PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

RESUMO.- Mota R.A., Peixoto P.V., Yamasaki E.M., Medeiros E.S., Costa M.M., Peixoto R.M. & Brito M.F. 2010. [Occurrence of paratuberculosis in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Pernambuco.] Ocorrência de paratuberculose em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) em Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(3):237-242. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil. E-mail: rinaldo.mota@hotmail.com RESUMO.- A paratuberculose (doença de Johne) é uma das doenças de maior importância econômica para ruminantes em vários países e pode representar uma ameaça ao desenvolvimento da pecuária brasileira. É uma doença infecto-contagiosa que provoca enterocolite granulomatosa crônica, incurável e de difícil controle, cujo agente é o Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Descreve-se a ocorrência de paratuberculose em um rebanho de búfalos no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Não foi encontrado registro, na literatura, da ocorrência de paratuberculose em búfalos no país. De 100 búfalos, cinco mostravam sinais clínicos característicos da doença. À necropsia de dois animais as lesões estavam restritas ao intestino delgado com evidente espessamento da mucosa, aumento de linfonodos mesentéricos e vasos linfáticos proeminentes e dilatados. À microscopia, observaram-se na mucosa do intestino, infiltrado inflamatório granulomatoso com numerosos macrófagos epitelióides e células gigantes de Langhans, além de bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes (BAAR) visualizados através da coloração de Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN). Nos linfonodos mesentéricos, havia espessamento da cápsula e marcada inflamação granulomatosa. O exame direto pela técnica de ZN para pesquisa do bacilo em esfregaços de fezes, raspado de mucosa intestinal e imprint de linfonodos mesentéricos resultou positivo. A PCR IS900 específico de linfonodo mesentérico e mucosa intestinal revelou amplificação de um fragmento de aproximadamente 110pb, confirmada pela comparação com outras sequências de M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis disponíveis no GenBank.

• Paratuberculosis Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Johne’s disease

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Mota R.A., Peixoto P.V., Yamasaki E.M., Medeiros E.S., Costa M.M., Peixoto R.M. & Brito M.F. 2010. [Occurrence of paratuberculosis in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Pernambuco.] Ocorrência de paratuberculose em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) em Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(3):237-242. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil. E-mail: rinaldo.mota@hotmail.com Paratuberculosis (PTB) is a disease of great economical importance for ruminant in several countries and represents a threat to the development of Brazilian livestock. The contagious disease caused by chronic PTB leads to incurable granulomatous enterocolitis of difficult control. PTB is caused by the Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). No record on the occurrence of paratuberculosis in buffaloes in Brazil could be found. Five of 100 buffaloes in a herd in Pernambuco-Brazil showed clinical signs characteristic of PTB. At necropsy, of two animals the lesions were restricted to the small intestine with thickening and corrugation of the mucosa, increase of mesenteric lymph nodes and prominent lymph vessels. Histopathology revealed granulomatous inflammation infiltrated with numerous epithelioid macrophages, Langhans type giant cells, and clusters of Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) positive organisms within the intestinal mucosa. In the mesenteric lymph nodes there was thickening of the capsule and marked granulomatous inflammation. Smears of feces and scrapping smears were prepared from intestinal mucosa and cut surface of mesenteric lymph nodes and, stained by the Ziehl-Neelsen method for research of acid fast bacilli, with positive results. Lymph nodes and intestinal mucosa revealed at IS900 specific polymerase chain reaction amplification of a fragment of about 110pb, confirmed by the comparison with other sequences of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis available in GenBank.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Ferreira G.J., Branco E., Cabral R., Gregores G.B., Fioretto E.T., Lima A.R., Sarmento C.A.P., Miglino M.A. & Carvalho A.F. 2009. Morphological aspects of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) umbilical cord. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(10):788-792. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), Av. Pte. Tancredo Neves 2501, Montese, Belém, PA 66077-530, Brazil. E-mail: erika.branco@ufra.edu.br Buffalo is an important livestock resource, with a great participation in agricultural systems, providing milk, meat, and work power. Umbilical cord is responsible for maternal-fetal nutrients exchange during pregnancy, and its alterations can compromise the fetal development. We investigated ten pregnant uteruses collected from cross-bread buffaloes in different stages of gestation. Pregnancy and fetal age was determined by measuring the apex sacral length and development period was calculated by previously published formula. Umbilical cords were measured for length determination. Umbilical cord vascular net and anastomosis were observed by injection of Neoprene latex. Histological sections of the umbilical cord were studied after stain with HE, picrossirius, toluidine blue, orceine, and PAS reaction. Buffaloes’ umbilical cord was formed by two central arteries, an allantois duct and two peripheral veins. The artery wall was composed by large quantity of collagen, elastic fibers, fibroblasts and large number of vasa vasorum. The allantois duct was located between the arteries and presented a great number of small nourishing vessels. Small nourishing vessels should be carefully considered to avoid to be mistaken to the arterials and veins vasa vasorum. Medium length of umbilical cord from buffalos was 11.8cm (minimum of 6.8cm and maximum of 17.4cm).

• Buffalo umbilical cord gross anatomy microscopy

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Ferreira G.J., Branco E., Cabral R., Gregores G.B., Fioretto E.T., Lima A.R., Sarmento C.A.P., Miglino M.A. & Carvalho A.F. 2009. Morphological aspects of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) umbilical cord. [Aspectos Morfológicos do cordão umbilical de búfalos (Bubalus bubalis).] Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(10):788-792. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), Av. Pte. Tancredo Neves 2501, Montese, Belém, PA 66077-530, Brazil. E-mail: erika.branco@ufra.edu.br Búfalo é uma importante fonte de recurso nos rebanhos animais, apresentando uma grande participação na agropecuária, provendo leite, carne e força de trabalho. O Cordão umbilical é responsável pela troca de nutrientes materno-fetais durante a gestação, e suas alterações podem comprometer o desenvolvimento fetal. Nós investigamos dez úteros gravídicos de búfalos de raças cruzadas em fases diferentes de gestação. O período de gestação e a idade fetal foram determinados pelo comprimento ápice sacral, aplicando fórmulas previamente estabelecidas. Posteriormente mediu-se o comprimento do cordão umbilical. A rede vascular do cordão umbilical e anastomoses foram observadas por injeção ou látex de neoprene. O cordão umbilical foi estudado a partir de cortes histológicos, corados por HE, picrossirius, azul de Toluidina, orceína e reação histoquímica de PAS. O cordão umbilical de búfalos é formado por duas artérias centrais, ducto alantóide e duas veias periféricas e apresentam forma de ampulheta. A parede da artéria umbilical é composta por grande quantidade de fibras colágenas e elásticas, fibroblastos e um grande número de vasa vasorum. O ducto alantóide fica alocado entre as artérias e apresenta um grande número de pequenos vasos nutritivos. Os vasos nutritivos devem ser cuidadosamente identificados para evitar-se confundi-los com vasa vasorum. O comprimento médio do cabo de cordão umbilical dos búfalos era 11.8cm (mínimo de 6.8cm e máximo de 17.4cm).

Abstract in English:

RESUMO.- Esteves P.R., Araújo K.P.C., Teixeira D.G., Ambrósio C.E., Martins D.S., Morini A.C., Morini Junior J.C., Duarte C.N., Bombonato P.P., Miglino M.A. & Mariana A.N.B. 2009. Study of the cardiac left atrioventricular valvar complex in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of the Jafarabadi breed. [Estudo do complexo valvar atrioventricular cardíaco esquerdo em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) da raça Jafarabadi.] Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(10):852-858. Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo. Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508- 900, Brazil. E-mail: ceambrosio@usp.br [Estudo do complexo valvar atrioventricular cardíaco esquerdo em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) da raça Jafarabadi.] Foram estudados os complexos valvares atrioventricular esquerdo de 30 búfalos da raça Jafarabadi, machos e adultos, sem alterações cardíacas, provenientes de abatedouros do Estado do Paraná. Os corações foram examinados em seu terço médio para acesso ao complexo valvar, que foi submetido a estudos de área, número e tipificação de cordas tendíneas. Os resultados demonstram que este complexo é formado por duas cúspides principais e quatro cúspides acessórias, apresentam em sua formação de 2-3 músculos papilares, nos quais se inserem de 10-25 cordas tendíneas, que se fixam em cúspides voltadas para a parede do ventrículo. A área total deste complexo apresenta uma média de 38,56cm2 com um mínimo de 24,96cm2 e um máximo de 55,54cm2. Estatisticamente não há relação entre número de cordas e a área da cúspide onde estas estão inseridas, nem com o número de músculos papilares dos quais elas provem.

• Heart Jaffarabadi water buffaloes cardiac ventricle mitral valve

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Esteves P.R., Araújo K.P.C., Teixeira D.G., Ambrósio C.E., Martins D.S., Morini A.C., Morini Junior J.C., Duarte C.N., Bombonato P.P., Miglino M.A. & Mariana A.N.B. 2009. Study of the cardiac left atrioventricular valvar complex in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of the Jafarabadi breed. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(10):852-858. Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo. Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508- 900, Brazil. E-mail: ceambrosio@usp.br Atrioventricular valve complex of 30 Jafarabadi water buffaloes, adult males were studied in this research with no heart diseases. The animals were obtained from a slaughterhouse in Brazilian State of Parana. The hearts were opened at the third portion affording access to the valve complex. The complexes had its area, number and type of tendinous cords submitted to analysis. The results showed that the complex is composed by two cusps and four accessory cusps, two or three papillary muscles in which 10-25 tendinous cords fix on the cusps that face the ventricle wall. The total area of the complex was on average 38.56cm2, with a minimum of 24.96cm2 and a maximum of 55.54cm2. Statistically, no relation between the number of cords and the cusps’ area where they are inserted or with the number of papillary muscle where they originated from was observed.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Costa E.A., Bastianetto E., Vasconcelos A.C., Bomfim M.R.Q., Fonseca F.G., Gomes A.D., Leite R.C. & Resende M. 2009. An outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever in Murrah buffaloes in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):395-400. Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: lvc@icb.ufmg.br An outbreak of Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) resulted in death of five female buffaloes and one domestic cow from the same farm. Four buffaloes died 10-15 days after the appearance of clinical signs, while the fifth was euthanized in extremis, after similar clinical signs. Histopathological lesions included multifocal histiolymphocytic epicarditis, myocarditis and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia, which are commonly seen in cases of MCF in buffaloes. Furthermore, lymphocytic vasculitis centered in the adventitia, with occasional fibrinoid necrosis in the muscular layer, was found in the kidneys, liver, spleen, lymph nodes and brain. Nucleotide sequencing of DNA fragments from the central nervous system amplified by PCR revealed 98% similarity with known OHV-2 sequences from Genbank. Additionally, PCR analysis also revealed the presence of OHV-2 DNA in the peripheral mononuclear blood cells of two clinically healthy buffaloes. The diagnosis of MCF was based on epidemiological, clinical, gross and histopathological findings and on the results of a semi-nested PCR followed by nucleotide sequencing.

• Diseases of buffaloes doenças de búfalos gammaherpesviruses gammaherpesvirus malignant catarrhal fever

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Costa E.A., Bastianetto E., Vasconcelos A.C., Bomfim M.R.Q., Fonseca F.G., Gomes A.D., Leite R.C. & Resende M. 2009. An outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever in Murrah buffaloes in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):395-400. Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: lvc@icb.ufmg.br An outbreak of Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) resulted in death of five female buffaloes and one domestic cow from the same farm. Four buffaloes died 10-15 days after the appearance of clinical signs, while the fifth was euthanized in extremis, after similar clinical signs. Histopathological lesions included multifocal histiolymphocytic epicarditis, myocarditis and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia, which are commonly seen in cases of MCF in buffaloes. Furthermore, lymphocytic vasculitis centered in the adventitia, with occasional fibrinoid necrosis in the muscular layer, was found in the kidneys, liver, spleen, lymph nodes and brain. Nucleotide sequencing of DNA fragments from the central nervous system amplified by PCR revealed 98% similarity with known OHV-2 sequences from Genbank. Additionally, PCR analysis also revealed the presence of OHV-2 DNA in the peripheral mononuclear blood cells of two clinically healthy buffaloes. The diagnosis of MCF was based on epidemiological, clinical, gross and histopathological findings and on the results of a semi-nested PCR followed by nucleotide sequencing.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa J.D., Junior J.M.A., Pinheiro C.P., Oliveira C.H.S., Oliveira C.M.C., Sousa M.G.S. & Duarte M.D. 2009. [Acumulation of the seeds of Acrocomia aculeata (Arecaceae) in the cheeks of buffaloes in the State of Pará, Brazil.] Acúmulo de sementes de Acrocomia aculeata (Arecaceae) na bochecha de búfalos no Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):431-434. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Pará, Campus Castanhal, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Castanhal, PA 68740-080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br A condition of buffaloes characterized by an increased volume of one of the cheeks was shown to be due to accumulation of the seeds of the palm-tree “mucaja” (Acrocomia aculeata) and of grass, in the oral vestibulum during rumination. This caused compressive atrophy with thinning and medial deviation of the corresponding submaxillary bone and exposition of the roots of molar teeth. The seeds appear to be of good palatability to the buffaloes.

• Acrocomia aculeata Arecaceae diseases of buffaloes doenças de búfalos

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa J.D., Junior J.M.A., Pinheiro C.P., Oliveira C.H.S., Oliveira C.M.C., Sousa M.G.S. & Duarte M.D. 2009. [Acumulation of the seeds of Acrocomia aculeata (Arecaceae) in the cheeks of buffaloes in the State of Pará, Brazil.] Acúmulo de sementes de Acrocomia aculeata (Arecaceae) na bochecha de búfalos no Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):431-434. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Pará, Campus Castanhal, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Castanhal, PA 68740-080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br A condition of buffaloes characterized by an increased volume of one of the cheeks was shown to be due to accumulation of the seeds of the palm-tree “mucaja” (Acrocomia aculeata) and of grass, in the oral vestibulum during rumination. This caused compressive atrophy with thinning and medial deviation of the corresponding submaxillary bone and exposition of the roots of molar teeth. The seeds appear to be of good palatability to the buffaloes.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Grecco F.B., Schild A.L., Soares M.P., Raffi M.B., Sallis E.S.V. & Damé M.C. 2009. [Organophosphate poisoning in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in southern Brazil.] Intoxicação por organofosforados em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):211-214. 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 This paper describes organophosphate (ORF) poisoning in a herd of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in southern Brazil, which were treated with a single dose of 12mg/kg body weight of Expertan® pour-on (chlorpyriphos) to control ectoparasites. Clinical signs, observed 7-45 days after exposure, were diarrhea, hypersalivation, ataxia, muscular tremors, weakness of pelvic limbs, paresis and flaccid paralysis and lateral recumbence. Out of 267 buffaloes 61 died. Necropsy of three animals that died 24-72 hours after onset of clinical signs, revealed congestion and serosal hemorrhages scattered along the bowel, emphysema and edema of the lungs. No significant histopathological changes were found. Residues of chlorpyriphos were detected in liver, kidneys and nervous system of the one necropsied buffalo. Despite the absence of histological lesions in the central and peripheral nervous system, the epidemiological, clinical, gross and toxicological findings suggest delayed neurotoxicity induced by organophosphates.

• Diseases of water buffaloes poisoning organophosphate toxicosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Grecco F.B., Schild A.L., Soares M.P., Raffi M.B., Sallis E.S.V. & Damé M.C. 2009. [Organophosphate poisoning in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in southern Brazil.] Intoxicação por organofosforados em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):211-214. 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 This paper describes organophosphate (ORF) poisoning in a herd of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in southern Brazil, which were treated with a single dose of 12mg/kg body weight of Expertan® pour-on (chlorpyriphos) to control ectoparasites. Clinical signs, observed 7-45 days after exposure, were diarrhea, hypersalivation, ataxia, muscular tremors, weakness of pelvic limbs, paresis and flaccid paralysis and lateral recumbence. Out of 267 buffaloes 61 died. Necropsy of three animals that died 24-72 hours after onset of clinical signs, revealed congestion and serosal hemorrhages scattered along the bowel, emphysema and edema of the lungs. No significant histopathological changes were found. Residues of chlorpyriphos were detected in liver, kidneys and nervous system of the one necropsied buffalo. Despite the absence of histological lesions in the central and peripheral nervous system, the epidemiological, clinical, gross and toxicological findings suggest delayed neurotoxicity induced by organophosphates.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa J.D., Dutra. M.D. Oliveira C.M.C., Silveira J.A.S., Albernaz. T.T. & Cerqueira V.D. 2009. [Outbreak of tetanus in bufalloes (Buballus bubalis) in Pará, Brazil.] Surto de tétano em búfalos (Buballus bubalis) no Estado do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):263-266. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Pirapora, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br An outbreak of tetanus in Murrah buffaloes in Belém, state of Pará, Brazil, is described. The outbreak was observed in a flock of 250 buffaloes, 80 of which were vaccinated intra-muscularly in the croup against rabies. Four buffaloes fell ill 15 to 19 days after vaccination, one died after a clinical course of 2 days, one was submitted to euthanasia in extremis on the 7th day after the onset of symptoms, and two others recovered within 2 weeks after treatment with penicillin for 4 days and anti-tetanic serum. The first symptoms observed were prolapse of the third eyelid, especially when the animal was stimulated, followed by a rigid walk, as difficulty in inflexing the members and lateral recumbence with the members extended, besides very open eyelids, sialorrhea, hyperexcitability, erect ears and slight lockjaw, and food accumulation in the oral cavity. At post-mortem examination was found a focus of yellowish pus in the croup muscles, where the vaccine had been applied. At histopathology no significant alterations in internal organs were observed. Based on the clinical picture, the epidemic data and absence of histological lesions, the diagnosis of tetanus was established. The infection was considered to be due to the use of dirty needles used during vaccination.

• Buffaloes tetanus Pará

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa J.D., Dutra. M.D. Oliveira C.M.C., Silveira J.A.S., Albernaz. T.T. & Cerqueira V.D. 2009. [Outbreak of tetanus in bufalloes (Buballus bubalis) in Pará, Brazil.] Surto de tétano em búfalos (Buballus bubalis) no Estado do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):263-266. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Pirapora, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br An outbreak of tetanus in Murrah buffaloes in Belém, state of Pará, Brazil, is described. The outbreak was observed in a flock of 250 buffaloes, 80 of which were vaccinated intra-muscularly in the croup against rabies. Four buffaloes fell ill 15 to 19 days after vaccination, one died after a clinical course of 2 days, one was submitted to euthanasia in extremis on the 7th day after the onset of symptoms, and two others recovered within 2 weeks after treatment with penicillin for 4 days and anti-tetanic serum. The first symptoms observed were prolapse of the third eyelid, especially when the animal was stimulated, followed by a rigid walk, as difficulty in inflexing the members and lateral recumbence with the members extended, besides very open eyelids, sialorrhea, hyperexcitability, erect ears and slight lockjaw, and food accumulation in the oral cavity. At post-mortem examination was found a focus of yellowish pus in the croup muscles, where the vaccine had been applied. At histopathology no significant alterations in internal organs were observed. Based on the clinical picture, the epidemic data and absence of histological lesions, the diagnosis of tetanus was established. The infection was considered to be due to the use of dirty needles used during vaccination.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Rozza D.B., Corrêa A.M.R., Leal J.S., Bandarra P.M., Guagnini F.S. & Djeison Lutier Raymundo D.L. & Driemeier D. 2007. [Experimental monensin poisoning in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and cattle.] Intoxicação experimental por monensina em búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):172-178. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Monensin is widely used as a feed additive to improve performance of livestock; however accidental poisoning by this ionophore compound has been reported in a number of animal species. Typical clinical signs and lesions of monensin poisoning were induced in water buffaloes dosed with single dosages of 15, 10, 7.5, and 5mg/kg of the compound. Only buffaloes dosed with 2.5 mg/kg (1 day) and 1mg/kg (7 days) survived. Clinical signs initiated about 6 h post-dosing and included apathy, anorexia, diarrhea, drooling, muscular weakness, locomotion disorders, dyspnea, tachycardia, jugular distension and pulse, recumbency and death. The creatine kinase (CK) levels were highly augmented in blood samples of buffaloes dosed with monensin. Most prominent gross changes were ascites, hydrothorax, hydropericardium, cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, and focal pale areas in the myocardium and in skeletal muscles. Degeneration and necrosis of myofibers were the principal histopathological findings. Conversely, no evidence of disease, neither change in CK levels were observed in the beef cattle steers dosed with same doses, confirming preliminary findings that buffaloes are more susceptible to monensin than cattle. In addition, this communication presents the minimal toxic dosage of monensin to buffaloes and suggests that CK tests may serve as health monitoring tools in the management of buffalo herds supplemented with monensin.

• Buffaloes cattle CK levels degenerative myopathy monensin toxicity monensin tolerance

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Rozza D.B., Corrêa A.M.R., Leal J.S., Bandarra P.M., Guagnini F.S. & Djeison Lutier Raymundo D.L. & Driemeier D. 2007. [Experimental monensin poisoning in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and cattle.] Intoxicação experimental por monensina em búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):172-178. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Monensin is widely used as a feed additive to improve performance of livestock; however accidental poisoning by this ionophore compound has been reported in a number of animal species. Typical clinical signs and lesions of monensin poisoning were induced in water buffaloes dosed with single dosages of 15, 10, 7.5, and 5mg/kg of the compound. Only buffaloes dosed with 2.5 mg/kg (1 day) and 1mg/kg (7 days) survived. Clinical signs initiated about 6 h post-dosing and included apathy, anorexia, diarrhea, drooling, muscular weakness, locomotion disorders, dyspnea, tachycardia, jugular distension and pulse, recumbency and death. The creatine kinase (CK) levels were highly augmented in blood samples of buffaloes dosed with monensin. Most prominent gross changes were ascites, hydrothorax, hydropericardium, cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, and focal pale areas in the myocardium and in skeletal muscles. Degeneration and necrosis of myofibers were the principal histopathological findings. Conversely, no evidence of disease, neither change in CK levels were observed in the beef cattle steers dosed with same doses, confirming preliminary findings that buffaloes are more susceptible to monensin than cattle. In addition, this communication presents the minimal toxic dosage of monensin to buffaloes and suggests that CK tests may serve as health monitoring tools in the management of buffalo herds supplemented with monensin.

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:

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.