PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Anjos B.L., Irigoyen L.F., Piazer J.V.M., Brum J.S., Fighera R.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2009. [Experimental acute poisoning by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) in cattle.] Intoxicação experimental aguda por samambaia (Pteridium aquilinum) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):753-766. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br This experiment was design to address the following points in relation to the acute poisoning by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) in cattle: 1) the severity of the thrombocytopenia in different stages of the intoxication and its relationship to possible deficits in the secondary hemostasis, 2) the relationship between neutropenia and the morphological signs of septicemia occasionally found at necropsy, and 3) the mechanism of anemia and its relationship with blood loss, medium life of erythrocytes and the progress of the disease. The fresh green upper parts of P. aquilinum were fed to four mixed breed calves with average age of 18 months and weights ranging from 190 to 215 kg. A calf of similar age and weight was kept together with the other four under the same conditions, except for the ingestion of P. aquilinum. The four fern-fed calves died with typical features of acute bracken fern poisoning after being fed with the plant for 53-58 days daily doses of 8.0, 8.6, 10.2, and 10.6g/kg body weight totaling at the end of the experiment, respectively, 59.3%, 63.3%, 47.4%, and 47.5% of bracken fern in relation to their body weight. The disease was characterized by fever up to 42.5°C and varying degrees of hemorrhages observed clinically, at necropsy and on histological examination. Death occurred 6-7 days after the onset of fever. The hematological changes consisted mainly of marked thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. Two of the four affected calves had mild anemia. The deficits in secondary hemostasis were mild in each case. There were no significant changes thus permitting to rule out the role of secondary hemostasis in the pathogenesis of the hemorrhages in the bracken fern poisoning. The measurement of fibrin degradation products in the serum showed conflicting results and did no allow for a solid conclusion regarding the role of disseminated intravascular coagulation in the pathogenesis of the hemorrhages in fern poisoning. The cytology and the histopathology of bone marrow from the four poisoned calves revealed marked decrease in the numbers of hematopoietic cells from the three marrow lineages, which characterizes marrow failure due to aplasia; it was concluded that the events of the primary hemostasis due to thrombocytopenia are responsible for the hemorrhages. In blood culture from three affected calves there was growth of Klebsiella oxytoca, Staphylococcus hyicus and Staphylococcus aureus, indicating that septicemia, facilitated by neutropenia could have a role in the death of cattle acutely poisoned due to the ingestion of P. aquilinum. Additional points of the interest in the acute experimental poisoning by bracken fern in cattle reported here were the development of hematuria and the so called laryngeal form.

• Poisonous plants bracken fern Pteridium aquilinum plant poisoning plantas tóxicas samambaia intoxicação por planta

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Anjos B.L., Irigoyen L.F., Piazer J.V.M., Brum J.S., Fighera R.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2009. [Experimental acute poisoning by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) in cattle.] Intoxicação experimental aguda por samambaia (Pteridium aquilinum) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):753-766. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Este experimento foi delineado para investigar os seguintes pontos em relação à intoxicação aguda por samambaia (Pteridium aquilinum) em bovinos: 1) a intensidade da trombocitopenia em diferentes momentos da intoxicação e sua relação com possíveis déficits na hemostasia secundária, 2) a relação da neutropenia com as manifestações morfológicas de septicemia ocasionalmente observadas na necropsia, e 3) o mecanismo da anemia e sua relação com a perda de sangue, a vida média eritróide e a evolução da doença. As hastes superiores mais verdes de P. aquilinum foram administradas a quatro bovinos sem raça definida, com idade média de 1,5 ano e pesos entre 190-215 kg. Um bovino de idade e peso semelhantes foi usado como controle e, exceto por não ter recebido P. aquilinum, foi mantido nas mesmas condições que os outros quatro. Os quatro bovinos que receberam a planta morreram com quadro característico da intoxicação aguda por samambaia após receberem durante 53-58 dias, doses diárias de 8,0, 8,6, 10,2 e 10,6g/kg de peso corporal, que totalizaram, ao final do experimento, respectivamente, 112,7, 107,6, 85,7, 90,15 kg da planta, o que corresponde, respectivamente, a 59,3%, 63,3%, 47,4%, 47,5% da planta em relação ao peso dos bovinos. A doença caracterizou-se por febre de até 42,5°C e diversos graus de hemorragias observadas clinicamente, na necropsia e na histopatologia. A morte ocorria 6-7 dias após o início do quadro febril. As alterações hematológicas revelaram trombocitopenia e neutropenia acentuadas. Em dois dos quatro bovinos havia anemia leve. Não houve variações significativas nos tempos de coagulação dos bovinos intoxicados, quando avaliados os fatores de coagulação (secundária), excluindo-se assim a possibilidade da participação de distúrbios da hemostasia secundária na patogênese das hemorragias nessa intoxicação. A determinação dos produtos da degradação da fibrina no soro revelou dados conflitantes, não permitindo concluir se a coagulação intravascular disseminada tem participação na patogênese das hemorragias nessa intoxicação. A citopatologia e histopatologia da medula óssea dos quatro bovinos intoxicados revelaram acentuada diminuição no número de células hematopoéticas das três linhagens medulares, caracterizando insuficiência medular por aplasia; conclui-se que apenas eventos da hemostasia primária devidos a trombocitopenia são responsáveis pelas hemorragias. Na hemocultura de três dos bovinos intoxicados houve crescimento de Klebsiella oxytoca, Staphylococcus hyicus e Staphylococcus aureus, indicando que a septicemia, facilitada pela neutropenia, pode ter participação na causa da morte de bovinos na intoxicação aguda pela ingestão de P. aquilinum. Aspectos adicionais de interesse na reprodução da intoxicação aguda por samambaia em bovinos deste relato incluem o desenvolvimento de hematúria na doença aguda e a apresentação da chamada forma laríngea da doença.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Holz C.L., Cibulski S.P., Teixeira T.F., Batista H.B.C.R., Campos F.S., Silva J.R., Varela A.P.M., Cenci A., Franco A.C. & Roehe P.M. 2009. [Seroprevalence of bovine herpesvirus types 1 and/or 5 in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.] Soroprevalência de herpesvírus bovinos tipos 1 e/ou 5 no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):767-773. Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Fepagro Saúde Animal, Estrada do Conde 6000, Cx. Postal 47, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil. E-mail: proehe@gmail.com This study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of antibodies to bovine herpesviruses types 1(BoHV-1) and 5 (BoHV-5) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, by testing serum samples against different BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 strains. The sera examined were obtained from a larger sample designed to estimate the prevalence of bovine brucellosis within the state. All sera were collected from cows 24 months or older, not vaccinated to bovine herpesviruses, from both dairy and beef herds. The number of samples to be tested was calculated based on an estimated prevalence of infection of 33%, with an average standard deviation of £1% and a 95% limit of agreement. Sera from 2.200 cattle from 390 farms distributed in 158 counties were tested by serum neutralization (SN) tests in search for antibodies to the following strains: BoHV-1.1 (strains EVI123/98 and Los Angeles), BoHV-5a (strain EVI88/95) and BoHV-5b (strain A663). The overall seroprevalence to BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 in the sampled herds was 29.2% (642/2.200); seropositive animals were detected in 225 (57.7%) of the sampled farms. Prevalence estimates varied according to the virus used for challenge in SN tests. The highest prevalence and sensitivity were attained when positive SN results against the four different strains were added together. The use of only one virus for challenge in SN tests would lead to a loss in sensitivity from 20.4% to 34.6% when compared to the combined SN-positive results. These findings provide evidence that antibodies to BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 are largely spread in dairy and beef herds in RS, although prevalence in distinct geographic regions is quite variable. The results were strongly affected by the virus strains used for challenge in SN testing. This must be taken into account when performing serologic tests to detect BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 antibodies. As SN test is not capable of discriminating between antibody responses to BoHV-1 and BoHV-5, type-specific prevalence remains unknown.

• Bovine herpesvirus type 1 bovine herpesvirus type 5 BoHV-1 BoHV-5 herpesvírus bovinos tipo 1 herpesvírus bovinos tipo 5

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Holz C.L., Cibulski S.P., Teixeira T.F., Batista H.B.C.R., Campos F.S., Silva J.R., Varela A.P.M., Cenci A., Franco A.C. & Roehe P.M. 2009. [Seroprevalence of bovine herpesvirus types 1 and/or 5 in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.] Soroprevalência de herpesvírus bovinos tipos 1 e/ou 5 no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):767-773. Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Fepagro Saúde Animal, Estrada do Conde 6000, Cx. Postal 47, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil. E-mail: proehe@gmail.com Este estudo objetivou estimar a prevalência de anticorpos contra os herpesvírus bovinos tipos 1 e 5 (BoHV-1 e BoHV-5) no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil, frente a diferentes cepas de BoHV-1 e BoHV-5. As amostras de soro utilizadas foram extraídas de uma amostragem mais ampla, desenhada para estimar a prevalência de brucelose bovina no Estado. Todos os soros foram coletados de vacas com idade igual ou superior a 24 meses de idade, não vacinadas contra herpesvírus bovinos, de rebanhos de corte e leite. O cálculo amostral foi baseado em uma expectativa de prevalência média de infecção de 33%, considerando-se um erro padrão não superior a 1% e um intervalo de confiança de 95%. Com base nesse cálculo foram examinados 2.200 soros, provenientes de 390 propriedades e 158 municípios. Os soros foram analisados na busca de anticorpos contra BoHV-1 e BoHV-5 pela técnica de soroneutralização (SN), executada frente a quatro cepas de vírus distintas: EVI123/98 e Los Angeles (BoHV-1.1); EVI88/95 (BoHV-5a) e A663 (BoHV-5b). A prevalência média de anticorpos contra o BoHV-1 e BoHV-5 nos animais amostrados foi de 29,2% (642/2200); animais soropositivos foram identificados em 57,7% (225/390) dos rebanhos. As estimativas de prevalência variaram de acordo com a cepa e/ou vírus utilizado para o desafio nos testes de SN. A prevalência e a sensibilidade mais altas foram obtidas quando os resultados positivos à SN frente aos quatro vírus distintos foram somados. O uso de somente um vírus de desafio na SN levaria a redução de sensibilidade de 20,4% a 34,6% quando comparada com os resultados positivos combinados. Estes achados evidenciam que anticorpos contra BoHV-1 e BoHV-5 estão amplamente difundidos nos rebanhos do RS, embora a prevalência em distintas regiões geográficas seja bastante variada. Os resultados obtidos nas estimativas de prevalência foram fortemente afetados pelas diferentes amostras de vírus usadas nos testes de SN. Esse fato deve ser levado em consideração quando estudos sorológicos para BoHV-1 e BoHV-5 forem realizados. Como a SN não é capaz de discriminar as respostas de anticorpos para BoHV-1 e BoHV-5, a prevalência tipo-específica permanece desconhecida.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Castro M.C.N., Marcello G.C.G., Alencar N.X. & Ferreira A.M.R. 2009. [Urinary protein/creatinine ratio measurament in cats with chronic renal failure.] Avaliação da relação proteína-creatinina urinária em gatos com doença renal crônica. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(8):605-609. Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brasil 64, Santa Rosa, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil. E-mail: mcnobre@vm.uff.br Chronic renal disease (CRD) is the most common form of renal disease in cats. Several factors contribute to disease progression. Proteinuria is an important marker of renal disease progression. The protein-creatinine ratio in a single urine sample correlates well with urinary protein loss in 24 hours. The aim of this investigation was to determine the urine protein-creatinine (UPC) ratio in cats with natural acquired chronic renal disease. The UPC ratio was performed in nine clinically normal cats and in 30 cats with chronic renal disease. Mean UPC ratio in normal cats was 0.16±0.10, and mean UPC ratio in the cats with chronic renal disease was 0.53± 0.59. In the group with renal disease there was positive correlation between UPC ratio and serum creatinine levels. The results obtained from this study demonstrate that UPC ratio in cats with CRD is variable and that, in accordance to what has previously been described, approximately one third of the cats with CRD are considered proteinuric according to the criteria established in literature (UPC ratio > 0.4).

• Chronic renal disease urinary protein/creatinine ratio

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- ABSTRACT.- Castro M.C.N., Marcello G.C.G., Alencar N.X. & Ferreira A.M.R. 2009. [Urinary protein/creatinine ratio measurament in cats with chronic renal failure.] Avaliação da relação proteína-creatinina urinária em gatos com doença renal crônica. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(8):605-609. Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brasil 64, Santa Rosa, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil. E-mail: mcnobre@vm.uff.br Doença renal crônica (DRC) é a forma mais comum de doença renal em gatos. Vários fatores têm sido citados como importantes na progressão da doença, dentre eles a proteinúria. A relação proteína-creatinina (RPC) urinária em uma única amostra de urina apresenta boa correlação com a perda de proteína urinária em 24 horas. O objetivo dessa investigação foi determinar a RPC urinária em gatos com DRC adquirida naturalmente. A determinação da RPC foi realizada em nove gatos saudáveis (Grupo I) e em trinta gatos com DRC (Grupo II). Os gatos do Grupo I apresentaram RPC de 0,16±0,10 e os gatos do Grupo II apresentaram RPC de 0,53± 0,59. No Grupo II encontrou-se correlação positiva e significante da RPC com o nível de creatinina sérica. Os resultados deste estudo demonstram que a RPC urinária em gatos com DRC é bastante variável e que, à semelhança do que já havia sido previamente descrito, aproximadamente um terço dos gatos com DRC são considerados proteinúricos segundo critérios estabelecidos pela literatura (RPC urinária >0,4).

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Regonato E., Canola J.C., Chierice G.O. & Padilha Filho J.G. 2009. [Radiographic evaluation of acetabular covering of the head of the femur after triple pelvic osteotomy and application of a sacroiliac wedge to the pelvis of canine cadavers.] Avaliação radiográfica da cobertura acetabular à cabeça femoral, após osteotomia tripla e aplicação de cunha sacroilíaca, em pelve de cadáveres de cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(8):625-631. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciência Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: everton_unesp@yahoo.com.br Attempting to avoid difficulties associated to triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), the sacroiliac wedge method was experimentally developed to increase the acetabular ventroversion. The goal of this study was to apply the techniques of sacroiliac wedge and TPO to canine cadavers and radiographically evaluate the efficacy of acetabular ventroversion. Ten cadavers of adult dogs weighting 15-25 kg were used. To each right hemipelvis the technique of TPO with 20° and 40° plates was applied. In the left hemipelvis, 20° and 40º wedges in the sacroiliac joint were applied. Radiographic evaluations in standard projections were carried out for measurement of the acetabular covering of the head of the femur in the two techniques. There was no significant differences between TPO and the use of sacroiliac wedge using implants of 20° and 40°, however a significant difference (p<0,05) could be observed before and after application of the 20° and 40° implants, as well as between those that received 20° and of 40° implants. The application of sacroiliac wedge produced similar results of those observed in TPO, and it is more feasible.

• Hip dysplasia

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Regonato E., Canola J.C., Chierice G.O. & Padilha Filho J.G. 2009. [Radiographic evaluation of acetabular covering of the head of the femur after triple pelvic osteotomy and application of a sacroiliac wedge to the pelvis of canine cadavers.] Avaliação radiográfica da cobertura acetabular à cabeça femoral, após osteotomia tripla e aplicação de cunha sacroilíaca, em pelve de cadáveres de cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(8):625-631. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciência Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: everton_unesp@yahoo.com.br Na tentativa de evitar algumas das dificuldades associadas à osteotomia pélvica tripla (OPT), foi desenvolvido experimentalmente o método de aplicação de cunha na junção sacroilíaca para aumentar a ventroversão acetabular. O objetivo deste estudo foi aplicar as técnicas de cunha sacroilíaca e OPT em cadáveres e avaliar radiograficamente a eficácia da ventroversão acetabular. Para tal, foram utilizados 10 cadáveres de cães, adultos, com 15-25 kg. Em cada hemipelve direita foi realizada OPT com placas de 20° e 40°. Na hemipelve esquerda foram aplicadas cunhas nas articulações sacroilíacas de 20° e 40°. Avaliações radiográficas em projeções ventrodorsais foram realizadas para mensuração da cobertura acetabular à cabeça femoral nas duas técnicas. De acordo com os dados obtidos pode-se observar que não houve diferença entre a técnica de OPT e o uso de cunha sacroilíaca utilizando implantes de 20° e 40°, mas ocorreu diferença significativa (p<0,05) entre os cães antes e após a aplicação dos implantes de 20° e 40°, e também entre os que receberam implantes de 20° e os de 40°. A aplicação de cunha sacroilíaca produziu resultados semelhantes à OPT, e também se mostrou como de mais fácil aplicação.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Abdalla S.L., Silva M.F.A., Pereira A.R.C., Azevedo F.D., Fernandes J.I., Minono G.P. & Botelho R.P. 2009. [Computer quantification for the evaluation of dental plaque and dental calculus index in the digital image of vestibular surface of the teeth of dogs.] Quantificação computadorizada dos índices de placa e cálculo dentais da imagem digital da superfície vestibular dos dentes de cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(8):666-672. Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: abdallasamira@hotmail.com Periodontal disease is caused by dental plaque accumulation on teeth and adjacent structures. Indices have been formulated for its measurement considering the amount and intensity of dental plaque (DP) and dental calculus (C) on the surface of teeth through subjective visual evaluation. This study aims at assessing the computerized analysis method for measurement of DP and C areas on the teeth of dogs by comparing it with the visual evaluation in the oral cavity. Ten beagle dogs with similar characteristics and kept under the same management and diet were used. Evaluations of oral cavity occurred before surgical prophylaxis (performed under general inhalation anesthesia) and after seven days for DP and 28 days for C. The computerized C area evaluation showed to be statistically better than the visual evaluation before and after prophylaxis. It was concluded that the computerized evaluation is beneficial when compared to visual evaluation, providing greater precision in the area measurement.

• Dental plaque dental calculus

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Abdalla S.L., Silva M.F.A., Pereira A.R.C., Azevedo F.D., Fernandes J.I., Minono G.P. & Botelho R.P. 2009. [Computer quantification for the evaluation of dental plaque and dental calculus index in the digital image of vestibular surface of the teeth of dogs.] Quantificação computadorizada dos índices de placa e cálculo dentais da imagem digital da superfície vestibular dos dentes de cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(8):666-672. Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: abdallasamira@hotmail.com A doença periodontal é causada pelo acúmulo de placa bacteriana sobre os dentes e estruturas adjacentes. Para sua mensuração têm sido formulados índices que consideram a quantidade e intensidade de placa bacteriana (PB) e de cálculo dental (CD) existentes na superfície dentária por meio de avaliação visual subjetiva. O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o método de análise computadorizada para medição de área de PB e CD nos dentes de cães através da comparação com a avaliação visual. Foram utilizados 10 cães Beagles, três machos e sete fêmeas, com similares características e mantidos sob o mesmo manejo e dieta alimentar. As avaliações das superfícies vestibulares dos dentes ocorreram antes da profilaxia dentária, que foi realizada sob anestesia geral inalatória, e após sete dias para PB e após 28 dias para CD. A avaliação computadorizada da área de CD demonstrou ser estatisticamente melhor em relação à avaliação visual antes e após a profilaxia; entretanto, não demonstrou diferença significante na avaliação da PB. Concluiu-se que a avaliação computadorizada é vantajosa em relação à visual por conferir maior precisão na obtenção da proporção entre área total do dente e área acometida, mostrando-se estatistticamente superior na quantificação do CD após 28 dias.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Gabriel A.L., Kommers G.D., Masuda E.K, Fighera R.A., Piazer J.V.M., Barros C.S.L., Martins T.B. & Rosa F.B. 2009. [Clinical and hematological aspects and urinary bladder lesions in chronic spontaneous poisoning by Pteridium aquilinum in cattle.] Aspectos clínicos-hematológicos e lesões vesicais nas formas crônicas de intoxicação espontânea por Pteridium aquilinum em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):515-525. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com Spontaneous cases of chronic poisoning by Pteridium aquilinum in cattle were studied. The clinical forms of the disease were squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs) of the upper digestive tract (UDT) and bovine enzootic hematuria (BEH). The cases were from the midland Region of the Midwest of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and were submitted to the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Clinical signs and blood work were evaluated at terminal phase of disease. Cattle with UDT SCCs had progressive weigth loss, ruminal atony, cough, dysphagia, bloating, and regurgitation. In cattle with BEH, hematuria was observed in all cases, followed by progressive weight loss. Non-regenerative anemia was detected in 33.33% of the cattle with UDT SCCs form and in 66.66% of the cattle with BEH form. Changes in white blood count occurred in some cases but drop in lymphocyte numbers was uncommon in both forms of disease. For the morphological study, urinary bladders from 46 cattle with UDT SCCs and 11 cattle with BEH were analyzed. Grossly, 16/46 bladders from the UDT SCCs form had gross lesions (red or pale vesical nodules, hemorrhages, and papilomas; red urine was detected at necropsy of only three cases). In BEH form, the bladder had nodules, large neoplastic masses, red urine, papilomas, and hemorrhages. Pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis were seen in a few cases. Microscopically, in the UDT SCCs form, 44/46 (95.65%) bladders had 22 different types of morphological changes, characterized by neoplastic lesions (5/22) and non-neoplastic lesions (17/22); the latter were subdivided in non-neoplastic epithelial changes (6/17), general changes of the lamina propria (6/17), and inflammatory changes (5/17). The bladder changes in BEH form were of 19 different types, characterized by neoplastic lesions (5/19) and non-neoplastic lesions (14/19), which were subdivided in non-neoplastic epitelial changes (9/14), general changes of the lamina propria (3/14), and inflammatory changes (2/14). In BEH, mesenchymal neoplasms were more observed than epithelial ones, and most of them were malignant. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to characterize the histogenesis of poorly differentiated neoplasms. In conclusion, the morphological study demonstrated that urinary bladder lesions identical to the those seen in cattle with BEH, are very often present in cattle with the UDT SCCs form.

• Diseases of cattle poisonous plants; Pteridium aquilinum bovine enzootic hematuria squamous cell carcinomas of the digestive system veterinary pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Gabriel A.L., Kommers G.D., Masuda E.K, Fighera R.A., Piazer J.V.M., Barros C.S.L., Martins T.B. & Rosa F.B. 2009. [Clinical and hematological aspects and urinary bladder lesions in chronic spontaneous poisoning by Pteridium aquilinum in cattle.] Aspectos clínicos-hematológicos e lesões vesicais nas formas crônicas de intoxicação espontânea por Pteridium aquilinum em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):515-525. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com Spontaneous cases of chronic poisoning by Pteridium aquilinum in cattle were studied. The clinical forms of the disease were squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs) of the upper digestive tract (UDT) and bovine enzootic hematuria (BEH). The cases were from the midland Region of the Midwest of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and were submitted to the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Clinical signs and blood work were evaluated at terminal phase of disease. Cattle with UDT SCCs had progressive weigth loss, ruminal atony, cough, dysphagia, bloating, and regurgitation. In cattle with BEH, hematuria was observed in all cases, followed by progressive weight loss. Non-regenerative anemia was detected in 33.33% of the cattle with UDT SCCs form and in 66.66% of the cattle with BEH form. Changes in white blood count occurred in some cases but drop in lymphocyte numbers was uncommon in both forms of disease. For the morphological study, urinary bladders from 46 cattle with UDT SCCs and 11 cattle with BEH were analyzed. Grossly, 16/46 bladders from the UDT SCCs form had gross lesions (red or pale vesical nodules, hemorrhages, and papilomas; red urine was detected at necropsy of only three cases). In BEH form, the bladder had nodules, large neoplastic masses, red urine, papilomas, and hemorrhages. Pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis were seen in a few cases. Microscopically, in the UDT SCCs form, 44/46 (95.65%) bladders had 22 different types of morphological changes, characterized by neoplastic lesions (5/22) and non-neoplastic lesions (17/22); the latter were subdivided in non-neoplastic epithelial changes (6/17), general changes of the lamina propria (6/17), and inflammatory changes (5/17). The bladder changes in BEH form were of 19 different types, characterized by neoplastic lesions (5/19) and non-neoplastic lesions (14/19), which were subdivided in non-neoplastic epitelial changes (9/14), general changes of the lamina propria (3/14), and inflammatory changes (2/14). In BEH, mesenchymal neoplasms were more observed than epithelial ones, and most of them were malignant. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to characterize the histogenesis of poorly differentiated neoplasms. In conclusion, the morphological study demonstrated that urinary bladder lesions identical to the those seen in cattle with BEH, are very often present in cattle with the UDT SCCs form.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Helayel M.A., França T.N., Seixas J.N., Nogueira V.A., Caldas S.A. & Peixoto P.V. 2009. [Sudden death in cattle caused by ingestion of Pseudocalymma elegans (Bignoniaceae) in the county of Rio Bonito, Rio de Janeiro.] Morte súbita em bovinos causada pela ingestão de Pseudocalymma elegans (Bignoniaceae) no município de Rio Bonito, RJ. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):498-508. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: michel_abdallavet@yahoo.com.br Natural poisoning by Pseudocalymma elegans, a plant that causes “sudden death” and only occurs in the State of Rio de Janeiro, is described in a cow. This condition was experimentally reproduced in three calves and three rabbits with the plant collected in the area where the deaths had occurred. Postmortem and histopathological examinations of the natural case in the cow did not reveal significant alterations. Oral administration of 1g/kg of the sprouts of P. elegans caused death of the calf 5 hours and 30 minutes after beginning of the administration. The dose of 0.5 g/kg caused death of another calf with onset of symptoms after 3 hours and 24 minutes and a course of 73 hours and 12 minutes. Animals that ingest borderline doses may show a longer course with a characteristic clinical picture of heart impairment. The dose of 0.25g/kg did not cause death, but only clinical signs. Heart palpitation and arrhythmia, increase of breathing frequency, reluctance in moving, positive venous pulse, ingurgitated jugular veins, falling down and peddling movements shortly before death, were observed. At postmortem examination the lesions were those of acute heart insufficiency, and histopathological examination revealed the typical kidney lesion (hydropic-vacular degeneration in the distal convoluted tubules) seen in poisoning by plants that cause “sudden death”. In the experimentally poisoned rabbits the clinical course was less than 1-2 minutes. In the kidney of two rabbits there was also the characteristic microscopic lesion. The presence of the plant in the county of Rio Bonito had not been known by the veterinarians. It is concluded that the plant could be more toxic than described before.

• Poisonous plants Pseudocalymma elegans Bignoniaceae plant poisoning sudden death cattle rabbits

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Helayel M.A., França T.N., Seixas J.N., Nogueira V.A., Caldas S.A. & Peixoto P.V. 2009. [Sudden death in cattle caused by ingestion of Pseudocalymma elegans (Bignoniaceae) in the county of Rio Bonito, Rio de Janeiro.] Morte súbita em bovinos causada pela ingestão de Pseudocalymma elegans (Bignoniaceae) no município de Rio Bonito, RJ. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):498-508. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: michel_abdallavet@yahoo.com.br Descreve-se a intoxicação natural por Pseudocalymma elegans em pelo menos um bovino em Rio Bonito, RJ e a reprodução experimental dessa intoxicação em três bovinos e em 3 coelhos com exemplares dessa planta colhida no local onde ocorreu a morte. Necropsia e histopatologia do bovino naturalmente intoxicado não revelaram alterações significativas. A administração, por via oral, de 1g/kg da brotação da planta causou a morte do bovino dentro de 5h e 30 minutos após o início da administração, já pela administração de 0,5 g/kg, a morte do animal ocorreu após 76 horas e 36 minutos. A dose de 0,25g/kg foi capaz de causar sintomas, mas não levou a morte. A sintomatologia caracterizou-se por arritmia cardíaca, taquicardia, aumento da freqüência respiratória, relutância em se mover, pulso venoso positivo, jugulares e grandes vasos ingurgitados, queda ao solo e movimentos de pedalagem, seguindo-se o óbito. À necropsia foram verificadas alterações compatíveis com às observadas na insuficiência cardíaca aguda, e o exame histopatológico revelou a lesão renal típica (degeneração hidrópica em túbulos contornados distais) de intoxicação por plantas que causam “morte súbita”. Nos coelhos, a evolução variou entre menos de um minuto a dois minutos. O exame histopatológico do rim de dois coelhos também revelou a lesão microscópica característica. Essa planta ainda não havia sido mapeada nessa área do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Conclui-se que a planta pode ser mais tóxica do que anteriormente descrito.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Trost M.E., Kommers G.D., Barros C.S.L & Schild A.L. 2009. [Patogenesis of lesions associated with poisoning by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens in cattle.] Patogênese das lesões associadas à intoxicação por Ramaria flavo-brunnescens em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):533-544. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com The pathogenesis of the lesions of Ramaria flavo-brunnescens poisoning in cattle was studied throughout the retrospective evaluation of selected tissues from nine spontaneous and four experimental cases of the disease. The pathogenesis of lesions observed in the tongue, esophagus, hoof, and tail was investigated analyzing microscopic lesions, histochemical and histochemical-ultrastructural changes. Histochemical techniques utilized were Masson’s Trichrome and Selective Oxidation of Keratin (SOK). The histochemical-ultrastructural study was acomplished throughout the Swift method under transmission electron microscopy. Hair shafts of the tip of the tail were analyzed under polarized light. Lesions of varying degrees of severity were observed. All changes observed in the keratinized structures studied, mostly in the hard keratin, showed defective keratinization. The morphologic study and the results obtained with SOK and Swift techniques showed that the defective keratinization results of low amounts of sulphur containing amino acids (cystine) in hard keratin structures. This is probably the main pathogenetic mechanism of the lesions observed in R. flavo brunnescens poisoning in cattle.

• Poisonous plants mushroom poisoning Ramaria flavo-brunnescens cattle keratinization veterinary pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Trost M.E., Kommers G.D., Barros C.S.L & Schild A.L. 2009. [Patogenesis of lesions associated with poisoning by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens in cattle.] Patogênese das lesões associadas à intoxicação por Ramaria flavo-brunnescens em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):533-544. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com The pathogenesis of the lesions of Ramaria flavo-brunnescens poisoning in cattle was studied throughout the retrospective evaluation of selected tissues from nine spontaneous and four experimental cases of the disease. The pathogenesis of lesions observed in the tongue, esophagus, hoof, and tail was investigated analyzing microscopic lesions, histochemical and histochemical-ultrastructural changes. Histochemical techniques utilized were Masson’s Trichrome and Selective Oxidation of Keratin (SOK). The histochemical-ultrastructural study was acomplished throughout the Swift method under transmission electron microscopy. Hair shafts of the tip of the tail were analyzed under polarized light. Lesions of varying degrees of severity were observed. All changes observed in the keratinized structures studied, mostly in the hard keratin, showed defective keratinization. The morphologic study and the results obtained with SOK and Swift techniques showed that the defective keratinization results of low amounts of sulphur containing amino acids (cystine) in hard keratin structures. This is probably the main pathogenetic mechanism of the lesions observed in R. flavo brunnescens poisoning in cattle.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Rissi D.R., Lucena R.B., Lemos R.A.A., Nogueira A.P.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2009. [Bovine polioencephalomalacia: epidemiology, clinical signs and distribution of lesions in the brain.] Polioencefalomalacia em bovinos: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e distribuição das lesões no encéfalo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):487-497. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Thirty one cases of polioencephalomalacia (PEM) diagnosed from 1999-2008 in cattle from the Southern (13 cases) and Midwestern (18 cases) Brazil were studied. Morbidity (0.04%-6.66 %), mortality (0.04%-6.66 %), and lethality (50%-100%) rates were similar in both regions studied. There was no clear association between PEM cases and age, sex or seasonality. Cases occurred mainly in cattle raised at pasture; in the Southern the disease affected mainly young cattle (one-year old or less) while mainly older cattle (three-year-old or older) were affected in the Midwest. Clinical signs more frequently observed included blindness, incoordination, circling, opisthotonus, recumbence and peddling movements. Clinical course varied from 12 hours to 8 days (average three days and a half). In 11 cases no gross changes were observed in the brain. Main gross findings in the brain of remaining cases included congestion with swelling and flattening of gyri, softening and yellow discoloration of cerebral cortex, hemorrhagic foci in the brain stem, cerebellum and telencephalon, and cerebellar herniation. The main histopathological changes were in the cortex of occipital, parietal and frontal telencephalic lobes; however less prominent and less frequently found lesions occurred in the hippocampus, basal nuclei, thalamus, midbrain, and cerebellum. The type of microscopic cortical lesions was consistent in all cases and included segmentar laminar neuronal necrosis (red neurons), spongiosis, swollen of vascular endothelial nuclei, Alzheimer type II astrocytes and infiltration of gitter cells. In 20% of the cases there was mild lymphohistiocytic cellular infiltrate and in 13% of the cases there was mild infiltrate by neutrophils and eosinophils. Additionally, mild to moderate necro-hemorrhagic lesions were observed in 49% of the cases in the basal nuclei, in 39% of the cases in brain stem and in 26% of the cases in the thalamus. Brain lesions were consistently found in the cortical laminae of the occipital, parietal and frontal telencephalic lobes. In such locations, most frequently affected cortical layers both by neuronal necrosis and edema were external and internal granular layers. Both gyri and sulci were equally affected.

• Diseases of cattle neuropathology distribution of lesions polioencephalomalacia

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Rissi D.R., Lucena R.B., Lemos R.A.A., Nogueira A.P.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2009. [Bovine polioencephalomalacia: epidemiology, clinical signs and distribution of lesions in the brain.] Polioencefalomalacia em bovinos: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e distribuição das lesões no encéfalo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):487-497. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br RESUMO.- Trinta e um casos de polioencefalomalacia (PEM) diagnosticados de 1999-2008 em bovinos do Sul (13 casos) e Centro-Oeste (18 casos) brasileiros foram estudados. As taxas de morbidade (0,04%-6,66 %), mortalidade (0,04%-6,66 %) e letalidade (50%-100%) foram semelhantes em ambas as regiões estudadas. Não houve uma associação clara entre os casos de PEM e a idade, sexo dos bovinos e sazonalidade. Os casos ocorreram principalmente em bovinos criados de forma extensiva em pastagem. Na Região Sul a doença afetou principalmente bovinos jovens (um ano de idade ou menos), enquanto que principalmente bovinos mais velhos (3 anos de idade ou mais) foram afetados no Centro-Oeste. Os sinais clínicos mais frequentemente observados incluíram cegueira, incoordenação, andar em círculos, opistótono, decúbito e movimentos de pedalagem. A evolução do quadro clínico variou de 12 horas a 8 dias (media 3 dias e meio). Em 11 encéfalos não foram observadas alterações macroscópicas; as principais alterações macroscópicas nos outros casos incluíam congestão com tumefação e achatamento das circunvoluções, amolecimento e amarelamento do córtex telencefálico, focos de hemorragia no tronco encefálico, cerebelo e telencéfalo e herniação cerebelar. As principais alterações histológicas ocorreram no córtex dos lobos telencefálicos occipital, parietal e frontal; no entanto, lesões menos acentuadas e menos frequentemente observadas ocorreram no hipocampo, núcleos da base, tálamo, mesencéfalo e cerebelo. O tipo de lesão microscópica cortical era consistente em todos os casos e incluía necrose neuronal (neurônio vermelho) laminar segmentar, espongiose, tumefação do núcleo das células endoteliais, astrócitos Alzheimer tipo II e infiltração por células gitter. Em 20% dos casos havia um leve infiltrado celular linfo-histiocitário e em 13% dos casos havia leve infiltrado de neutrófilos e eosinófilos. Adicionalmente, lesões necro-hemorrágicas leves ou moderadas foram observadas em 49% dos casos nos núcleos da base, em 39% dos casos no tronco encefálico e em 26% dos casos no tálamo. Lesões telencefálicas foram consistentemente observadas nas lâminas dos córtices dos lobos occipital, parietal e frontal. Nessas regiões as camadas granular externa e interna foram as mais afetadas tanto por neurônios necróticos quanto por edema em todas as regiões avaliadas. Tanto os giros quanto os sulcos foram afetados igualmente.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Arduino G.G.C., Girio R.J.S., Magajevski F.S. & Pereira G.T. 2009. [Agglutinating antibody titers induced by commercial vaccines against bovine leptospirosis.] Títulos de anticorpos aglutinantes induzidos por vacinas comerciais contra leptospirose bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):575-582. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: cocaarduino@yahoo.com.br In the investigation 100 heifers were used, divided into 5 groups of 20 animals each. The four experimental groups were vaccinated using distinct commercial polyvalent bacterines: A, B, C and D, and a group was the control. Samples were collected at days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 42, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84, 91, 120, 150 and 180 from the first injection of the vaccine. The selection of the animals for the experimental groups was done based on a serological screening with 6 antigens of Leptospira sp. constituted by non-reagent animals. The vaccine titers were monitored using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona and Wolffi serovars. All vaccines used were capable to product agglutinins for the Hardjo and Wolffi serovars observed at 3 days after vaccination, remaining until the 150th day; those serovars induced the highest titres of agglutinins. Vaccine D, in spite of not containing the Wolffi serovar, induced the production of agglutinins to this serovar. Agglutinins to the Canicola serovar were only observed in the animals vaccinated with the D bacterine. Vaccine D induced the highest average titers of antibodies to all tested serovars.

• Leptospirosis cattle vaccine agglutinins

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Arduino G.G.C., Girio R.J.S., Magajevski F.S. & Pereira G.T. 2009. [Agglutinating antibody titers induced by commercial vaccines against bovine leptospirosis.] Títulos de anticorpos aglutinantes induzidos por vacinas comerciais contra leptospirose bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):575-582. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: cocaarduino@yahoo.com.br In the investigation 100 heifers were used, divided into 5 groups of 20 animals each. The four experimental groups were vaccinated using distinct commercial polyvalent bacterines: A, B, C and D, and a group was the control. Samples were collected at days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 42, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84, 91, 120, 150 and 180 from the first injection of the vaccine. The selection of the animals for the experimental groups was done based on a serological screening with 6 antigens of Leptospira sp. constituted by non-reagent animals. The vaccine titers were monitored using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona and Wolffi serovars. All vaccines used were capable to product agglutinins for the Hardjo and Wolffi serovars observed at 3 days after vaccination, remaining until the 150th day; those serovars induced the highest titres of agglutinins. Vaccine D, in spite of not containing the Wolffi serovar, induced the production of agglutinins to this serovar. Agglutinins to the Canicola serovar were only observed in the animals vaccinated with the D bacterine. Vaccine D induced the highest average titers of antibodies to all tested serovars.