PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira C.A., Barbosa J.D., Duarte M.D., Cerqueira V.D., Riet-Correa F. & Riet-Correa G. 2009. [Poisoning by Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa in goats in Island of Marajó, Pará.] Intoxicação por Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convolvulaceae) em caprinos na Ilha do Marajó, Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):583-588. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Campus de Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Pirapora, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: griet@ufpa.br Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa is a swainsonine-containing plant causing a glycoprotein storage diseases in ruminants, mainly in goats in northeastern Brazil. Seven farms were visited on the Marajo Island, state of Pará, northern Brazil, six in the municipality of Cachoeira do Arari and one in the municipality of Soure. In all farms native pastures had shortage of forage and were largely invaded by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa. On the three farms goats presented difficulties in standing, ataxia, hypermetria, wide-based stance, lateral gait, intention tremors, spastic paresis or weakness, abnormal postural reactions, nystagmus, loss of equilibrium and falling to the side or backward. On two farms the prevalence was of 32% (23/71) and 100% (32/32). On another farm one goat out of 19 had severe clinical signs, but the others of the flock were not examined clinically. Cattle, sheep and buffaloes were not affected. Six goats were euthanized and necropsied. No gross lesions were observed. Upon histological examination the main lesion was the vacuolization of the perikaryon of neurons and cytoplasm of epithelial cells of thyroid, liver, kidney, pancreas and macrophages of different organs. In the central nervous system the vacuolization of the perikaria was more sever in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and in nuclei of the brain stem, mainly the cerebellar nuclei. Wallerian degeneration of axons and gliosis was also observed. The high frequency of the disease on the three farms suggests that poisoning by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa is very important for goats on Marajó Island where there are large amounts of the plant in the pastures.

• Poisonous plants Ipomoea carnea plant poisoning goats swaisonine diseases of nervous system

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira C.A., Barbosa J.D., Duarte M.D., Cerqueira V.D., Riet-Correa F. & Riet-Correa G. 2009. [Poisoning by Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa in goats in Island of Marajó, Pará.] Intoxicação por Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convolvulaceae) em caprinos na Ilha do Marajó, Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):583-588. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Campus de Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Pirapora, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: griet@ufpa.br Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa is a swainsonine-containing plant causing a glycoprotein storage diseases in ruminants, mainly in goats in northeastern Brazil. Seven farms were visited on the Marajo Island, state of Pará, northern Brazil, six in the municipality of Cachoeira do Arari and one in the municipality of Soure. In all farms native pastures had shortage of forage and were largely invaded by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa. On the three farms goats presented difficulties in standing, ataxia, hypermetria, wide-based stance, lateral gait, intention tremors, spastic paresis or weakness, abnormal postural reactions, nystagmus, loss of equilibrium and falling to the side or backward. On two farms the prevalence was of 32% (23/71) and 100% (32/32). On another farm one goat out of 19 had severe clinical signs, but the others of the flock were not examined clinically. Cattle, sheep and buffaloes were not affected. Six goats were euthanized and necropsied. No gross lesions were observed. Upon histological examination the main lesion was the vacuolization of the perikaryon of neurons and cytoplasm of epithelial cells of thyroid, liver, kidney, pancreas and macrophages of different organs. In the central nervous system the vacuolization of the perikaria was more sever in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and in nuclei of the brain stem, mainly the cerebellar nuclei. Wallerian degeneration of axons and gliosis was also observed. The high frequency of the disease on the three farms suggests that poisoning by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa is very important for goats on Marajó Island where there are large amounts of the plant in the pastures.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Alda J.L., Sallis E.S.V., Nogueira C.E.W., Soares M.P., Amaral L., Marcolongo-Pereira C., Frey Jr F. & Schild A.L. 2009. [Spontaneous Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) poisoning in horses in southern Brazil.] Intoxicação espontânea por Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) em eqüinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):409-414. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br An outbreak of spontaneous Baccharis coridifolia poisoning in horses in July 2008 is reported from southern Brazil. The poisoning affected three mares out of four that were transported from the state of Paraná to a farm in the municipality of Acegua, Rio Grande do Sul, and occurred 3 days after arrival of the animals in a paddock with sprouting B. coridifolia. The fourth mare introduced to another paddock without B. coridifolia was not affected. The mares had received only one third of the concentrate ration previously ingested and stayed during the night in a stall. Clinical signs were abdominal discomfort, increased cardiac and respiratory rate, anorexia, hypermotility of the gut, cecal tympany, and diarrhea. The clinical course was of 18-36 hours. One affected mare survived after symptomatic treatment. Gross lesions were severe congestion, hemorrhages, edema and ulcers of the glandular stomach. Congestion, edema and hemorrhages were also observed in ileum, cecum and large colon. Histologic examination revealed degeneration and necrosis of the aglandular epithelium of the stomach, gastritis and enteritis with infiltration by mononuclear cells and neutrophils, edema of the mucosa, and dilatation of lymphatic vessels. One horse was poisoned experimentally with 1g/kg body weight of B. coridifolia. Clinical signs and lesions were similar to those observed in the spontaneous cases.

• Baccharis coridifolia poisonous plants diseases of horses plant poisoning Compositae Plantas tóxicas intoxicação por plantas

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Alda J.L., Sallis E.S.V., Nogueira C.E.W., Soares M.P., Amaral L., Marcolongo-Pereira C., Frey Jr F. & Schild A.L. 2009. [Spontaneous Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) poisoning in horses in southern Brazil.] Intoxicação espontânea por Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) em eqüinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):409-414. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br An outbreak of spontaneous Baccharis coridifolia poisoning in horses in July 2008 is reported from southern Brazil. The poisoning affected three mares out of four that were transported from the state of Paraná to a farm in the municipality of Acegua, Rio Grande do Sul, and occurred 3 days after arrival of the animals in a paddock with sprouting B. coridifolia. The fourth mare introduced to another paddock without B. coridifolia was not affected. The mares had received only one third of the concentrate ration previously ingested and stayed during the night in a stall. Clinical signs were abdominal discomfort, increased cardiac and respiratory rate, anorexia, hypermotility of the gut, cecal tympany, and diarrhea. The clinical course was of 18-36 hours. One affected mare survived after symptomatic treatment. Gross lesions were severe congestion, hemorrhages, edema and ulcers of the glandular stomach. Congestion, edema and hemorrhages were also observed in ileum, cecum and large colon. Histologic examination revealed degeneration and necrosis of the aglandular epithelium of the stomach, gastritis and enteritis with infiltration by mononuclear cells and neutrophils, edema of the mucosa, and dilatation of lymphatic vessels. One horse was poisoned experimentally with 1g/kg body weight of B. coridifolia. Clinical signs and lesions were similar to those observed in the spontaneous cases.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Câmara A.C.L., Costa N.A., Riet-Correa F., Afonso J.A.B., Dantas A.F.M., Mendonça C.L. & Souza M.I. 2009. [Spontaneous poisoning in cattle by mesquite beans, Prosopis juliflora (Leg. Mimosoideae) in Pernambuco.] Intoxicação espontânea por vagens de Prosopis juliflora (Leg. Mimosoideae) em bovinos em Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):233-240. Clínica de Bovinos, Campus Garanhuns, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Bom Pastor s/n, Cx. Postal 152, Mundaú, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: aclcamara@yahoo.com.br Three outbreaks of poisoning by Prosopis juliflora pods are reported in the semiarid region of the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, in cattle grazing in fields invaded by the plant or ingesting mesquite beans as a concentrate food. In two farms the disease occurred sporadically. In another, 112 (9.28%) cattle out of 1206 were affected, 84 (6.96%) died due to emaciation, and 28 (2.32%) gained weight after the pods had been withdrawn from the feed. Main clinical signs were progressive weight loss, atrophy of the masseter muscles, dropped jaw, tongue protrusion, difficulties in prehending food, tilting the head during mastigation or rumination, salivation, impaired swallowing, and decreased tone of the tongue. The hematology reveals hypoproteinemia and anemia. Gross lesions were emaciation and reduction in size of the masseter muscles, which appear thinner than normal and grayish due muscular atrophy. Degeneration of neurons of the trigeminal motor nuclei, Wallerian degeneration of the trigeminal nerve roots, and muscular atrophy of the masseter muscles with substitution by fibrous tissue were observed on histologic examination. For the prevention of the poisoning is necessary to limit the amount of mesquite beans in animal nutrition. It is also necessary to develop research to determine the economic and sustainability of the use of Prosopis juliflora for animal food, human food or other uses such as charcoal, wood and fuel wood.

• Poisonous plants Prosopis juliflora Leguminosae Mimosoideae plant poisoning cattle cranial nerves impairment neuronal degeneration

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Câmara A.C.L., Costa N.A., Riet-Correa F., Afonso J.A.B., Dantas A.F.M., Mendonça C.L. & Souza M.I. 2009. [Spontaneous poisoning in cattle by mesquite beans, Prosopis juliflora (Leg. Mimosoideae) in Pernambuco.] Intoxicação espontânea por vagens de Prosopis juliflora (Leg. Mimosoideae) em bovinos em Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):233-240. Clínica de Bovinos, Campus Garanhuns, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Bom Pastor s/n, Cx. Postal 152, Mundaú, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: aclcamara@yahoo.com.br Three outbreaks of poisoning by Prosopis juliflora pods are reported in the semiarid region of the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, in cattle grazing in fields invaded by the plant or ingesting mesquite beans as a concentrate food. In two farms the disease occurred sporadically. In another, 112 (9.28%) cattle out of 1206 were affected, 84 (6.96%) died due to emaciation, and 28 (2.32%) gained weight after the pods had been withdrawn from the feed. Main clinical signs were progressive weight loss, atrophy of the masseter muscles, dropped jaw, tongue protrusion, difficulties in prehending food, tilting the head during mastigation or rumination, salivation, impaired swallowing, and decreased tone of the tongue. The hematology reveals hypoproteinemia and anemia. Gross lesions were emaciation and reduction in size of the masseter muscles, which appear thinner than normal and grayish due muscular atrophy. Degeneration of neurons of the trigeminal motor nuclei, Wallerian degeneration of the trigeminal nerve roots, and muscular atrophy of the masseter muscles with substitution by fibrous tissue were observed on histologic examination. For the prevention of the poisoning is necessary to limit the amount of mesquite beans in animal nutrition. It is also necessary to develop research to determine the economic and sustainability of the use of Prosopis juliflora for animal food, human food or other uses such as charcoal, wood and fuel wood.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa R.R., Pacífico da Silva I. & Benito Soto-Blanco B. 2008. Development of conditioned taste aversion to Mascagnia rigida in goats. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):571-574. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, BR 110 Km 47, Mossoró, RN 59625-900, Brazil. E-mail: benito.blanco@pq.cnpq.br The aim of this study was to determine whether goats could be averted from consuming Mascagnia rigida, a toxic plant found in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Fourteen male goats not previously familiarized to M. rigida were randomly allocated to two treatment groups: control (treated with 5.5mL water orally by a drenching gun) and lithium group (treated with 100mg LiCl/kg body weight orally by a drenching gun). For conditioning, goats were allowed to feed on M. rigida leaves for 15 min, followed by LiCl or water administration. The time spent on eating M. rigida leaves was measured. The conditioning was repeated daily until the LiCl-treated goats stopped eating M. rigida. On the 10th, 17th, and 24th day after conditioning, extinction trials of the M. rigida aversion were performed in goats by using single-choice tests. There was no difference between the two treatment groups with respect to the consumption of M. rigida on the first day of aversion conditioning, however, controls ingested increasing amounts of the plant on consecutive conditioning days. On the second day, five out of the seven goats in the lithium group did not eat the leaves, but on the third day, all the goats in the lithium group did not ingest M. rigida. This aversion persisted throughout all evaluated days. This indicates that goats can be easily conditioned by using lithium chloride to avoid eating M. rigida temporarily

• Poisonous plants Mascagnia rigida Malpighiaceae conditioned food aversion taste aversion diet selection plant poisoning goats

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa R.R., Pacífico da Silva I. & Benito Soto-Blanco B. 2008. Development of conditioned taste aversion to Mascagnia rigida in goats. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):571-574. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, BR 110 Km 47, Mossoró, RN 59625-900, Brazil. E-mail: benito.blanco@pq.cnpq.br The aim of this study was to determine whether goats could be averted from consuming Mascagnia rigida, a toxic plant found in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Fourteen male goats not previously familiarized to M. rigida were randomly allocated to two treatment groups: control (treated with 5.5mL water orally by a drenching gun) and lithium group (treated with 100mg LiCl/kg body weight orally by a drenching gun). For conditioning, goats were allowed to feed on M. rigida leaves for 15 min, followed by LiCl or water administration. The time spent on eating M. rigida leaves was measured. The conditioning was repeated daily until the LiCl-treated goats stopped eating M. rigida. On the 10th, 17th, and 24th day after conditioning, extinction trials of the M. rigida aversion were performed in goats by using single-choice tests. There was no difference between the two treatment groups with respect to the consumption of M. rigida on the first day of aversion conditioning, however, controls ingested increasing amounts of the plant on consecutive conditioning days. On the second day, five out of the seven goats in the lithium group did not eat the leaves, but on the third day, all the goats in the lithium group did not ingest M. rigida. This aversion persisted throughout all evaluated days. This indicates that goats can be easily conditioned by using lithium chloride to avoid eating M. rigida temporarily

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Bonel-Raposo J., Riet-Correa F., Guim T.N., Schuch I.D., Grecco F.G. & Fernandes C.G. 2007. [Acute poisoning and abortions in guinea pigs by the pods of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Leg. Mimosoideae).] Intoxicação aguda e abortos em cobaias pelas favas de Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Leg. Mimosoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):593-596. Departamento de Patologia Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: bonel-raposo@brturbo.com.br The objective was to study the acute toxicity and the abortive properties of Enterolobium contortisiliquum pods in guinea pigs. Pods of E. contortisiliquum were administered orally to 4 groups of 3 guinea pigs each. Another group of 3 guinea-pigs was used as control. Group 1 and 2 were fed with one dose of 5 and 10g of pods for kg body weight, respectively. The guinea pigs of Group 3 and 4 received 10 and 15g/kg, respectively, divided into daily doses of 5g/kg. One guinea pig from Group 2 and one from Group 4 died 12 and 18 hours after the end of the administration. Gross lesions were hemorrhages of the stomach and of the large and small gut, enlarged liver, and dilated gall bladder. Histologically, the liver had severe vacuolation and necrosis of periportal hepatocytes. In another experiment a ration containing 4% of pods of E. contortisiliquum was fed to 2 groups of 4 guinea-pigs, 35 days after mating. Four of the 8 guinea pigs aborted 6-15 days after the beginning of ingestion. The other 4 guinea pigs were not pregnant. All guinea pigs were euthanized after abortion or at the end of the experiment. Histologically all animals had mild to severe periportal hemorrhagic necrosis. All fetuses had variable degree of autolysis. In 4 fetuses studied no significant histologic lesions were observed. The acute lesions observed in guinea-pigs are similar than those observed in the spontaneous poisoning by Enterolobium spp. in cattle. Similar lesions are observed in guinea-pigs poisoned experimentally with saponins from E. gummiferum. The results of the experiments in pregnant guinea pigs suggest that E. contortisiliquum can be used to study the abortive effect of its pods or its toxic compounds.

• Poisonous plants hepatotoxic plants abortion Enterolobium contortisiliquum Legumiosae Mimosoideae guinea pigs

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Bonel-Raposo J., Riet-Correa F., Guim T.N., Schuch I.D., Grecco F.G. & Fernandes C.G. 2007. [Acute poisoning and abortions in guinea pigs by the pods of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Leg. Mimosoideae).] Intoxicação aguda e abortos em cobaias pelas favas de Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Leg. Mimosoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):593-596. Departamento de Patologia Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: bonel-raposo@brturbo.com.br The objective was to study the acute toxicity and the abortive properties of Enterolobium contortisiliquum pods in guinea pigs. Pods of E. contortisiliquum were administered orally to 4 groups of 3 guinea pigs each. Another group of 3 guinea-pigs was used as control. Group 1 and 2 were fed with one dose of 5 and 10g of pods for kg body weight, respectively. The guinea pigs of Group 3 and 4 received 10 and 15g/kg, respectively, divided into daily doses of 5g/kg. One guinea pig from Group 2 and one from Group 4 died 12 and 18 hours after the end of the administration. Gross lesions were hemorrhages of the stomach and of the large and small gut, enlarged liver, and dilated gall bladder. Histologically, the liver had severe vacuolation and necrosis of periportal hepatocytes. In another experiment a ration containing 4% of pods of E. contortisiliquum was fed to 2 groups of 4 guinea-pigs, 35 days after mating. Four of the 8 guinea pigs aborted 6-15 days after the beginning of ingestion. The other 4 guinea pigs were not pregnant. All guinea pigs were euthanized after abortion or at the end of the experiment. Histologically all animals had mild to severe periportal hemorrhagic necrosis. All fetuses had variable degree of autolysis. In 4 fetuses studied no significant histologic lesions were observed. The acute lesions observed in guinea-pigs are similar than those observed in the spontaneous poisoning by Enterolobium spp. in cattle. Similar lesions are observed in guinea-pigs poisoned experimentally with saponins from E. gummiferum. The results of the experiments in pregnant guinea pigs suggest that E. contortisiliquum can be used to study the abortive effect of its pods or its toxic compounds.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Anjos B.L., Irigoyen L.F., Fighera R.A., Gomes A.D., Kommers G.D & Barros C.S.L. 2008. [Acute poisoning by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) in cattle in central Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação aguda por samambaia (Pteridium aquilinum) em bovinos na Região Central do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):501-507. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Cases of acute poisoning by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) in cattle from 10 small farms of seven municipalities of the Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, were reviewed. The study encompassed 6,256 necropsies of cattle considering a 43-year period and included 15 necropsies of cattle dying from acute bracken poisoning. Morbidity and mortality were 17.9% and lethality was virtually 100%. In 40% of the farms the disease occurred in small outbreaks affecting several cattle per farm and in 60% only one bovine was affected in each farm. Main clinical signs include fever (40-42°C), apathy, drooling, and hemorrhages; the latter were mainly from the gums, nostrils, and gastrointestinal tract. Multiple petechiae were observed in several mucosae and in the skin. Occasionally hematuria and blood in the milk were reported. The disease was invariably fatal after a course of approximately two days. Hematological changes included severe neutropenia, non-regenerative normocytic normochromic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Necropsy findings include hemorrhages o varying degrees in several organs and infarcts in the liver. Both hemorrhages and hepatic infarcts were confirmed histologically; clusters of bacterial rods and thrombosed vessels were associated with the infarcts. Marked bone marrow aplasia was a consistent finding in the four cases in which the marrow was evaluated.

• Diseases of cattle poisonous plants Pteridium aquilinum bracken fern hemorrhagic disorders pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Anjos B.L., Irigoyen L.F., Fighera R.A., Gomes A.D., Kommers G.D & Barros C.S.L. 2008. [Acute poisoning by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) in cattle in central Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação aguda por samambaia (Pteridium aquilinum) em bovinos na Região Central do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):501-507. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Cases of acute poisoning by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) in cattle from 10 small farms of seven municipalities of the Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, were reviewed. The study encompassed 6,256 necropsies of cattle considering a 43-year period and included 15 necropsies of cattle dying from acute bracken poisoning. Morbidity and mortality were 17.9% and lethality was virtually 100%. In 40% of the farms the disease occurred in small outbreaks affecting several cattle per farm and in 60% only one bovine was affected in each farm. Main clinical signs include fever (40-42°C), apathy, drooling, and hemorrhages; the latter were mainly from the gums, nostrils, and gastrointestinal tract. Multiple petechiae were observed in several mucosae and in the skin. Occasionally hematuria and blood in the milk were reported. The disease was invariably fatal after a course of approximately two days. Hematological changes included severe neutropenia, non-regenerative normocytic normochromic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Necropsy findings include hemorrhages o varying degrees in several organs and infarcts in the liver. Both hemorrhages and hepatic infarcts were confirmed histologically; clusters of bacterial rods and thrombosed vessels were associated with the infarcts. Marked bone marrow aplasia was a consistent finding in the four cases in which the marrow was evaluated.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira L.I., Jabour F.F., Nogueira V.A. & Yamasaki E.M. 2008. [Experimental poisoning by the leaves of Jatropha gossypifolia (Euphorbiaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental com as folhas de Jatropha gossypifolia (Euphorbiaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(6):275-278. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: iglesias.vet@gmail.com Fresh green leaves of Jatropha gossypifolia (Euphorbiaceae) were lethal for sheep in single administrations of 40g/kg. The dose of 5g/kg did not cause poisoning, but intermediate doses caused death in part of the animals. The clinical course of poisoning was 6 to 22 days. The clinic and pathological picture in the experimental sheep was characterized by digestive, lung and heart disturbances, and also by slight microscopic liver and renal regressive alterations. These findings are similar to those observed in experiments with the seeds of Jatropha curcas in goats, sheep and calves, and with the fruits and leaves of Jatropha glauca and Jatropha aceroides in goats, performed by other authors. A comparison indicates that, independently of the plant species, the leaves of Jatropha spp. contain toxic compounds similar to those found in the seeds.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Jatropha gossypifolia Euphorbiaceae sheep pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira L.I., Jabour F.F., Nogueira V.A. & Yamasaki E.M. 2008. [Experimental poisoning by the leaves of Jatropha gossypifolia (Euphorbiaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental com as folhas de Jatropha gossypifolia (Euphorbiaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(6):275-278. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: iglesias.vet@gmail.com Fresh green leaves of Jatropha gossypifolia (Euphorbiaceae) were lethal for sheep in single administrations of 40g/kg. The dose of 5g/kg did not cause poisoning, but intermediate doses caused death in part of the animals. The clinical course of poisoning was 6 to 22 days. The clinic and pathological picture in the experimental sheep was characterized by digestive, lung and heart disturbances, and also by slight microscopic liver and renal regressive alterations. These findings are similar to those observed in experiments with the seeds of Jatropha curcas in goats, sheep and calves, and with the fruits and leaves of Jatropha glauca and Jatropha aceroides in goats, performed by other authors. A comparison indicates that, independently of the plant species, the leaves of Jatropha spp. contain toxic compounds similar to those found in the seeds.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida M.B., Priebe A.P.S., Riet-Correa B., Riet-Correa G., Fiss L., Raffi M.B. & Schild A.L. 2008. [Evolution and reversibility of neurologic and cardiac lesions in sheep caused by Ateleia glazioviana and Tetrapterys multiglandulosa.] Evolução e reversibiliade das lesões neurológicas e cardíacas em ovinos intoxicados experimentalmente por Ateleia glazioviana e Tetrapterys multiglandulosa. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):129-134. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br To determine the reversibility of neurological and cardiac lesions in Ateleia glazioviana and Tetrapterys multiglandulosa poisoning, 3 groups of four sheep each were fed orally with the plants. In Group 1, 2 and 3, when sheep with nervous signs showed considerable increase of symptoms and risk of death, the plant administration was suspended. Group 4 with two sheep was used as control. Sheep from Group 1, fed 10g/kg during 6 days of fresh A. glazioviana collected in autumn were euthanized 8, 11, 16, and 21 days after the start of the experiment; they had shown regression of nervous signs, but had progressive cardiac lesions. Sheep from Group 2, fed during 8 days the same dose of fresh A. glazioviana collected in spring, were euthanized on days 9, 23, 38 and 68; they had shown regression of nervous signs and had no cardiac lesions. This suggests that the plant is less toxic in spring. Sheep from Group 3, fed 10g/kg during 11 days dry and ground T. multiglandulosa mixed with concentrated food, were euthanized on days 33, 33, 92 and 92; they had shown regression of nervous signs, and cardiac lesions were less severe on day 33 than on day 92. These results indicate that nervous lesions are reversible after the end of feeding, but cardiac lesions are progressive after discontinuation of the plant administration; these can be afterwards reversible if the animals do not anymore show clinical signs or die as a consequence of the poisoning. Results of those and previous experiments show that lesions of the nervous system are induced by lower doses than cardiac lesions and occur within a shorter period, what suggests that in spontaneous cases cardiac signs are always preceded by nervous signs, and that nervous signs can occur in the absence of cardiac lesions.

• Poisonous plants cardiomyopathy status spongiosus Ateleia glazioviana Tetrapterys multiglandulosa plant poisoning sheep

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida M.B., Priebe A.P.S., Riet-Correa B., Riet-Correa G., Fiss L., Raffi M.B. & Schild A.L. 2008. [Evolution and reversibility of neurologic and cardiac lesions in sheep caused by Ateleia glazioviana and Tetrapterys multiglandulosa.] Evolução e reversibiliade das lesões neurológicas e cardíacas em ovinos intoxicados experimentalmente por Ateleia glazioviana e Tetrapterys multiglandulosa. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):129-134. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br To determine the reversibility of neurological and cardiac lesions in Ateleia glazioviana and Tetrapterys multiglandulosa poisoning, 3 groups of four sheep each were fed orally with the plants. In Group 1, 2 and 3, when sheep with nervous signs showed considerable increase of symptoms and risk of death, the plant administration was suspended. Group 4 with two sheep was used as control. Sheep from Group 1, fed 10g/kg during 6 days of fresh A. glazioviana collected in autumn were euthanized 8, 11, 16, and 21 days after the start of the experiment; they had shown regression of nervous signs, but had progressive cardiac lesions. Sheep from Group 2, fed during 8 days the same dose of fresh A. glazioviana collected in spring, were euthanized on days 9, 23, 38 and 68; they had shown regression of nervous signs and had no cardiac lesions. This suggests that the plant is less toxic in spring. Sheep from Group 3, fed 10g/kg during 11 days dry and ground T. multiglandulosa mixed with concentrated food, were euthanized on days 33, 33, 92 and 92; they had shown regression of nervous signs, and cardiac lesions were less severe on day 33 than on day 92. These results indicate that nervous lesions are reversible after the end of feeding, but cardiac lesions are progressive after discontinuation of the plant administration; these can be afterwards reversible if the animals do not anymore show clinical signs or die as a consequence of the poisoning. Results of those and previous experiments show that lesions of the nervous system are induced by lower doses than cardiac lesions and occur within a shorter period, what suggests that in spontaneous cases cardiac signs are always preceded by nervous signs, and that nervous signs can occur in the absence of cardiac lesions.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Furlan F.H., Lucioli J., Veronezi L.O., Traverso S. D. & Gava A. 2008. [Experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação experimental por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):57-62. Departamento de Clínica e Patologia, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2ag@cav.udesc.br Clinical and pathological findings of experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia in cattle are described. A neurologic disease was observed in cattle on farms of the Alto Vale do Itajaí region of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. For the experimental reproduction of the disease, fresh green leaves, weekly harvested in the same region where spontaneous case occurred, were force-fed to five cattle at doses of 10 and 20g/kg for 120 days, 40g/kg for 30 days, and 30 and 40g/kg body weight for 150 days. One animal died and the others were euthanatized at the end of the experiment. Clinical signs and lesions varied from mild to severe in the experimentally poisoned cattle and depended on dose and length of the period of consumption. Main histological and ultrastructural lesions consisted of vacuolation and distension of neuronal perikarya (mainly of Purkinje cells), and of the cytoplasm of acinar pancreatic cells and thyroid follicular cells. It is concluded that ingestion of even small amounts S. carpinifolia for prolonged periods of time cause lisosomal storage disease in cattle.

• Poisonous plants Sida carpinifolia Malvaceae cattle storage disease alpha-mannosidosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Furlan F.H., Lucioli J., Veronezi L.O., Traverso S. D. & Gava A. 2008. [Experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação experimental por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):57-62. Departamento de Clínica e Patologia, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2ag@cav.udesc.br Clinical and pathological findings of experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia in cattle are described. A neurologic disease was observed in cattle on farms of the Alto Vale do Itajaí region of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. For the experimental reproduction of the disease, fresh green leaves, weekly harvested in the same region where spontaneous case occurred, were force-fed to five cattle at doses of 10 and 20g/kg for 120 days, 40g/kg for 30 days, and 30 and 40g/kg body weight for 150 days. One animal died and the others were euthanatized at the end of the experiment. Clinical signs and lesions varied from mild to severe in the experimentally poisoned cattle and depended on dose and length of the period of consumption. Main histological and ultrastructural lesions consisted of vacuolation and distension of neuronal perikarya (mainly of Purkinje cells), and of the cytoplasm of acinar pancreatic cells and thyroid follicular cells. It is concluded that ingestion of even small amounts S. carpinifolia for prolonged periods of time cause lisosomal storage disease in cattle.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa R.C., Riet-Correa F., Lima E.F., Medeiros R.M.T., Guedes K.M.R, Gardner D.R., Molyneux R.J. & Melo L.E.H. 2007. Experimental swainsonine poisoning in goats ingesting Ipomoea sericophylla and Ipomoea riedelii (Convolvulaceae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):409-414. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, Paraíba, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Ipomoea sericophylla and Ipomoea riedelii cause a glycoprotein storage disease in goats. This paper reports the experimental poisoning in goats by dried I. sericophylla and I. riedelii containing 0.05% and 0.01% swainsonine, respectively. Three groups with four animals each were used. Group 1 received daily doses of 2g/kg body weight (bw) of dried I. sericophylla (150mg of swainsonine/kg). Goats from this group had clinical signs 36-38 days after the start of ingestion. Group 2 received dried I. riedelii daily doses of 2g/kg of I. riedelii (30mg of swainsonine/kg) for 70 days. No clinical signs were observed, therefore the swainsonine dose was increased to 60mg/kg for another 70 days. Goats from Group 2 had clinical signs 26-65 days after increase in swainsonine dose to 60mg/kg. Group 3 was used as control. In these experiments the minimum toxic dose was 60mg/kg which represents 0.0004% of the dry matter in goats ingesting 1.5% bw of the dry matter. For goats ingesting 2%-2.5% bw of dry matter this dose would be 0.00024%-0.0003% of the dry matter. After the end of the experiment two goats were euthanized and another six were observed for recovery of clinical signs. Four goats that continued to consume swainsonine containing plant for 39-89 days after the first clinical signs had non reversible signs, while two goats that ingested the plant for only 15 and 20 days after the first clinical signs recovered completely. These and previous results indicate that irreversible lesions due to neuronal loss occur in goats that continue to ingest the plants for about 30 days after the first clinical signs. Clinical signs and histological lesions were similar to those reported previously for goats poisoned by swainsonine containing plants. No significant alterations were found in packed cell volume, red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations, mean corpuscular volume, and serum levels of glucose, total protein, and albumin, and the serum activities of gamma glutamyl transferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Swainsonine concentration of 0.05% in I. sericophylla and 0.01% in I. riedelii are different from samples of these plants used in previous experiments, which contained 0.14% and 0.5% swainsonine, respectively, demonstrating a wide variation in the toxicity of different samples.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning lysosomal storage disease swainsonine goats Ipomoea sericophylla Ipomoea riedelii

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa R.C., Riet-Correa F., Lima E.F., Medeiros R.M.T., Guedes K.M.R, Gardner D.R., Molyneux R.J. & Melo L.E.H. 2007. Experimental swainsonine poisoning in goats ingesting Ipomoea sericophylla and Ipomoea riedelii (Convolvulaceae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):409-414. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, Paraíba, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Ipomoea sericophylla and Ipomoea riedelii cause a glycoprotein storage disease in goats. This paper reports the experimental poisoning in goats by dried I. sericophylla and I. riedelii containing 0.05% and 0.01% swainsonine, respectively. Three groups with four animals each were used. Group 1 received daily doses of 2g/kg body weight (bw) of dried I. sericophylla (150mg of swainsonine/kg). Goats from this group had clinical signs 36-38 days after the start of ingestion. Group 2 received dried I. riedelii daily doses of 2g/kg of I. riedelii (30mg of swainsonine/kg) for 70 days. No clinical signs were observed, therefore the swainsonine dose was increased to 60mg/kg for another 70 days. Goats from Group 2 had clinical signs 26-65 days after increase in swainsonine dose to 60mg/kg. Group 3 was used as control. In these experiments the minimum toxic dose was 60mg/kg which represents 0.0004% of the dry matter in goats ingesting 1.5% bw of the dry matter. For goats ingesting 2%-2.5% bw of dry matter this dose would be 0.00024%-0.0003% of the dry matter. After the end of the experiment two goats were euthanized and another six were observed for recovery of clinical signs. Four goats that continued to consume swainsonine containing plant for 39-89 days after the first clinical signs had non reversible signs, while two goats that ingested the plant for only 15 and 20 days after the first clinical signs recovered completely. These and previous results indicate that irreversible lesions due to neuronal loss occur in goats that continue to ingest the plants for about 30 days after the first clinical signs. Clinical signs and histological lesions were similar to those reported previously for goats poisoned by swainsonine containing plants. No significant alterations were found in packed cell volume, red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations, mean corpuscular volume, and serum levels of glucose, total protein, and albumin, and the serum activities of gamma glutamyl transferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Swainsonine concentration of 0.05% in I. sericophylla and 0.01% in I. riedelii are different from samples of these plants used in previous experiments, which contained 0.14% and 0.5% swainsonine, respectively, demonstrating a wide variation in the toxicity of different samples.