PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

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.- Lucioli J., Furlan F.H., Mezaroba S., Bechtold S.L., Gava A. & Traverso S.D. 2007. [Acute sodium fluorsilicate poisoning in cattle in the state of Santa Catarina.] Intoxicação aguda por fluorsilicato de sódio em bovinos no Estado de Santa Catarina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):49-52. Laboratório de Patologia Animal, Departamento de Clínica e Patologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, UDESC, Avenida Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2sdt@cav.udesc.br An acute poisoning with sodium fluorsilicate in six cattle is reported, as well as the experimental reproduction by oral administration of the compound to two bovines. Clinical manifestations of the natural poisoning include muscle tremors, hypersalivation, groaning and rapid death. In the experimental poisoning lateral recumbency, dyspnea, tetanic spasms and paddling was also observed. The main necropsy findings were reddening, edema and ulceration of the ruminal and abomasal mucosa. Histopathological findings were necrosis of the epithelium of the forestomachs with polymorphonuclear infiltration of the submucosal and muscular layers. Tubular renal necrosis, liver portal necrosis and necrosis of the lymphoid tissues was also noted. The sodium fluorsilicate caused clinical signs at a dose of 300mg/kg, and death from 400mg/kg on.

• Sodium fluorsilicate poisoning cattle pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Lucioli J., Furlan F.H., Mezaroba S., Bechtold S.L., Gava A. & Traverso S.D. 2007. [Acute sodium fluorsilicate poisoning in cattle in the state of Santa Catarina.] Intoxicação aguda por fluorsilicato de sódio em bovinos no Estado de Santa Catarina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):49-52. Laboratório de Patologia Animal, Departamento de Clínica e Patologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, UDESC, Avenida Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2sdt@cav.udesc.br An acute poisoning with sodium fluorsilicate in six cattle is reported, as well as the experimental reproduction by oral administration of the compound to two bovines. Clinical manifestations of the natural poisoning include muscle tremors, hypersalivation, groaning and rapid death. In the experimental poisoning lateral recumbency, dyspnea, tetanic spasms and paddling was also observed. The main necropsy findings were reddening, edema and ulceration of the ruminal and abomasal mucosa. Histopathological findings were necrosis of the epithelium of the forestomachs with polymorphonuclear infiltration of the submucosal and muscular layers. Tubular renal necrosis, liver portal necrosis and necrosis of the lymphoid tissues was also noted. The sodium fluorsilicate caused clinical signs at a dose of 300mg/kg, and death from 400mg/kg on.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Barros C.S.L., Castilhos L.M.L., Rissi D.R., Kommers G.D. & Rech R.R. 2007. [Liver biopsy for the diagnosis of Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) poisoning in cattle.] Biópsia hepática no diagnóstico da intoxicação por Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):53-60. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Liver lesions caused by Senecio spp. poisoning in cattle are progressive and deaths may occur many months after the plant is ingested. Laboratory tests of liver function are not always reliable indicators of subclinical affected animals. Liver biopsy could be useful to identify cattle with hepatic lesions but without clinical signs and would have also a prognostic value since it is generally believed that hepatic lesions will eventually cause liver failure and death. Such animals could be picked out by liver biopsy before clinical signs develop and be sent to slaughter, minimizing economic losses. This study was aimed to evaluate the liver biopsy as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in cases of Senecio spp. poisoning in cattle. An outbreak of Senecio brasiliensis was diagnosed in dairy calves which ingested hay contaminated by 5-10% of this Senecio species. Liver biopsy using a Menghini needle by right transthoracic approach was carried out in 135 calves that ingested the contaminated hay. Biopsed calves were followed up for 26 months after the biopsy. Seventeen biopsied calves had typical lesions of Senecio spp. poisoning (positive calves) and 118 had histologically normal livers (negative calves). Hepatic lesions of positive calves included fibrosis, hepatomeglocytosis, and biliary hyperplasia. Fifteen out of the 17 positive calves died with typical clinical signs of Senecio spp. poisoning within 17-149 days after the biopsy; 13 of those were necropsied and had typical gross and histopathological lesions of Senecio spp. poisoning. Two positive calves were clinically normal at the end of the post-biopsy observation period. The prognostic value (sensibility) of the test was considered high since 88.23% of the positive calves died. The specificity of the test was considered very high (99.16%) since only one of the 118 negative calves died in the observation period. In none of the biopsed calves a negative effect related to the biopsy technique was observed.

• Poisonous plants Senecio brasiliensis Asteraceae liver biopsy diseases of cattle pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Barros C.S.L., Castilhos L.M.L., Rissi D.R., Kommers G.D. & Rech R.R. 2007. [Liver biopsy for the diagnosis of Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) poisoning in cattle.] Biópsia hepática no diagnóstico da intoxicação por Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):53-60. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Liver lesions caused by Senecio spp. poisoning in cattle are progressive and deaths may occur many months after the plant is ingested. Laboratory tests of liver function are not always reliable indicators of subclinical affected animals. Liver biopsy could be useful to identify cattle with hepatic lesions but without clinical signs and would have also a prognostic value since it is generally believed that hepatic lesions will eventually cause liver failure and death. Such animals could be picked out by liver biopsy before clinical signs develop and be sent to slaughter, minimizing economic losses. This study was aimed to evaluate the liver biopsy as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in cases of Senecio spp. poisoning in cattle. An outbreak of Senecio brasiliensis was diagnosed in dairy calves which ingested hay contaminated by 5-10% of this Senecio species. Liver biopsy using a Menghini needle by right transthoracic approach was carried out in 135 calves that ingested the contaminated hay. Biopsed calves were followed up for 26 months after the biopsy. Seventeen biopsied calves had typical lesions of Senecio spp. poisoning (positive calves) and 118 had histologically normal livers (negative calves). Hepatic lesions of positive calves included fibrosis, hepatomeglocytosis, and biliary hyperplasia. Fifteen out of the 17 positive calves died with typical clinical signs of Senecio spp. poisoning within 17-149 days after the biopsy; 13 of those were necropsied and had typical gross and histopathological lesions of Senecio spp. poisoning. Two positive calves were clinically normal at the end of the post-biopsy observation period. The prognostic value (sensibility) of the test was considered high since 88.23% of the positive calves died. The specificity of the test was considered very high (99.16%) since only one of the 118 negative calves died in the observation period. In none of the biopsed calves a negative effect related to the biopsy technique was observed.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida R.F.C., Madruga C.R., Soares C.O., Fernandes M.C., Carvalho N.M., Jorge K.S.G. & Osório A.L.A.R. 2006. [Specific immune response of cattle to experimental sensibilization by inactivated Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium.] Resposta imune específica de bovinos experimentalmente sensibilizados com inóculos inativados de Mycobacterium bovis e Mycobacterium avium. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):195-200. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: analudmv@nin.ufms.br The presumptive diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis is based on analysis of the immune response to micobacterial antigens. This experimental simulation of sensibilization by Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium in cattle aimed to verify the immune response by both the cervical comparative test and the evolution of the specific production of gamma-interferon, and also to identify interference of unspecified reactions by M. avium on the test results. The results support that the experimental animals started a response of delayed hypersensitivity to the inactivated bacilli, and that both diagnostic tests for bovine tuberculosis were efficient for the identification of animals sensitized with M. bovis and for discrimination of reactions generated by inoculation of cattle with M. avium.

• Mycobacterium bovis Mycobacterium avium gamma-interferon tuberculin immune response

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida R.F.C., Madruga C.R., Soares C.O., Fernandes M.C., Carvalho N.M., Jorge K.S.G. & Osório A.L.A.R. 2006. [Specific immune response of cattle to experimental sensibilization by inactivated Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium.] Resposta imune específica de bovinos experimentalmente sensibilizados com inóculos inativados de Mycobacterium bovis e Mycobacterium avium. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):195-200. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: analudmv@nin.ufms.br The presumptive diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis is based on analysis of the immune response to micobacterial antigens. This experimental simulation of sensibilization by Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium in cattle aimed to verify the immune response by both the cervical comparative test and the evolution of the specific production of gamma-interferon, and also to identify interference of unspecified reactions by M. avium on the test results. The results support that the experimental animals started a response of delayed hypersensitivity to the inactivated bacilli, and that both diagnostic tests for bovine tuberculosis were efficient for the identification of animals sensitized with M. bovis and for discrimination of reactions generated by inoculation of cattle with M. avium.

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.- Souza A.M., Marques D.F., Döbereiner J. & Dutra I.S. 2006. [Spores and toxins of Clostridium botulinum in raining ponds used as water supply for cattle in pastures in the Araguaia Valley, state of Goiás, Brazil.] Esporos e toxinas de Clostridium botulinum em cacimbas utilizadas como bebedouro de bovinos no Vale do Araguaia, Goiás. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):133-138. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO 74001-970, Brazil. E-mail: airesms@vet.ufg.br The occurrence and distribution of Clostridium botulinum spores and toxins type C and D in 300 ponds, used by cattle for drinking on 130 farms located in 12 municipalities of the Rio Araguaia valley, state of Goiás, Brazil, was evaluated. The presence of spores was determined indirectly by cultivation in culture medium, followed by inoculation and neutralization in mice of samples of the sediment from the bottom of the raining ponds, from superficial soil and from cattle feces collected to its circuit. The toxin presence was evaluated directly by inoculation in mice of the filtered sediment of the ponds, followed by the neutralization in mice with antitoxins C and D. The presence of C. botulinum spores was significantly more frequent (p<0,05) in the cattle feces (31%), when compared with the results of the superficial soil samples (19%) and the sediments (10%). Botulinum toxins of type C and D or classified as belonging to the CD compound were detected in 6 samples (2%) of the 300 ponds. Of the 130 worked farms, in 122 (93,85%) ponds Clostridium botulinum spores or toxins were found in at least one of the researched variables, whilst ponds on only 8 (6,15%) farms did not present any contamination. Age and depth of the ponds were associated with the frequency of detection of botulinum spores and toxins. The older and shallower the ponds were, the larger was the frequency of isolation of the spores and toxins. The contamination of the ponds in the Araguaia valley with Clostridium botulinum spores and toxins type C and D demonstrates the permanent and growing potential risk for the occurrence of botulism in cattle through drinking water.

• Clostridium botulinum spores botulinum toxin botulism water contamination ponds cattle

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Souza A.M., Marques D.F., Döbereiner J. & Dutra I.S. 2006. [Spores and toxins of Clostridium botulinum in raining ponds used as water supply for cattle in pastures in the Araguaia Valley, state of Goiás, Brazil.] Esporos e toxinas de Clostridium botulinum em cacimbas utilizadas como bebedouro de bovinos no Vale do Araguaia, Goiás. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):133-138. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO 74001-970, Brazil. E-mail: airesms@vet.ufg.br The occurrence and distribution of Clostridium botulinum spores and toxins type C and D in 300 ponds, used by cattle for drinking on 130 farms located in 12 municipalities of the Rio Araguaia valley, state of Goiás, Brazil, was evaluated. The presence of spores was determined indirectly by cultivation in culture medium, followed by inoculation and neutralization in mice of samples of the sediment from the bottom of the raining ponds, from superficial soil and from cattle feces collected to its circuit. The toxin presence was evaluated directly by inoculation in mice of the filtered sediment of the ponds, followed by the neutralization in mice with antitoxins C and D. The presence of C. botulinum spores was significantly more frequent (p<0,05) in the cattle feces (31%), when compared with the results of the superficial soil samples (19%) and the sediments (10%). Botulinum toxins of type C and D or classified as belonging to the CD compound were detected in 6 samples (2%) of the 300 ponds. Of the 130 worked farms, in 122 (93,85%) ponds Clostridium botulinum spores or toxins were found in at least one of the researched variables, whilst ponds on only 8 (6,15%) farms did not present any contamination. Age and depth of the ponds were associated with the frequency of detection of botulinum spores and toxins. The older and shallower the ponds were, the larger was the frequency of isolation of the spores and toxins. The contamination of the ponds in the Araguaia valley with Clostridium botulinum spores and toxins type C and D demonstrates the permanent and growing potential risk for the occurrence of botulism in cattle through drinking water.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Carvalho N.M., Alonso L.A., Cunha T.G., Ravedutti J., Barros C.S.L. & Lemos R.A.A. 2006. [Poisoning of cattle by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação de bovinos por Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) em Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):139-146. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Avenida Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br Two outbreaks of poisoning by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in cattle and the experimental reproduction of the toxicosis in sheep are described. Both outbreaks occurred on the same farm in the municipality of Bataiporã, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The first outbreak occurred in July-October 2004 and involved a cattle population at risk of 290 pregnant cows, which were introduced into a 60 hectare pasture with a legal reservation area heavily infested by T. multiglandulosa. Of these, 230 cows (79.3%) aborted, had stillbirths or delivered weak calves that died few days after birth. Seven cows died, and one cow and a 10-day-old calf were necropsied. The second outbreak occurred in September-October 2005, 40 days after 285 2-year-old heifers were introduced into the same pasture infested by T. multiglandulosa and where the first outbreak had occurred in the previous year. Nine heifers got sick and died, and three of then were necropsied. Clinical signs of affected cattle, including a 10-day-old calf, were marked lethargy, loss of weight with distension of the abdomen (ascites), subcutaneous dependant edema, distended and pulsating jugular veins, dyspnea and cardiac arrhythmia. Necropsy findings included a round and dilated heart with whitish and firm areas in the myocardium, and changes related to cardiac failure such as cavitary edema, nutmeg liver, pulmonary edema, a large blood clot in the left ventricle. Histopathological changes included necrosis and fibrosis in the myocardium, chronic passive hepatic centrolobular congestion, pulmonary edema, and spongy degeneration in the white matter of the brain. Experimental sheep died 29 (Sheep 1) and 35 (Sheep 2) days after being fed average daily doses of T. multiglandulosa corresponding to 14g/kg (Sheep 1) and 7,5 g/kg (Sheep 2) per day. Clinical signs were observed from the 7th day (Sheep1) and the 4th day (Sheep 2) of the experiment and included tachycardia, arrhythmia, lethargy and head pressing. Necropsy and histopathologic findings in both experimental sheep were very similar to those observed in affected cattle of the two spontaneous outbreaks.

• Poisonous plants Tetrapterys multiglandulosa Malpighiaceae plant poisoning cardiomiopathy abortion diseases of cattle pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Carvalho N.M., Alonso L.A., Cunha T.G., Ravedutti J., Barros C.S.L. & Lemos R.A.A. 2006. [Poisoning of cattle by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação de bovinos por Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) em Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):139-146. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Avenida Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br Two outbreaks of poisoning by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in cattle and the experimental reproduction of the toxicosis in sheep are described. Both outbreaks occurred on the same farm in the municipality of Bataiporã, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The first outbreak occurred in July-October 2004 and involved a cattle population at risk of 290 pregnant cows, which were introduced into a 60 hectare pasture with a legal reservation area heavily infested by T. multiglandulosa. Of these, 230 cows (79.3%) aborted, had stillbirths or delivered weak calves that died few days after birth. Seven cows died, and one cow and a 10-day-old calf were necropsied. The second outbreak occurred in September-October 2005, 40 days after 285 2-year-old heifers were introduced into the same pasture infested by T. multiglandulosa and where the first outbreak had occurred in the previous year. Nine heifers got sick and died, and three of then were necropsied. Clinical signs of affected cattle, including a 10-day-old calf, were marked lethargy, loss of weight with distension of the abdomen (ascites), subcutaneous dependant edema, distended and pulsating jugular veins, dyspnea and cardiac arrhythmia. Necropsy findings included a round and dilated heart with whitish and firm areas in the myocardium, and changes related to cardiac failure such as cavitary edema, nutmeg liver, pulmonary edema, a large blood clot in the left ventricle. Histopathological changes included necrosis and fibrosis in the myocardium, chronic passive hepatic centrolobular congestion, pulmonary edema, and spongy degeneration in the white matter of the brain. Experimental sheep died 29 (Sheep 1) and 35 (Sheep 2) days after being fed average daily doses of T. multiglandulosa corresponding to 14g/kg (Sheep 1) and 7,5 g/kg (Sheep 2) per day. Clinical signs were observed from the 7th day (Sheep1) and the 4th day (Sheep 2) of the experiment and included tachycardia, arrhythmia, lethargy and head pressing. Necropsy and histopathologic findings in both experimental sheep were very similar to those observed in affected cattle of the two spontaneous outbreaks.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Rech R.R., Rissi D.R., Rodrigues A., Pierezan F., Piazer J.V.M., Kommers G.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Poisoning by Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) in cattle: epidemiology, clinical signs and morphometry of cerebellar lesions.] Intoxicação por Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) em bovinos: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e morfometria das lesões cerebelares. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):183-189. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Nineteen cases of Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) poisoning in cattle from three municipalites in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurring from 2003 to 2005, are described. Morbidity and mortality rates were respectively 6.7% and 3.4%. Average age of affected cattle was five-year-old (2 to 8-year-old) and duration of clinical courses was 3-18 months. Clinical signs observed in all affected cattle were cerebellar deficits characterized by hypermetry, incoordination, falls, muscle tremors, transitory seizures and wide base stance. One affected bovine had encephalic traumatic subdural hemorrhage and another had gross atrophy of the cerebellum. Histologically, lesions were restricted to the cerebellum and consisted of partial or complete vacuolation of the perikaria of Purkinje neurons with occasional axonal spheroids in the granular cell layer and in the white matter of the cerebellum. In advanced cases there were extensive loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurons and proliferation of the Bergmann’s glia. The morphometric evaluation of the numbers of Purkinje neurons and of the thickness of the cerebellar molecular layer indicated decreased numbers of Purkinje neurons with consequent decrease in the molecular layer thickness.

• Poisonous plants Solanum fastigiatum Solanaceae lysosomal storage diseases central nervous system diseases of cattle neuropathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Rech R.R., Rissi D.R., Rodrigues A., Pierezan F., Piazer J.V.M., Kommers G.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Poisoning by Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) in cattle: epidemiology, clinical signs and morphometry of cerebellar lesions.] Intoxicação por Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) em bovinos: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e morfometria das lesões cerebelares. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):183-189. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Nineteen cases of Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) poisoning in cattle from three municipalites in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurring from 2003 to 2005, are described. Morbidity and mortality rates were respectively 6.7% and 3.4%. Average age of affected cattle was five-year-old (2 to 8-year-old) and duration of clinical courses was 3-18 months. Clinical signs observed in all affected cattle were cerebellar deficits characterized by hypermetry, incoordination, falls, muscle tremors, transitory seizures and wide base stance. One affected bovine had encephalic traumatic subdural hemorrhage and another had gross atrophy of the cerebellum. Histologically, lesions were restricted to the cerebellum and consisted of partial or complete vacuolation of the perikaria of Purkinje neurons with occasional axonal spheroids in the granular cell layer and in the white matter of the cerebellum. In advanced cases there were extensive loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurons and proliferation of the Bergmann’s glia. The morphometric evaluation of the numbers of Purkinje neurons and of the thickness of the cerebellar molecular layer indicated decreased numbers of Purkinje neurons with consequent decrease in the molecular layer thickness.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida A.P.M.G., Kommers G.D., Nogueira A.P.A., Júnior L.G.B., Marques B.M.F.P. & Lemos R.A.A. 2006. [Evaluation of the toxicity of Leucaena leucocephala (Leg. Mimosoi-deae) in sheep.] Avaliação do efeito tóxico de Leucaena leucocephala (Leg.Mimosoideae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):190-194. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Vetetinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Cx.Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br An experiment was performed to evaluate the toxicity of Leucaena leucocephala for sheep. Two ewes and six lambs were divided into seven treatments and fed the plant. The adult ewes did not show clinical signs of poisoning. The 4 to 5-month-old lambs presented partial wool loss 6 days after beginning of the administration of the plant and total wool loss after 12 or 20 days. The age of the sheep in this experiment suggests resistance of adult ewes and susceptibility of young lambs to L. leucocaephala poisoning.

• Poisonous plants Leucaena leucocephala Leguminosae Mimosoideae plant poisoning sheep diseases pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida A.P.M.G., Kommers G.D., Nogueira A.P.A., Júnior L.G.B., Marques B.M.F.P. & Lemos R.A.A. 2006. [Evaluation of the toxicity of Leucaena leucocephala (Leg. Mimosoi-deae) in sheep.] Avaliação do efeito tóxico de Leucaena leucocephala (Leg.Mimosoideae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):190-194. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Vetetinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Cx.Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br An experiment was performed to evaluate the toxicity of Leucaena leucocephala for sheep. Two ewes and six lambs were divided into seven treatments and fed the plant. The adult ewes did not show clinical signs of poisoning. The 4 to 5-month-old lambs presented partial wool loss 6 days after beginning of the administration of the plant and total wool loss after 12 or 20 days. The age of the sheep in this experiment suggests resistance of adult ewes and susceptibility of young lambs to L. leucocaephala poisoning.

Abstract in English:

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

• Snake bites snakes Crotalus spp Bothrops spp cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

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