calves were followed up for 26 months after the biopsy. Seventeen biopsied calves had typical lesions of Senecio spp. poisoning (positive calves) and 118 had histologically normal livers (negative calves). Hepatic lesions of positive calves included fibrosis, hepatomeglocytosis, and biliary hyperplasia. Fifteen out of the 17 positive calves died with typical clinical signs of Senecio spp. poisoning within 17-149 days after the biopsy; 13 of those were necropsied and had typical gross and histopathological lesions of Senecio spp. poisoning. Two positive calves were clinically normal at the end of the post-biopsy observation period. The prognostic value (sensibility) of the test was considered high since 88.23% of the positive calves died. The specificity of the test was considered very high (99.16%) since only one of the 118 negative calves died in the observation period. In none of the biopsed calves a negative effect related to the biopsy technique was observed.

Abstract in English:

One hundred and sixty eight mares were assessed by means of endometrial biopsies. The samples were collected from severa! S tud Farms in the S tates of Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná during the annual fall examination, from 1979 to 1984. According to the endometrial histopathological changes and their ability to carry a foal to term, the mares were grouped as follows: Group I, 124 (73.8%) mares with slight or absent endometrial changes; Group II, 32 (19.1 %) mares with moderate changes and Group III, 12 (7.1%) mares with severe changes. Every year, in the end of breeding season the number of mares which conceived and the number of concept losses were recorded. This was done until April 1985. The following results were obtained: Group I, 69.4% of conception rate and 4.6% of concept losses; Group II, 44.0% conception and 14.3% losses; Group III, 25.0% conception and 33.3% losses. Therefore a relationship was observed between the endometrial histopathological changes and the reproductive ability of the mares in this study. The endometrial biopsy is thus a valuable aid in estimating the fertility of mares.

• Mare fertility endometrial biopsy

Abstract in Portuguese:

Cento e sessenta e oito éguas Puro Sangue de Corrida (PSC) de diversos haras do Rio Grande do Sul e Paraná foram submetidas ao exame histopatológico de amostras endometriais retiradas por biopsia, durante os exames de outono realizados anualmente de 1979 a 1984; essas éguas foram agrupadas em três classes distintas, segundo as alterações histopatológicas do endométrio e a sua capacidade de levar uma gestação a termo. Foram observadas 124 éguas (73,8%) sem alterações ou com alterações discretas (Grupo I), 32 (19,1 %) com alterações moderadas (Grupo II) e 12 (7,1%) com alterações severas (Grupo III). Terminada a estação de monta de cada ano, foram acompanhadas as taxas de concepção e perdas durante a gestação até abril de 1985, obtendo-se um resultado de 69,4% de concepção e 4,6% de perdas durante a gestação para as éguas do Grupo I; 44% e 14,3% para as éguas do Grupo II; 25% e 33,3% para as éguas do Grupo III. Conclui-se que as alterações histopatológicas do endométrio guardam relação com a capacidade reprodutiva e que a biopsia endometrial é um valioso auxiliar na avaliação do prognóstico de fertilidade na égua.

• Égua fertilidade biopsia endometrial