PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Jabour F.F., Seixas J.N., Tokarnia C.H. & Brito M.F. 2006. [Variation of the toxicity of Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) in rabbits.] Variação da toxidez de Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) em coelhos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):171-176. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil. E-mail: flaviajabour@bol.com.br The dried and powdered mature leaves and sprouts of Arrabidaea bilabiata (fam. Bignoniaceae), a liana or scandent shrub, were administered by stomach tube to 15 rabbits at doses of 0.25-6.0g/kg. The lowest dose of the sprouts collected in October (End of the dry season) causing death was 0.5g/kg, whilst the lowest lethal dose of sprouts collected in May (End of the rainy season) was 1.0g/kg. With the mature leaves collected in October the lowest lethal dose was of 4.0g/kg, and the lowest lethal dose of the mature leaves collected in May was 6.0g/kg. The clinical course of the poisoning was peracute. The rabbits all of a sudden fell down with struggling movements, difficult and spaced breathing, and died. At necropsy, significant alterations were not observed and histopatological examination showed, as the more important changes, vacuolar hydropic degeneration of epithelial cells of the distal convoluted renal tubules, diffuse vacuolation of the cytoplasm and necrosis of hepatocytes, presence of eosinophilic sphaerules in the sinusoids, groups of heart muscle fibers with increased eosinophilia, besides congestion in the kidneys, liver, heart and lungs. It was concluded that the toxicity of A. bilabiata varies according to the season of the year and the growth stage of the plant. The plant was most toxic in October and the sprouts were more toxic than the mature leaves, confirming the data previously obtained in experiments with cattle and buffalos.

• Poisonous plants Arrabidaea bilabiata Bignoniaceae plant poisoning rabbit pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Jabour F.F., Seixas J.N., Tokarnia C.H. & Brito M.F. 2006. [Variation of the toxicity of Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) in rabbits.] Variação da toxidez de Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) em coelhos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):171-176. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil. E-mail: flaviajabour@bol.com.br The dried and powdered mature leaves and sprouts of Arrabidaea bilabiata (fam. Bignoniaceae), a liana or scandent shrub, were administered by stomach tube to 15 rabbits at doses of 0.25-6.0g/kg. The lowest dose of the sprouts collected in October (End of the dry season) causing death was 0.5g/kg, whilst the lowest lethal dose of sprouts collected in May (End of the rainy season) was 1.0g/kg. With the mature leaves collected in October the lowest lethal dose was of 4.0g/kg, and the lowest lethal dose of the mature leaves collected in May was 6.0g/kg. The clinical course of the poisoning was peracute. The rabbits all of a sudden fell down with struggling movements, difficult and spaced breathing, and died. At necropsy, significant alterations were not observed and histopatological examination showed, as the more important changes, vacuolar hydropic degeneration of epithelial cells of the distal convoluted renal tubules, diffuse vacuolation of the cytoplasm and necrosis of hepatocytes, presence of eosinophilic sphaerules in the sinusoids, groups of heart muscle fibers with increased eosinophilia, besides congestion in the kidneys, liver, heart and lungs. It was concluded that the toxicity of A. bilabiata varies according to the season of the year and the growth stage of the plant. The plant was most toxic in October and the sprouts were more toxic than the mature leaves, confirming the data previously obtained in experiments with cattle and buffalos.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Tokarnia C.H. & Peixoto P.V. 2005. [The importance of snake bites as cause of cattle death in Brazil.] A importância dos acidentes ofídicos como causa de mortes em bovinos no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):55-68. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br A review of the literature shows that opinions on the importance of snake bites as cause of cattle death in Brazil are divergent among veterinarians; some think they are of no importance or of only minor significance, others are of the opinion that snake bites are frequent. However, the literature only reports two confirmed fatal cases by Bothrops and none by Crotalus in cattle in the country. A questionnaire which was submitted for appraisal to veterinary pathologists and clinicians in various States of Brazil, revealed only suspected cases of fatal accidents by snakes in cattle. During our field and laboratory diagnostic work we never made a diagnosis of a snake bite accident. Many “diagnoses” have apparently been made at a distance from where the animals died, without clinical and post-mortem examination, nor histological studies. By this way, the great majority of cases seems to be only supposition. In Brazil there are only few snakes of the genus Bothrops theoretically able to produce sufficient amounts of venom to kill an adult bovine. Nevertheless, in experiments, only Bothrops alternatus was able to cause the death of just one out of three bovines bitten, and this animal only weighed 279 kg. Snakes of the genus Crotalus can produce sufficient amounts of venom to kill an adult bovine; however it is known, that snakes of the genus Crotalus as well as of Bothrops generally inoculate only a part of their venom. These considerations indicate that the deaths suspected to have been caused by snake bites in cattle in Brazil have to be studied more thoroughly. A diagnosis can only be confirmed by establishing the precise clinical and pathological picture. Our current opinion is that fatal snake bites are much less frequent in cattle than often believed, and that their importance is generally much exaggerated.

• Snake bites snakes Crotalus spp Bothrops spp cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Tokarnia C.H. & Peixoto P.V. 2005. [The importance of snake bites as cause of cattle death in Brazil.] A importância dos acidentes ofídicos como causa de mortes em bovinos no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):55-68. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br A review of the literature shows that opinions on the importance of snake bites as cause of cattle death in Brazil are divergent among veterinarians; some think they are of no importance or of only minor significance, others are of the opinion that snake bites are frequent. However, the literature only reports two confirmed fatal cases by Bothrops and none by Crotalus in cattle in the country. A questionnaire which was submitted for appraisal to veterinary pathologists and clinicians in various States of Brazil, revealed only suspected cases of fatal accidents by snakes in cattle. During our field and laboratory diagnostic work we never made a diagnosis of a snake bite accident. Many “diagnoses” have apparently been made at a distance from where the animals died, without clinical and post-mortem examination, nor histological studies. By this way, the great majority of cases seems to be only supposition. In Brazil there are only few snakes of the genus Bothrops theoretically able to produce sufficient amounts of venom to kill an adult bovine. Nevertheless, in experiments, only Bothrops alternatus was able to cause the death of just one out of three bovines bitten, and this animal only weighed 279 kg. Snakes of the genus Crotalus can produce sufficient amounts of venom to kill an adult bovine; however it is known, that snakes of the genus Crotalus as well as of Bothrops generally inoculate only a part of their venom. These considerations indicate that the deaths suspected to have been caused by snake bites in cattle in Brazil have to be studied more thoroughly. A diagnosis can only be confirmed by establishing the precise clinical and pathological picture. Our current opinion is that fatal snake bites are much less frequent in cattle than often believed, and that their importance is generally much exaggerated.

Abstract in English:

Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Duarte M.D., Peixoto P.V. & Tokarnia C.H. 2005. [Experimental and natural poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) in buffaloes and other ruminants.] Intoxicações experimental e natural por Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) em búfalos e outros ruminantes. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):231-234. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Ipomoea asarifolia R. et Schult. is a plant responsible for occasional outbreaks of poisoning in cattle, sheep and goats. Its oral administration to cattle and buffalos showed that the buffalo is as susceptible as cattle. One to 4 daily doses of 10-20g/kg caused similar symptoms in both species, as incoordination, muscular twiching and swaying of the head and anterior part of the body (pendular movement). In buffaloes the signs of incoordination were observed to a smaller extent. There is no report yet on natural poisoning by I. asarifolia in buffaloes, possibly because cases are not being noticed.

• Poisonous plants Ipomoea asarifolia Convolvulaceae plant poisoning buffaloes bovines sheep goats.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Duarte M.D., Peixoto P.V. & Tokarnia C.H. 2005. [Experimental and natural poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) in buffaloes and other ruminants.] Intoxicações experimental e natural por Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) em búfalos e outros ruminantes. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):231-234. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Ipomoea asarifolia R. et Schult. is a plant responsible for occasional outbreaks of poisoning in cattle, sheep and goats. Its oral administration to cattle and buffalos showed that the buffalo is as susceptible as cattle. One to 4 daily doses of 10-20g/kg caused similar symptoms in both species, as incoordination, muscular twiching and swaying of the head and anterior part of the body (pendular movement). In buffaloes the signs of incoordination were observed to a smaller extent. There is no report yet on natural poisoning by I. asarifolia in buffaloes, possibly because cases are not being noticed.

Abstract in English:

Peixoto P.V., Malafaia P., Barbosa J.D. & Tokarnia C.H. 2005. [Principles of mineral supplementation in ruminants.] Princípios de suplementação mineral em ruminantes. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):195-200. Depto Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: pfpeixoto@terra.com.br Although there is solid knowledge on mineral deficiencies and their consequences on health and productivity of cattle in Brazil, paradoxically, those informations, most of the time, are not used by professionals of the agricultural sciences, who persist in stimulating the widespread use of the so-called complete mineral mixtures. The deficiency of many minerals included in these supplements, as iron, chrome, sulfur, and others, do not occur under natural conditions or only in rare and very particular situations. The present paper deals with the misunderstandings and problems related to traditional mineral supplementation and discusses the main aspects of the so-called selective mineral supplementation that is based in supplying exclusively the deficient mineral(s) and these only in necessary amounts. This procedure can result in expressive economy (sometimes up to 700%) when compared with the commercial mineral supplementation usually employed. According to several estimates, mineral supplementation can account for 20 to 30% of the total cost of beef cattle production on tropical pastures. A reversion assay, in which a group of cattle receives the commercial mineral mixture routinely used on the farm, and another group which receives the selective supplement, is the best option for the elucidation of positive or negative effects between the two possibilities of mineral supplementation on a specific farm. Trough this assay, the effects of the two compositions of mineral supplements can be investigated rationally over a sufficient period of time, with no risks and minimal possibilities of economic losses.

• Mineral deficiencies mineral supplementation ruminants cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Peixoto P.V., Malafaia P., Barbosa J.D. & Tokarnia C.H. 2005. [Principles of mineral supplementation in ruminants.] Princípios de suplementação mineral em ruminantes. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):195-200. Depto Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: pfpeixoto@terra.com.br Although there is solid knowledge on mineral deficiencies and their consequences on health and productivity of cattle in Brazil, paradoxically, those informations, most of the time, are not used by professionals of the agricultural sciences, who persist in stimulating the widespread use of the so-called complete mineral mixtures. The deficiency of many minerals included in these supplements, as iron, chrome, sulfur, and others, do not occur under natural conditions or only in rare and very particular situations. The present paper deals with the misunderstandings and problems related to traditional mineral supplementation and discusses the main aspects of the so-called selective mineral supplementation that is based in supplying exclusively the deficient mineral(s) and these only in necessary amounts. This procedure can result in expressive economy (sometimes up to 700%) when compared with the commercial mineral supplementation usually employed. According to several estimates, mineral supplementation can account for 20 to 30% of the total cost of beef cattle production on tropical pastures. A reversion assay, in which a group of cattle receives the commercial mineral mixture routinely used on the farm, and another group which receives the selective supplement, is the best option for the elucidation of positive or negative effects between the two possibilities of mineral supplementation on a specific farm. Trough this assay, the effects of the two compositions of mineral supplements can be investigated rationally over a sufficient period of time, with no risks and minimal possibilities of economic losses.

Abstract in English:

Tokarnia C.H., Peixoto P.V., Döbereiner J., Barros S.S. & Riet-Correa F. 2004. [The outbreak of African swine fever which ocurred in 1978 in the county of Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.] O surto de peste suína africana ocorrido em 1978 no município de Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):223-238. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Due to doubts which still persist 25 years after the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) which ocurred in the county of Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1978, the results obtained through the studies to establish and confirm the diagnosis are presented. These include data on the epidemiology, clinic-pathological aspects, bacteriological, virological and ultramicroscopic examinations, the experimental reproduction of the disease and cross immunity tests with classical swine fever virus performed in Brazil, and on the confirmation with isolation of the virus and determination of its identity at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, New York, USA. The pigs of the affected herd had been fed untreated remains of meals from airplanes of international lines flying to Brazil from Portugal and Spain where ASF was occurring at the time. According to publication by the Ministry of Agriculture, after the diagnosis of the outbreak of ASF described in this paper, 223 additional outbreaks were reported in Brazil between 1978 and 1979, in all the Brazilian regions (North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast and South). Further outbreaks were reported in 1981, but their number is not known. The last case was reported to have occurred on November 15, 1981, and on December 5, 1984, Brazil was declared free of ASF. For the diagnosis of ASF 54,002 samples were examined by the Department of Virology of the Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, from 1978 to 1981, by the techniques of haemadsorption in leucocyte cultures (HAd), direct immunoflorescence in tissue sections (FATS), direct immunoflorescence in cell cultures (FATCC), immuno-electro-osmophoresis (IEOP) and indirect immunoflorescence assay (IIF). Only 4 samples were positive with the FATCC procedure. This is the only technique which includes virus isolation; the origin of these positive samples was not reported, but probably they were from the Paracambi outbreak. From other suspected outbreaks of ASF in Brazil there is no information on the isolation and characterization of the virus isolates. Likewise there is no information available about the epidemiology, clinical signs, and pathology of suspected ASF in other outbreaks. The analysis of all published data on this matter in Brazil, the possibility of false-positive results, the lack of information about isolation and characterization of the virus, as well as the lack of epidemiological, clinical and pathological data of these other supposed outbreaks of ASF strongly suggest that the outbreak of Paracambi was the only occurrence of ASF in Brazil, confirmed by the isolation, identification of the virus, and the determination of its pathogenicity, and that ASF occurred and maintained itself confined to this area probably due to the early diagnosis and the rapid application of efficient control measures by the Brazilian authorities; the slaughter of the animals in the outbreak of Paracambi started as soon as 10 days after the first death, 3 days after the presumptive diagnosis.

• African swine fever Brazil pathology experimental reproduction.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Tokarnia C.H., Peixoto P.V., Döbereiner J., Barros S.S. & Riet-Correa F. 2004. [The outbreak of African swine fever which ocurred in 1978 in the county of Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.] O surto de peste suína africana ocorrido em 1978 no município de Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):223-238. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Due to doubts which still persist 25 years after the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) which ocurred in the county of Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1978, the results obtained through the studies to establish and confirm the diagnosis are presented. These include data on the epidemiology, clinic-pathological aspects, bacteriological, virological and ultramicroscopic examinations, the experimental reproduction of the disease and cross immunity tests with classical swine fever virus performed in Brazil, and on the confirmation with isolation of the virus and determination of its identity at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, New York, USA. The pigs of the affected herd had been fed untreated remains of meals from airplanes of international lines flying to Brazil from Portugal and Spain where ASF was occurring at the time. According to publication by the Ministry of Agriculture, after the diagnosis of the outbreak of ASF described in this paper, 223 additional outbreaks were reported in Brazil between 1978 and 1979, in all the Brazilian regions (North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast and South). Further outbreaks were reported in 1981, but their number is not known. The last case was reported to have occurred on November 15, 1981, and on December 5, 1984, Brazil was declared free of ASF. For the diagnosis of ASF 54,002 samples were examined by the Department of Virology of the Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, from 1978 to 1981, by the techniques of haemadsorption in leucocyte cultures (HAd), direct immunoflorescence in tissue sections (FATS), direct immunoflorescence in cell cultures (FATCC), immuno-electro-osmophoresis (IEOP) and indirect immunoflorescence assay (IIF). Only 4 samples were positive with the FATCC procedure. This is the only technique which includes virus isolation; the origin of these positive samples was not reported, but probably they were from the Paracambi outbreak. From other suspected outbreaks of ASF in Brazil there is no information on the isolation and characterization of the virus isolates. Likewise there is no information available about the epidemiology, clinical signs, and pathology of suspected ASF in other outbreaks. The analysis of all published data on this matter in Brazil, the possibility of false-positive results, the lack of information about isolation and characterization of the virus, as well as the lack of epidemiological, clinical and pathological data of these other supposed outbreaks of ASF strongly suggest that the outbreak of Paracambi was the only occurrence of ASF in Brazil, confirmed by the isolation, identification of the virus, and the determination of its pathogenicity, and that ASF occurred and maintained itself confined to this area probably due to the early diagnosis and the rapid application of efficient control measures by the Brazilian authorities; the slaughter of the animals in the outbreak of Paracambi started as soon as 10 days after the first death, 3 days after the presumptive diagnosis.

Abstract in English:

Oliveira C.M.C., Barbosa J.D., Macedo R.S.C., Brito M.F., Peixoto P.V. & Tokarnia C.H. 2004. [A comparative study of the toxicity of Palicourea juruana (Rubiaceae) to buffalo and cattle.] Estudo comparativo da toxidez de Palicourea juruana (Rubiaceae) para búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):27-30. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br An experimental study was performed to establish the toxicity of Palicourea juruana for buffaloes and to add new data on the toxicity of this plant for cattle. The clinical and pathological pictures were similar, but a comparison of the lethal doses for buffaloes (1-2g/kg) and cattle (0.25g/kg) shows that the buffalo is at least 4 times more resistant. In experiments performed 10 years earlier with the fresh leaves - collected on the same farm in July, at the beginning of the dry season, only 2 months later than in this second experimental series - the lethal dose for cattle was 2 g/kg. No explanation was found for the extremely high toxicity of the plant observed in the present study.

• Plant poisoning Palicourea juruana Rubiaceae cattle buffaloes.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Oliveira C.M.C., Barbosa J.D., Macedo R.S.C., Brito M.F., Peixoto P.V. & Tokarnia C.H. 2004. [A comparative study of the toxicity of Palicourea juruana (Rubiaceae) to buffalo and cattle.] Estudo comparativo da toxidez de Palicourea juruana (Rubiaceae) para búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):27-30. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br An experimental study was performed to establish the toxicity of Palicourea juruana for buffaloes and to add new data on the toxicity of this plant for cattle. The clinical and pathological pictures were similar, but a comparison of the lethal doses for buffaloes (1-2g/kg) and cattle (0.25g/kg) shows that the buffalo is at least 4 times more resistant. In experiments performed 10 years earlier with the fresh leaves - collected on the same farm in July, at the beginning of the dry season, only 2 months later than in this second experimental series - the lethal dose for cattle was 2 g/kg. No explanation was found for the extremely high toxicity of the plant observed in the present study.

Abstract in English:

Brito M.F., Tokarnia C.H. & Döbereiner J. 2004. [The toxicity of diverse lantanas for cattle and sheep in Brazil.] A toxidez de diversas lantanas para bovinos e ovinos no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):153-159. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Experiments on the toxicity of Lantana spp for cattle and sheep revealed a similar situation as is reported from Australia. Neither all Lantana species nor all varieties which occur in Brazil are poisonous. Lantana samples collected at Boa Vista (Roraima), Castanhal (Pará), Cáceres (Mato Grosso), Serra Talhada (Pernambuco), Cabo Frio and Quatis (Rio de Janeiro), and Canoinhas (Santa Catarina) were toxic. All the other Lantana samples, collected at Cruzeiro do Sul (Acre), Castanhal (Pará), Chapada dos Guimarães and Lambari d’Oeste (Mato Grosso), Jaguaribe (Ceará), Vitória da Conquista and Wanderley (Bahia), Vitória (Espírito Santo), Vassouras, Parati and Itaguaí (Rio de Janeiro) revealed experimentally as non-toxic at a dose of 40g/kg. In all cases the lethal dose was 40 g/kg, with two exceptions: the sample collected at Canoinha (Santa Catarina) was much more toxic (10g/kg) and the one from Serra Talhada (Pernambuco) was much less toxic, as this last sample caused lethal poisoning only at a dosage of 40g/kg/day given during 30 days. Histories about the observation of photosensitization in cattle due to the ingestion of Lantana spp were obtained at Serra Talhada (Pernambuco), Cáceres (Mato Grosso), Cabo Frio and Quatis (Rio de Janeiro), and Canoinhas (Santa Catarina). No correlation could be established between the colour of the flowers of Lantana spp and the toxicity of the plants. This confirms reports from Australia that the toxic potential of the Lantana species is not necessarily related to the colour of their flowers.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Lantana spp Verbenaceae sheep cattle pathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Brito M.F., Tokarnia C.H. & Döbereiner J. 2004. [The toxicity of diverse lantanas for cattle and sheep in Brazil.] A toxidez de diversas lantanas para bovinos e ovinos no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):153-159. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Experiments on the toxicity of Lantana spp for cattle and sheep revealed a similar situation as is reported from Australia. Neither all Lantana species nor all varieties which occur in Brazil are poisonous. Lantana samples collected at Boa Vista (Roraima), Castanhal (Pará), Cáceres (Mato Grosso), Serra Talhada (Pernambuco), Cabo Frio and Quatis (Rio de Janeiro), and Canoinhas (Santa Catarina) were toxic. All the other Lantana samples, collected at Cruzeiro do Sul (Acre), Castanhal (Pará), Chapada dos Guimarães and Lambari d’Oeste (Mato Grosso), Jaguaribe (Ceará), Vitória da Conquista and Wanderley (Bahia), Vitória (Espírito Santo), Vassouras, Parati and Itaguaí (Rio de Janeiro) revealed experimentally as non-toxic at a dose of 40g/kg. In all cases the lethal dose was 40 g/kg, with two exceptions: the sample collected at Canoinha (Santa Catarina) was much more toxic (10g/kg) and the one from Serra Talhada (Pernambuco) was much less toxic, as this last sample caused lethal poisoning only at a dosage of 40g/kg/day given during 30 days. Histories about the observation of photosensitization in cattle due to the ingestion of Lantana spp were obtained at Serra Talhada (Pernambuco), Cáceres (Mato Grosso), Cabo Frio and Quatis (Rio de Janeiro), and Canoinhas (Santa Catarina). No correlation could be established between the colour of the flowers of Lantana spp and the toxicity of the plants. This confirms reports from Australia that the toxic potential of the Lantana species is not necessarily related to the colour of their flowers.

Abstract in English:

Tokarnia C.H., Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Brito M.F., Oliveira R.B. & Barbas L.A. 2004. [Comparative epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of poisoning by Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) in buffalo and cattle.] Aspectos epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos comparados da intoxicação por Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) em búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):74-79. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Experiments showed that the clinical and pathological pictures were essentially the same, but the buffalo was at least twice more resistant than the bovine to the toxic effect of Arrabidaea bilabiata (Sprague) Sandw. It was also shown that the young leaves are twice (October, end of the dry season) or one and a half (May, end of the rainy season) more toxic than the mature leaves, and that the plant is more toxic in October. These data indicate that the smaller incidence of poisoning by plants of the group that causes sudden death in buffaloes in the Amazon Region is, in part, due to the greater resistance of this animal species to the toxic action of the plant. Also important seems to be the coincidence of the preferential habitat of the buffalo (flooded areas) with the habitat of A. bilabiata, less toxic than Palicourea marcgravii St.Hil. which is a plant of the non-flooded areas, the preferential habitat of cattle.

• Plant poisoning Arrabidaea bilabiata Bignoniaceae toxicity buffalo cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Tokarnia C.H., Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Brito M.F., Oliveira R.B. & Barbas L.A. 2004. [Comparative epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of poisoning by Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) in buffalo and cattle.] Aspectos epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos comparados da intoxicação por Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) em búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):74-79. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Experiments showed that the clinical and pathological pictures were essentially the same, but the buffalo was at least twice more resistant than the bovine to the toxic effect of Arrabidaea bilabiata (Sprague) Sandw. It was also shown that the young leaves are twice (October, end of the dry season) or one and a half (May, end of the rainy season) more toxic than the mature leaves, and that the plant is more toxic in October. These data indicate that the smaller incidence of poisoning by plants of the group that causes sudden death in buffaloes in the Amazon Region is, in part, due to the greater resistance of this animal species to the toxic action of the plant. Also important seems to be the coincidence of the preferential habitat of the buffalo (flooded areas) with the habitat of A. bilabiata, less toxic than Palicourea marcgravii St.Hil. which is a plant of the non-flooded areas, the preferential habitat of cattle.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Duarte M.D., Peixoto P. V., Bezerra P. S., Oliveira K. D., Loretti A. P. & Tokarnia C.H. 2003. [Natural and experimental poisoning by amitraz in horses and donkey: Clinical aspects.) Intoxicações natural e experimental por amitraz em eqüídeos: aspectos clínicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(3):105-118. Hospital Veterinário, Setor Grandes Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica. RJ 23835-000, Brazil. E-mail: marcos @webcem.com.br Poisoning by amitraz was experimentally reproduced in 17 horses and a donkey. First symptoms were observed between 15 min. and 2 h 5 min. after oral administration, and between 6 h 28 min. and 8 h 38 min. after spraying with amitraz. The course of poisoning after oral administration was 4 to 9 days, and after spraying 5 to 6 days. Death of experimental animais occurred only after oral administration. One animal was euthanized after spraying. Doses of 5.5 mg/kg (1 administration), 5.8 mg/kg (2 administrations) and doses which varied between 7.2 and 36.4 mg/kg (5 administrations) were used when amitraz was given by mouth, ali causing symptoms of poisoning. When the administration of amitraz was by spraying, poisoning was reproduced with solutions of 0.1 and 0.2 %. Regarding the nervous system, the main signs observed were recumbency, somnolence, palpebral and auriculár ptosis, difficulties in apprehension, chewing and swallowing of food, dragging of the hooves, exposure of the penis, diminished or absent cutaneous sensibility, instability, abduction of the legs, lowering of the head, incoordination, jawning, labial flacity, exposure of the tongue, crossing of the legs when walking, diminished postural response after crossing or abducting the legs, diminished/absent reflex of the upper lip, palatal, tongue, flexor and swallowing reflex, diminished auricular, palpebral and menace reflex. The ambulatory response was diminished when tested by walking in circles of small radius. Regarding the digestive system, the signs were mainly intestinal hypomotility/atony, edema of the lips, abdominal distention, frequente lying down and standing up, rolling on the ground, looking at the flancs, groaning and impaction of the large bowel. Regarding the circulatory system, the main clinical signs were tachycardia, increase of the refilling time of capillaries, congested mucosa and splitting of the cardiac sounds. Regarding the respiratory system, stridor, tachypnoea, dyspnoea, nasal discharge, bradypnoea and abdominal respiration was observed. Beside these signs, there were alterations of the general condition, as apathy and hypothermia. Ali natural cases occurred after spraying with amitraz. First symptoms were seen 2 to 3 days after the application of amitraz. The course was 6, 7 and 17 days. One animal showed mainly the nervous signs as seen in the experiments, with exception of the signs of crossing the legs when walking, yawning and exposure of the penis. Another animal had only digestive symptoms as rolling, pawing, intestinal hypomotility/atony and impaction of the large bowel. A third animal initially showed digestive symptoms characterized by pawing, rolling, intestinal atony and impaction of the Iarge bowel, followed by laminitis; in the final stage this animal showed severe nervous signs as pressing the head against obstacles, incoordination with crossing the legs when walking and reluctance to move. Possible Iocation of lesions in the nervous system according to the clinical signs are suggested.

• Poisoning horses donkey amitraz Intoxicações eqüídeos amitraz.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Duarte M.D., Peixoto P. V., Bezerra P. S., Oliveira K. D., Loretti A. P. & Tokarnia C.H. 2003. [Natural and experimental poisoning by amitraz in horses and donkey: Clinical aspects.) Intoxicações natural e experimental por amitraz em eqüídeos: aspectos clínicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(3):105-118. Hospital Veterinário, Setor Grandes Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica. RJ 23835-000, Brazil. E-mail: marcos @webcem.com.br A administração oral e a aspersão com amitraz reproduziram experimentalmente em 17eqüinos e uin asinino um quadro de intoxicação muito similar a outro que vinha ocorrendo em cavalos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. O início dos sintomas após a administração oral variou entre 15min. e 2h05min., na aplicação por aspersão variou entre 6h28min. e 8h38min. A evolução nos casos de administração oral foi de 4 a 9 dias, nos de aspersão de 5 a 6 dias. Somente morreram animais que receberam a administração oral. Um animal aspergido com o amitraz foi sacrificado. Por via oral foram usadas dosagens de 5,5 mg/kg (uma administração), 5,8 mg/kg (duas administrações) e num terceiro animal, doses que variaram entre 7,2 e 36,4 mg/kg (cinco administrações). Nas aplicações por aspersão, a intoxicação foi reproduzida com soluções nas concentrações de O, 1 e 0,2%. Com relação ao sistema nervoso, os principais sinais observados foram apatia, sonolência, ptoses palpebral e auricular, dificuldade de apreensão, mastigação e· deglutição do alimento, arrastar das pinças dos cascos no solo, exposição do pênis, sensibilidade cutânea diminuída/ausente, instabilidade em estação, abdução dos membros, cabeça baixa, incoordenação, bocejos, flacidez labial, exposição da língua, cruzamento dos membros ao caminhar, resposta postural diminuída após cruzar e abduzir os membros, reflexos do lábio superior, palatal, lingual, de deglutição e flexor diminuídos/ausentes, reflexos auricular, palpebral e de ameaça diminuídos e resposta ambulatória diminuída ao teste de girar em círculo de pequeno raio. No que se refere ao sistema digestivo, foram evidenciados, principalmente, hipomotilidade/atonia intestinal, edema dos lábios, distensão abdominal, deitar e levantar com freqüência, rolar no solo, olhar para o flanco, gemer e impactação do intestino grosso. Observaram-se ainda taquicardia, aumento do tempo de preenchimento capilar e mucosas congestas, estridor, taquipnéia, dispnéia, secreção nasal, bradipnéia e respiração abdominal. Todos os três casos naturais ocorreram após aspersão do amitraz. Os primeiros sintomas foram observados 2 e 3 dias após o banho. A evolução foi de 6, 7 e 17 dias. Um animal manifestou a maioria dos sinais referentes ao sistema nervoso observados nos experimentos, com exceção dos sinais de cruzamento dos membros ao caminhar, bocejos, lábios flácidos e exposição do pênis. Outro animal, intoxicado espontaneamente, manifestou somente sintomas digestivos como rolar, "patear", hipomotilidade/atonia intestinal e impactação do intestino grosso. Um terceiro animal, inicialmente manifestou sintomas digestivos caracterizados por patear, rolar, atonia intestinal e impactação do intestino grosso, com consequente desenvolvimento de laminite; na fase final exibiu acentuada sintomatologia nervosa mostrando compressão da cabeça contra obstáculos, incoordenação motora com cruzamento dos membros ao caminhar e relutância em se movimentar. Baseados no quadro clínico observado, são sugeridos possíveis locais de lesão no sistema nervoso.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Peixoto P.V., França T.N., Barros C.S.L. & Tokarnia C.H. 2003. [Histopathological aspects of Bovine Enzootic Haematuria in Brazil.] Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 23(2):65-81. Depto Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro 23835-000, Brazil. E-mail: peixotop@ufrrj.br The bladder lesions of 59 cattle, from the States of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná and Amazon, affected by Bovine Enzootic Haematuria (BEH), were studied histologically. The objective of this study was to describe and redassify neoplastic and non-neoplastic alterations not yet reported, according to the more complete current nomendature used in human medicine. There was an almost complete identity with alterations observed in the bladder of man. Due to the occurrence of two or more neoplasms in the sarne animal, differences in the methodology and in the concept of dassification, a more precise comparison was not possible. Coexistence of different types of epithelial and/or mesenchymal tumour growth was frequently seen. Rare neoplasms or differentiations not previously described were found in the bladder of some animais affected by BEH. These were trabecular carcinoma with Paneth cells differentiation, mesonephroid adenoma, mesonephroid adenocarcinoma, "signet ring" cell carcinoma, plasmocytoid carcinoma, chromophobe cell carcinoma and nested type of transitional cell carcinoma. Haemangiosarcomas originating from haemangiomas were also observed. This study also revealed the occurrence of many tumors with anaplasia and pronounced infiltrative features, but which did not metastasize. The elucidation of the cause of this "barrier against metastases" and its relationship with chemical carcinogenesis induced by the ptaquiloside, the active principie of bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), could be of interest to future research on the control of neoplasia in man and animais.

• Histopathology Bovine Enzootic Hematuria bladder tumors Pteridium aquilinum Brazil. Histopatologia Hematúria enzoótica bovina tumores de bexiga Brasil.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Peixoto P.V., França T.N., Barros C.S.L. & Tokarnia C.H. 2003. [Histopathological aspects of Bovine Enzootic Haematuria in Brazil.] Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 23(2):65-81. [Aspectos histopatológicos da Hematúria Enzoótica Bovina no Brasil.] Depto Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro 23835-000, Brazil. E-mail: peixotop@ufrrj.br Com o objetivo de descrever alterações neoplásicas e não-neoplásicas ainda não relatadas e, paralelamente, reclassificá-las de acordo com nomenclatura mais completa e atual utilizada em medicina humana, foram estudadas, histologicamente, lesões da bexiga de 59 bovinos com Hematúria Enzoótica (HEB), oriundos dos Estados do Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná e Amazonas. Verificou-se, em termos qualitativos, quase uma perfeita identidade com as lesões de bexiga observadas em seres humanos. Comparações mais exatas com relação à freqüência dessas alterações ficaram prejudicadas, dadas a ocorrência de duas ou mais neoplasias em um mesmo animal e as diferenças da metodologia empregada ou do conceito de classificação. Coexistência entre neoplasias diversas, epiteliais e/ou mesenquimais, foi vista com freqüência. Neoplasias ou diferenciações raras, ainda não descritas na bexiga de bovinos, como carcinoma trabecular com diferenciação em células de Paneth, adenoma e adenocarcinoma mesonefróides, carcino ma "signet ring" (anel de sinete), carcinoma plasmocitóide, carcinoma de células cromófobas e carcinoma transicional tipo ninhado foram observadas na bexiga de alguns animais com HEB. Foram verificados hemangiossarcomas proliferando a partir de hemangiomas. O estudo revelou, ainda, a· ocorrência de. diversos tumores com anaplasia e carácter infiltrativo acentuados, incapazes, porém, de metastizarem. O esclarecimento da(s) causa(s) dessa "barreira à metástase" e suas relações com a carcinogênese química induzida pelo ptaquilosídeo, o princípio ativo de Pteridium aquilinum, talvez possa ser de interesse em futuros estudos que visem combater o câncer no homem e nos animais.