PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

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.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pimentel L.A., Riet-Correa F., Guedes K.M., Macêdo J.T.S.A., Medeiros R.M.T. & Dantas A.F.M. 2007. [Primary photosensitization in equidae and ruminants in the Brazilian semi-arid caused by Froelichia humboldtiana (Amaranthaceae).] Fotossensibilização primária em eqüídeos e ruminantes no semi-árido causada por Froelichia humboldtiana (Amaranthaceae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):23-28. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, Patos, PB 58708-110, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.com.br Photosensitization is common in the Brazilian semiarid, affecting mainly horses, but also donkeys, mules, sheep and cattle. The dermatitis affects mainly non pigmented skin, and the animals recover after being withdrawn from the pastures. To demonstrate the etiology of the disease, Froelichia humboldtiana (Roem. et Schult.) Seub., collected in the field one or two times a week and kept in the refrigerator for 1-4 days, was administered for 30 or more days as the only food ad libitum to 2 donkeys and one white sheep, and as the only forage ad libitum, to one white horse. No clinical signs were observed in those animals, and serum activities of aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), alanine-aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were within normal ranges. In another experiment, one sheep was tied by a rope, during the day, in a pasture of exclusively F. humboldtiana for a 26 days period. Skin lesions characteristic of photosensitization appeared 4-5 days after the start of the experiment and became severe until day 26. After the withdrawal of the animal from the pasture on day 26 it fully recovered within 30 days. In another experiment, 4 sheep were tied by ropes in the same pasture, during the day, for a 29 days period. Another 4 control sheep were maintained in a neighboring pasture without F. humboldtiana. Skin lesions characteristic of photosensitization were observed after 11-25 days of F. humboldtiana grazing. Serum activities of AST and GGT, and serum levels of bilirubin were within normal ranges. At the end of the 29 days grazing F. humboldtiana, 2 sheep were euthanized, and 2 were withdrawn from the pastures. No gross or histologic liver lesions were observed on the 2 sheep euthanized; the other 2 sheep recovered within 17 and 20 days after the end of grazing. One mare and its foal grazed in the same pasture during 44 days. The mare that had a pigmented skin had no dermatitis, but the foal showed dermatitis on the white areas of the skin after 25 days of grazing. The two horses were withdrawn from the pastures after 44 days grazing, and the foal fully recovered within 15 days. These experiments indicate that F. humboldtiana causes primary photosensitization in domestic animals. The absence of lesions in animals ingesting the plant collected in the field and kept refrigerated suggests that F. humboldtiana lost toxicity after collection. The absence of lesions in the eyes of affected animal, which are characteristic of primary photosensitization caused by furocoumarins containing plants, suggests that F. humboldtiana contains a naphthodianthrone derivate, similar to those found in Fagopyrum esculentum and Hypericum perforatum which do not cause eye lesions.

• Primary photosensitization Froelichia humboldtiana Amaranthaceae equidae ruminants dermatitis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pimentel L.A., Riet-Correa F., Guedes K.M., Macêdo J.T.S.A., Medeiros R.M.T. & Dantas A.F.M. 2007. [Primary photosensitization in equidae and ruminants in the Brazilian semi-arid caused by Froelichia humboldtiana (Amaranthaceae).] Fotossensibilização primária em eqüídeos e ruminantes no semi-árido causada por Froelichia humboldtiana (Amaranthaceae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):23-28. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, Patos, PB 58708-110, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.com.br Photosensitization is common in the Brazilian semiarid, affecting mainly horses, but also donkeys, mules, sheep and cattle. The dermatitis affects mainly non pigmented skin, and the animals recover after being withdrawn from the pastures. To demonstrate the etiology of the disease, Froelichia humboldtiana (Roem. et Schult.) Seub., collected in the field one or two times a week and kept in the refrigerator for 1-4 days, was administered for 30 or more days as the only food ad libitum to 2 donkeys and one white sheep, and as the only forage ad libitum, to one white horse. No clinical signs were observed in those animals, and serum activities of aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), alanine-aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were within normal ranges. In another experiment, one sheep was tied by a rope, during the day, in a pasture of exclusively F. humboldtiana for a 26 days period. Skin lesions characteristic of photosensitization appeared 4-5 days after the start of the experiment and became severe until day 26. After the withdrawal of the animal from the pasture on day 26 it fully recovered within 30 days. In another experiment, 4 sheep were tied by ropes in the same pasture, during the day, for a 29 days period. Another 4 control sheep were maintained in a neighboring pasture without F. humboldtiana. Skin lesions characteristic of photosensitization were observed after 11-25 days of F. humboldtiana grazing. Serum activities of AST and GGT, and serum levels of bilirubin were within normal ranges. At the end of the 29 days grazing F. humboldtiana, 2 sheep were euthanized, and 2 were withdrawn from the pastures. No gross or histologic liver lesions were observed on the 2 sheep euthanized; the other 2 sheep recovered within 17 and 20 days after the end of grazing. One mare and its foal grazed in the same pasture during 44 days. The mare that had a pigmented skin had no dermatitis, but the foal showed dermatitis on the white areas of the skin after 25 days of grazing. The two horses were withdrawn from the pastures after 44 days grazing, and the foal fully recovered within 15 days. These experiments indicate that F. humboldtiana causes primary photosensitization in domestic animals. The absence of lesions in animals ingesting the plant collected in the field and kept refrigerated suggests that F. humboldtiana lost toxicity after collection. The absence of lesions in the eyes of affected animal, which are characteristic of primary photosensitization caused by furocoumarins containing plants, suggests that F. humboldtiana contains a naphthodianthrone derivate, similar to those found in Fagopyrum esculentum and Hypericum perforatum which do not cause eye lesions.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Guedes K.M.R., Riet-Correa F., Dantas A.F.M., Simões S.V.D., Miranda Neto E.G., Nobre V.M.T. & Medeiros R.M.T. 2007. [Diseases of the central nervous system in goats and sheep of the semiarid.] Doenças do sistema nervoso central em caprinos e ovinos no semi-árido. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):29-38. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.cnpq.br The knowledge of the diseases of domestic animals in the different Brazilian regions is important to determine measures for their control and prevention. The objective of this paper is to report the epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology of the diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) of goats and sheep in the Brazilian semiarid, mainly in the state of Paraíba, diagnosed at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande, from January 2000 to May 2006. During the period, 365 cases or outbreaks were diagnosed in goats and 270 in sheep. From these, 63 (9.92%) were of diseases of the CNS, being 34 (9.31%) in goats and 29 (10.7%) in sheep. The main diseases were abscesses (19.04%), tetanus (15.9%), rabies (9.52%) poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia (7.93%), listeriosis (6.34%), traumatism (6.34%), polioencephalo-malacia (4.77%), pregnancy toxemia (3.17%), enzootic ataxia (3.17%), and meningitis (3.17%). Other diseases diagnosed in only one opportunity (1.59%) were intoxications by Crotalaria retusa, Ipomoea carnea, Ipomoea sericophylla and Prosopis juliflora, otitis with encephalitis, malformation, lymphoblastic lymphosarcoma, medulloblastoma, and focal symmetric necrosis. In 6.34% of the cases diagnosis was unknown.

• Central nervous system diseases goats sheep semiarid

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Guedes K.M.R., Riet-Correa F., Dantas A.F.M., Simões S.V.D., Miranda Neto E.G., Nobre V.M.T. & Medeiros R.M.T. 2007. [Diseases of the central nervous system in goats and sheep of the semiarid.] Doenças do sistema nervoso central em caprinos e ovinos no semi-árido. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):29-38. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.cnpq.br The knowledge of the diseases of domestic animals in the different Brazilian regions is important to determine measures for their control and prevention. The objective of this paper is to report the epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology of the diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) of goats and sheep in the Brazilian semiarid, mainly in the state of Paraíba, diagnosed at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande, from January 2000 to May 2006. During the period, 365 cases or outbreaks were diagnosed in goats and 270 in sheep. From these, 63 (9.92%) were of diseases of the CNS, being 34 (9.31%) in goats and 29 (10.7%) in sheep. The main diseases were abscesses (19.04%), tetanus (15.9%), rabies (9.52%) poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia (7.93%), listeriosis (6.34%), traumatism (6.34%), polioencephalo-malacia (4.77%), pregnancy toxemia (3.17%), enzootic ataxia (3.17%), and meningitis (3.17%). Other diseases diagnosed in only one opportunity (1.59%) were intoxications by Crotalaria retusa, Ipomoea carnea, Ipomoea sericophylla and Prosopis juliflora, otitis with encephalitis, malformation, lymphoblastic lymphosarcoma, medulloblastoma, and focal symmetric necrosis. In 6.34% of the cases diagnosis was unknown.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Nóbrega Jr J.E., Riet-Correa F., Medeiros R.M.T. & Dantas A.F.M. 2006. [Poisoning by Sorghum halepense (Poaceae) in cattle in the Brazilian semiarid.] Intoxicação por Sorghum halepense em bovinos no semi-árido. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):201-204. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.com.br An outbreak of poisoning by Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. in cattle in the Brazilian semiarid is reported. Nine cattle were introduced 15 days after the first rains into a paddock where the plant was sprouting and had 25-30cm high. Clinical signs of dyspnea, anxiety, muscular tremors and incoordination appeared 15 minutes after the animals began to graze. Two of them died within about 3 hours. The others recovered. Cyanotic mucosa, dark muscles, lung edema and hemorrhages, and leaves of the plant in the rumen were observed at necropsy. The plant was positive for the picrosodic paper test. S. halepense from another farm of occurrence of the poisoning was transplanted into two pots. The picrosodic paper test was performed fortnightly in the plants growing in one of them. The plant was positive for cyanide in all growth stages; during the first 45 days the test was positive within 1 minute, but after day 60 within 3 minutes. Thirty days after the plant had been transplanted into one of the pots, it was administered to a goat at a dose of 11.8g/kg, causing clinical signs of HCN poisoning. The animal recovered after the intravenous administration of 5mL/10kg body weight of a 20% sodium thiosulfate solution. In the Brazilian semiarid S. halepense is frequently found invading the border of ponds and irrigated crops, and is used as forage during the dry season.

• Poisonous plants Sorghum halepense cyanogenic glycosides plant poisoning cattle

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Nóbrega Jr J.E., Riet-Correa F., Medeiros R.M.T. & Dantas A.F.M. 2006. [Poisoning by Sorghum halepense (Poaceae) in cattle in the Brazilian semiarid.] Intoxicação por Sorghum halepense em bovinos no semi-árido. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):201-204. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.com.br An outbreak of poisoning by Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. in cattle in the Brazilian semiarid is reported. Nine cattle were introduced 15 days after the first rains into a paddock where the plant was sprouting and had 25-30cm high. Clinical signs of dyspnea, anxiety, muscular tremors and incoordination appeared 15 minutes after the animals began to graze. Two of them died within about 3 hours. The others recovered. Cyanotic mucosa, dark muscles, lung edema and hemorrhages, and leaves of the plant in the rumen were observed at necropsy. The plant was positive for the picrosodic paper test. S. halepense from another farm of occurrence of the poisoning was transplanted into two pots. The picrosodic paper test was performed fortnightly in the plants growing in one of them. The plant was positive for cyanide in all growth stages; during the first 45 days the test was positive within 1 minute, but after day 60 within 3 minutes. Thirty days after the plant had been transplanted into one of the pots, it was administered to a goat at a dose of 11.8g/kg, causing clinical signs of HCN poisoning. The animal recovered after the intravenous administration of 5mL/10kg body weight of a 20% sodium thiosulfate solution. In the Brazilian semiarid S. halepense is frequently found invading the border of ponds and irrigated crops, and is used as forage during the dry season.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva D.M., Riet-Correa F., Medeiros R.M.T. & Oliveira O.F. 2006. [Toxic plants for livestock in the western and eastern Seridó, state of Rio Grande do Norte, in the Brazilian semiarid.] Plantas tóxicas para ruminantes no Seridó Ocidental e Oriental do Rio Grande do Norte. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):223-236. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.com.br To determine the occurrence of plant poisoning in the Western and Eastern Seridó regions of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, 82 persons including farmers, agronomists and veterinarians were interviewed. The two more important toxic plants are Ipomoea asarifolia, which causes nervous signs in sheep, goats and cattle, and Aspidosperma pyrifolium, leading to abortion in goats, sheep and cattle. The abortive properties of this plant had been demonstrated experimentally in goats, but not in sheep and cattle. Some farmers mentioned the poisoning by A. pyrifolium as a cause of nervous signs in equidae and cattle. Poisoning by cyanogenic plants including Manihot spp, Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (=Piptadenia macrocarpa), Sorghum bicolor and Sorghum halepense are important in the region. Important is also poisoning by Prosopis juliflora in cattle and with less frequency in goats, poisoning by Crotalaria retusa in horses, sheep and cattle, and by Mascagnia rigida in cattle. Poisoning by Brachiaria decumbens and Enterolobium contortisiliquum is sporadic. Other less important toxic plants in the region are Indigofera suffruticosa, Ipomoea carnea, and Ricinus communis. Some farmers reported poisoning by Marsdenia sp affecting sheep and cattle, and also a group of swine fed with the roots of the plant; the leaves and the roots are experimentally toxic to ruminants causing nervous signs, without histologic lesions. Another poisoning demonstrated experimentally is caused by Tephrosia cinerea and results in ascitis with hepatic fibrosis in sheep. Six farmers reported poisoning by Nerium oleander, always in cattle that had access to the shrub after been cut, mixed or not with other plants. Farmers mentioned also poisoning by other plants with unknown toxicity, including Paullinia sp, Passiflora sp, Dalechampia sp, Portulaca oleracea, Luffa acutangula, Cereus sp, Leersia hexandra, and Stemodia maritima. Echinochloa polystachya and Pennisetum purpureum, which cause nitrite poisoning were mentioned by some farmers as cause of cattle mortalities. One farmer mentioned an outbreak of poisoning in cattle and goats by Dieffenbachia picta which had been cut and left to the animals.

• Toxic plants ruminants semiarid region Rio Grande do Norte

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva D.M., Riet-Correa F., Medeiros R.M.T. & Oliveira O.F. 2006. [Toxic plants for livestock in the western and eastern Seridó, state of Rio Grande do Norte, in the Brazilian semiarid.] Plantas tóxicas para ruminantes no Seridó Ocidental e Oriental do Rio Grande do Norte. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):223-236. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.com.br To determine the occurrence of plant poisoning in the Western and Eastern Seridó regions of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, 82 persons including farmers, agronomists and veterinarians were interviewed. The two more important toxic plants are Ipomoea asarifolia, which causes nervous signs in sheep, goats and cattle, and Aspidosperma pyrifolium, leading to abortion in goats, sheep and cattle. The abortive properties of this plant had been demonstrated experimentally in goats, but not in sheep and cattle. Some farmers mentioned the poisoning by A. pyrifolium as a cause of nervous signs in equidae and cattle. Poisoning by cyanogenic plants including Manihot spp, Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (=Piptadenia macrocarpa), Sorghum bicolor and Sorghum halepense are important in the region. Important is also poisoning by Prosopis juliflora in cattle and with less frequency in goats, poisoning by Crotalaria retusa in horses, sheep and cattle, and by Mascagnia rigida in cattle. Poisoning by Brachiaria decumbens and Enterolobium contortisiliquum is sporadic. Other less important toxic plants in the region are Indigofera suffruticosa, Ipomoea carnea, and Ricinus communis. Some farmers reported poisoning by Marsdenia sp affecting sheep and cattle, and also a group of swine fed with the roots of the plant; the leaves and the roots are experimentally toxic to ruminants causing nervous signs, without histologic lesions. Another poisoning demonstrated experimentally is caused by Tephrosia cinerea and results in ascitis with hepatic fibrosis in sheep. Six farmers reported poisoning by Nerium oleander, always in cattle that had access to the shrub after been cut, mixed or not with other plants. Farmers mentioned also poisoning by other plants with unknown toxicity, including Paullinia sp, Passiflora sp, Dalechampia sp, Portulaca oleracea, Luffa acutangula, Cereus sp, Leersia hexandra, and Stemodia maritima. Echinochloa polystachya and Pennisetum purpureum, which cause nitrite poisoning were mentioned by some farmers as cause of cattle mortalities. One farmer mentioned an outbreak of poisoning in cattle and goats by Dieffenbachia picta which had been cut and left to the animals.

Abstract in English:

Amorim S.L., Medeiros R.M.T. & Riet-Correa F. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Manihot glaziovii (Euphorbiaceae) in goats.] Intoxicação experimental por Manihot glaziovii (Euphorbiaceae) em caprinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):179-187. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, UFCG, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: rmtmed@cstr.ufcg.edu.br Samples of fresh, dried and partially dried leaves of Manihot glaziovii Muell. Arg. were administered orally to Moxotó goats in single doses up to 12g/kg body weight (bw). The cyanide content of the plant samples was determined by the picrosodic paper test. The plant was collected from January to June 2004. When the goats with clinical signs were in lateral recumbency, they were treated intravenously with 50ml/100kg/bw of a 20% aqueous solution of sodium tiosulfate. Three experiments were performed. In Experiment 1, the plant was given immediately after collection to six goats; two ingested the plant after been ground and four ingested the plant without having been ground. In Experiment 2, the plant was maintained in the shade, in open air or inside plastic bags. The plastic bags were changed daily. The plant kept in plastic bags was given to 18 goats, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours after collection. The plant kept in the open air was given to 13 goats, 4, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours and 9, 10, 23 and 30 days after collection. In Experiment 3, the previously ground plant kept in the open air or inside plastic bags was administered 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after collection. Seventeen goats received the plant kept in plastic bags, and 16 goats the plant left in the open air. In Experiments 2 and 3, two or three goats were used for each period after collection, and the plant was given until the loss of its toxicity. Forty goats were used as controls for evaluation of the cardiac and respiratory frequencies. In Experiment 1, the ground and not ground plant had similar toxicity. In Experiment 2, the plant kept in the open air maintained its toxicity during the whole experiment (30 days), and the plant kept inside the plastic bags was toxic until 96 hours after collection. In Experiment 3, the ground plant, left in the open air or kept inside plastic bags, was toxic for 72 hours after collection. In all experiments clinical signs were characteristic of cyanide poisoning. All poisoned goats were treated successfully. In conclusion, Manihot glaziovii, which is used as forage in northeastern Brazil, should be ground and left for at least 96 hours in the open air before feeding to animals. The plant for preparing hay should be previously ground, and the hay should be given to animals also only 96 hours after its preparation.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Manihot glaziovii Euphorbiaceae cyanogenic plants hydrocyanic acid goats.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Amorim S.L., Medeiros R.M.T. & Riet-Correa F. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Manihot glaziovii (Euphorbiaceae) in goats.] Intoxicação experimental por Manihot glaziovii (Euphorbiaceae) em caprinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):179-187. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, UFCG, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: rmtmed@cstr.ufcg.edu.br Samples of fresh, dried and partially dried leaves of Manihot glaziovii Muell. Arg. were administered orally to Moxotó goats in single doses up to 12g/kg body weight (bw). The cyanide content of the plant samples was determined by the picrosodic paper test. The plant was collected from January to June 2004. When the goats with clinical signs were in lateral recumbency, they were treated intravenously with 50ml/100kg/bw of a 20% aqueous solution of sodium tiosulfate. Three experiments were performed. In Experiment 1, the plant was given immediately after collection to six goats; two ingested the plant after been ground and four ingested the plant without having been ground. In Experiment 2, the plant was maintained in the shade, in open air or inside plastic bags. The plastic bags were changed daily. The plant kept in plastic bags was given to 18 goats, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours after collection. The plant kept in the open air was given to 13 goats, 4, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours and 9, 10, 23 and 30 days after collection. In Experiment 3, the previously ground plant kept in the open air or inside plastic bags was administered 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after collection. Seventeen goats received the plant kept in plastic bags, and 16 goats the plant left in the open air. In Experiments 2 and 3, two or three goats were used for each period after collection, and the plant was given until the loss of its toxicity. Forty goats were used as controls for evaluation of the cardiac and respiratory frequencies. In Experiment 1, the ground and not ground plant had similar toxicity. In Experiment 2, the plant kept in the open air maintained its toxicity during the whole experiment (30 days), and the plant kept inside the plastic bags was toxic until 96 hours after collection. In Experiment 3, the ground plant, left in the open air or kept inside plastic bags, was toxic for 72 hours after collection. In all experiments clinical signs were characteristic of cyanide poisoning. All poisoned goats were treated successfully. In conclusion, Manihot glaziovii, which is used as forage in northeastern Brazil, should be ground and left for at least 96 hours in the open air before feeding to animals. The plant for preparing hay should be previously ground, and the hay should be given to animals also only 96 hours after its preparation.

Abstract in English:

Amorim S.L., Oliveira A.C.P., Riet-Correa F., Simões S.V.D., Medeiros R.M.T. & Clementino I.J. 2005. [Nutritional muscular dystrophy in sheep in Paraíba.] Distrofia muscular nutricional em ovinos na Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):120-124. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, UFCG, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br An outbreak of nutritional muscular dystrophy is reported in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil affecting 3-4 months old Dorper sheep. The animals, weighing 30-40 kg, were fed ad libitum with milk, concentrated ration, Tifton hay, and a mineral mixture. Six out of 70 lambs were affected and died in the first 48 hours after the onset of the outbreak. Clinical signs were fever of 40-41ºC, incoordination followed by paralysis and recumbence, depression, prostration with decreased pupillary and corneal reflexes, decreased tonus of the tongue and maxilla, salivation, submaxillar edema, and increased cardiac and respiratory rates. Death occurred after a clinical manifestation period of 6-12 hours. At necropsy of three animals, skeletal muscles were pale, the liver was yellowish and enlarged, the parotid, submaxillary, retropharyngeal, prescapular and mediastinal lymph nodes were enlarged with red surface, and red areas were observed on the lung surface. On histology, segmental muscular necrosis was observed in all skeletal muscles examined. The liver had centrilobular fatty degeneration, and congestion was observed in the lung and lymph nodes. From 48-96 hours after the begin of the outbreak, another 3 animals were affected. They were treated with Vitamin A, E and D complex; two of them died and one survived. On the same farm, a flock of 20 Santa Inês sheep of the same age as the affected animals, fed with the same food, but no milk, and another 900 sheep of different ages were not affected. The over nutrition of sheep with fast growing rates, and the stress caused by two days of water restriction to improve milk consumption had been predisposing factors for the occurrence of the disease. It is also possible that some of the minerals supplemented interfered with selenium availability.

• Nutritional muscular dystrophy muscular segmental necrosis selenium and vitamine E deficiency sheep.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Amorim S.L., Oliveira A.C.P., Riet-Correa F., Simões S.V.D., Medeiros R.M.T. & Clementino I.J. 2005. [Nutritional muscular dystrophy in sheep in Paraíba.] Distrofia muscular nutricional em ovinos na Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):120-124. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, UFCG, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br An outbreak of nutritional muscular dystrophy is reported in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil affecting 3-4 months old Dorper sheep. The animals, weighing 30-40 kg, were fed ad libitum with milk, concentrated ration, Tifton hay, and a mineral mixture. Six out of 70 lambs were affected and died in the first 48 hours after the onset of the outbreak. Clinical signs were fever of 40-41ºC, incoordination followed by paralysis and recumbence, depression, prostration with decreased pupillary and corneal reflexes, decreased tonus of the tongue and maxilla, salivation, submaxillar edema, and increased cardiac and respiratory rates. Death occurred after a clinical manifestation period of 6-12 hours. At necropsy of three animals, skeletal muscles were pale, the liver was yellowish and enlarged, the parotid, submaxillary, retropharyngeal, prescapular and mediastinal lymph nodes were enlarged with red surface, and red areas were observed on the lung surface. On histology, segmental muscular necrosis was observed in all skeletal muscles examined. The liver had centrilobular fatty degeneration, and congestion was observed in the lung and lymph nodes. From 48-96 hours after the begin of the outbreak, another 3 animals were affected. They were treated with Vitamin A, E and D complex; two of them died and one survived. On the same farm, a flock of 20 Santa Inês sheep of the same age as the affected animals, fed with the same food, but no milk, and another 900 sheep of different ages were not affected. The over nutrition of sheep with fast growing rates, and the stress caused by two days of water restriction to improve milk consumption had been predisposing factors for the occurrence of the disease. It is also possible that some of the minerals supplemented interfered with selenium availability.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Medeiros R.M.T., Riet-Correa F., Tabosa I.M., Silva Z.A., Barbosa R.C., Marques A.V.M.S. & Nogueira F.R.B. 2003. [Nitrate and nitrite poisoning in cattle caused by the ingestion of Echinochloa polystachya and Pennisetum purpureum in the semiarid region of the state of Paraíba.] Intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos em bovinos por ingestão de Echinochloa polystachya (capim-mandante) e Pennisetum purpureum (capim-elefante) no sertão da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(1):17-20. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: rmtmed@cstr.ufpb.br Three outbreaks ofnitrate poisoning are reported from the semiarid region ofthe state of Paràíba, northeastem Brazil. One outbreak caused by Echinochloa polystachya (capim-mandante) and two others caused by Pennisetum purpureum (capim-elefante) occurred at the end ofthe dry season, after the first raios. ln one ofthe outbreaks caused by Pennisetum purpureum part of the pasture had been fertilized with cattle manure. Five out of 11 cattle died on one farm, 27 out of81 on another, and 3 out of9 on a third one. Clinicai sigos were anorexia, respiratory distress, teeth grinding, depression or hyperexitability, tremors, abdominal contractions, salívation, nasal discharge, uncoordinated gait, cyanosis, and finally recumbency. Nitrates and nitrites in the blood of affected cattle and pastures were determined by the diphenylamine test. It is suggested that the main reason for nitrate accumulation in the grasses was the prolonged draught followed by rain. ln one ofthe outbreaks caused by Pennisetum purpureum, another reason was probably the fertilization of the soil with cattle manure.

• Nitrate poisoning Echinochloa polystachya Pennisetum purpureum capim-elefante capim-mandante Intoxicação por nitratos.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Medeiros R.M.T., Riet-Correa F., Tabosa I.M., Silva Z.A., Barbosa R.C., Marques A.V.M.S. & Nogueira F.R.B. 2003. [Nitrate and nitrite poisoning in cattle caused by the ingestion of Echinochloa polystachya and Pennisetum purpureum in the semiarid region of the state of Paraíba.] Intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos em bovinos por ingestão de Echinochloa polystachya (capim-mandante) e Pennisetum purpureum (capim-elefante) no sertão da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(1):17-20. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: rmtmed@cstr.ufpb.br Descrevem-se três surtos de intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos em bovinos na região semi-árida do estado da Paraíba, nordeste do Brasil. O primeiro surto foi causado por Echinochloa polystachya (capim-mandante) e os demais por Pennisetum purpureum (capim-elefante) e ocorreram após um período prolongado de seca, após o início das primeiras chuvas. Em um dos surtos causado por Pennisetum purpureum, uma parte da área onde estava o pasto que continha níveis altos de nitratos havia sido fertilizada com esterco de bovino. No primeiro surto morreram 5 bovinos de um total de 11, no segundo morreram 21 de um total de 81 e no terceiro morreram 3 de um total de 19 bovinos. Os sinais clínicos se caracterizaram por anorexia, dispnéia, ranger de dentes, depressão ou hiperexitabilidade, tremores, contrações abdominais, salivação, corrimento nasal, andar cambaleante, mucosas cianóticas e, finalmente, decúbito. A presença de nitratos e nitritos foi detectada no sangue dos animais e nos pastos por meio da prova de difenilamina. Parece que o principal fator que determinou a concentração de altos níveis de nitratos nas plantas foi a ocorrência de chuvas depois de um longo período de seca. Outro fator importante no surto causado por Pennisetum purpureum foi a fertilização do solo com esterco.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Leite L.G., Riet-Correa F., Medeiros R.M.T., Piacenti A., Aragão M. & Schons S.V. 2002. Susceptibility of laboratory animals to the intoxication by Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae).] Susceptibilidade de animais de laboratório à intoxicação por Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 22(2):73-78. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil. E-mail: lgmv@alternet.com.br Rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and mice were used to reproduce the cardiac lesions observed in ruminants in the intoxication by Ateleia glazioviana. Four animals of each species were fed during four months with a ration containing 10% of dry A glazioviana. The pellets were made by mixing 700 g of commercial ration, 200 g of cornstarch, 1000 mi of distilled water and 100g of the dry plant. Later this mixture was dried at 100ºC during 16-20 hours. Four control animals of each species were given similar food, but containing dry ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) instead of A glaziovidna. Water was offered ad libitum and a daily amount of green oats (Avena sativa) was given to rabbits and guinea pigs. No clinical signs of disease were observed during the experiment. Ali animals were weighted weekly in the last 5 weeks of the experiment and no differences were observed in weight gains between treated and control groups. At the end of dosing ali animals were euthanatized and necropsied. No macroscopic or histologic lesions were observed in the heart or other organs. The abortive properties of A glazioviana were studied in rats. One group of 11 pregnant rats was fed, from day 7 to day 21 of gestation, ration containing 10% of A. glazioviana, prepared in the sarne way than in the previous experiment. A control group received the ration with 10% ryegrass. Ali rats delivered normal litters. To determine a possible loss of toxicity of the plant during the pellet preparation, dry A. glazioviana was heated for 16-20 hours at 100ºC and administered orally to one ewe. This sheep ingested daily 2.65 g/kg bw of dry A. glazioviana for 26 days. During the experimental period the animal had tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmia. At the end of the experiment bradycardia and severe depression were observed. It was euthanatized 7 days after the last plant administration. The sheep was 2.5-3 months pregnant and the fetus was apparently normal with no autolysis. Ascites and hydrothorax were observed at necropsy. Whitish areas were observed in the myocardium and the liver was pale. Degeneration and necrosis of cardiac fibers and proliferation of fibrous tissue were observed histologically in the heart. The liver had centrilobular degeneration of hepatocytes and congestion. These experiments indicate that A. glazioviana is not cardiotoxic for laboratory animals and suggest that the plant has a heat-stable active principie similar to the active principie of plants causing cardiac fibrosis (gousiekte) in Southern Africa.

• Ateleia glazioviana toxic plants abortion cardiac failure plantas tóxicas aborto insuficiência cardíaca.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Leite L.G., Riet-Correa F., Medeiros R.M.T., Piacenti A., Aragão M. & Schons S.V. 2002. Susceptibility of laboratory animals to the intoxication by Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae).] Susceptibilidade de animais de laboratório à intoxicação por Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 22(2):73-78. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil. E-mail: lgmv@alternet.com.br Coelhos, cobaias, ratos e camundongos foram utilizados com a finalidade de reproduzir a forma cardíaca da intoxicação por Ateleia glazioviana. Quatro animais de cada espécie receberam por 4 meses a planta, secada à sombra, na concentração de 10% na ração, fornecida na forma de pelets. Os pelets foram preparados misturando 700 g de ração comercial, 200 g de amido de milho, 1000 mi de água destilada e 100g de planta seca e, posteriormente, secados em estufa a 100°C, durante 16 a 20 horas. Quatro animais de cada espécie serviram como testemunhas, recebendo a ração preparada da mesma forma, porém com a utilização de azevém (Lolium multijlorum) em lugar de A glazioviana. Era fornecida água à vontade e, para os coelhos e cobaias, também aveia (Avena sativa) verde diariamente. Esses animais não apresentaram nenhuma alteração clínica, e foram pesados semanalmente nas últimas 5 semanas do período experimental, não apresentando diferença significativa no ganho de peso. À necropsia não foram observadas alterações macroscópicas e pelo exame histológico também não foram detectadas lesões significativas no coração e em outros órgãos. Para testar a atividade abortiva de A glazioviana, ração contendo 10% de planta seca, preparada da mesma forma que no experimento anterior, foi administrada a 11 outros ratos, fêmeas, prenhes, nos dois últimos terços da gestação. Um grupo controle de 11 fêmeas recebeu a ração com azevém a 10%, durante o mesmo período. Esses animais tiveram filhotes normais e no prazo correto. Para determinar a possível perda de toxidez da planta durante a preparação dos pelets, A glazioviana foi aquecida por 16 a 20 horas a 100ºC e, posteriormente, administrada a um ovino em 26 doses diárias de 2,65 g/kg de planta seca. Durante o período experimental, a ovelha apresentou batimentos cardíacos mais fortes, taquicardia e arritmia cardíacas, depois bradicardia e, no período final, apatia acentuada. Foi sacrificada 7 dias após a última administração da planta. Esse animal apresentava gestação de 2,5 a 3 meses e o feto não apresentava sinais de autólise. As alterações macroscópicas mais evidentes à necropsia foram ascite, hidrotórax, áreas esbranquiçadas no músculo cardíaco e fígado de coloração clara. Na histologia do coração foram observadas degeneração e necrose de fibras cardíacas e proliferação de tecido conjuntivo fibroso. O fígado apresentava congestão e degeneração de hepatócitos nas áreas centrolobulares. Os resultados indicam que esses animais de laboratório não foram susceptíveis à ação cardiotóxica de A. glazioviana, por via oral, e sugerem a possibilidade de que o princípio ativo da planta, que é resistente ao calor, seja semelhante ao princípio ativo das plantas do sul da África que causam fibrose cardíaca.