PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa J.D., Silveira J.A.S, Albernaz T.T., Silva N.S., Belo Reis A.S., Oliveira C.M.C., Riet- Correa G. & Duarte M.D. 2009 [Cutaneous lesions of the legs caused by the thorns of Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae) in cattle and sheep in the State of Pará.] Lesões de pele causadas por Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae) nos membros de bovinos e ovinos no Estado do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):435-438. 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 cattle and sheep characterized by ulcerous and granulomatous skin lesions of the legs was studied. Epidemiological data and the nature of the lesions indicate that they are caused by the thorns of Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae). The disease was observed only in pastures largely infested by the plant, and animals recover quickly when moved from them.

• Mimosa pudica Leguminosae Mimosoideae traumatic lesions malícia lesões traumáticas

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa J.D., Silveira J.A.S, Albernaz T.T., Silva N.S., Belo Reis A.S., Oliveira C.M.C., Riet- Correa G. & Duarte M.D. 2009 [Cutaneous lesions of the legs caused by the thorns of Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae) in cattle and sheep in the State of Pará.] Lesões de pele causadas por Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae) nos membros de bovinos e ovinos no Estado do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):435-438. 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 cattle and sheep characterized by ulcerous and granulomatous skin lesions of the legs was studied. Epidemiological data and the nature of the lesions indicate that they are caused by the thorns of Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae). The disease was observed only in pastures largely infested by the plant, and animals recover quickly when moved from them.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Bezerra Jr P.S., Santos A.S., Bandarra P.M., Pedroso P.M.O., Pavarini, S.P., Spanamberg A., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Experimental poisoning by Aspergillus clavatus in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Aspergillus clavatus em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):205-210. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br This paper describes the experimental reproduction of a neurological condition in sheep by the administration of a beer by-product contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus. Samples of this by-product, in which pure cultures of A. clavatus grew, originated from two farms where outbreaks of A. clavatus poisoning in cattle had occurred. The onset of symptomatology was 2 to 6 days after dosage with the contaminated beer by-product or pure A. clavatus culture. The clinical course lasted from one and a half to 12 days. Clinical signs were predominantly of locomotor and respiratory nature and included muscle tremors, hyperesthesia, and progressive tachypnea, rigidity of the pelvic limbs, posterior weakness, and recumbency. One sheep also showed occasional knuckling of fetlocks of the hind limbs. Gait abnormalities and tremors were more pronounced after exercise. In 6 of 7 sheep, appetite and dypsia were maintained until close to death or euthanasia. The main histological findings consisted of chromatolytic neuronal degeneration and necrosis in selected nuclei of the brain stem, the ventral horn of the spinal cord and the spinal, trigeminal, stellate and celiac ganglions. Three sheep also presented slight degenerative and necrotic changes in muscles of the pelvic and thoracic limbs.

• Aspergillus clavatus sheep beer by-product poisoning neuronal chromatolysis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Bezerra Jr P.S., Santos A.S., Bandarra P.M., Pedroso P.M.O., Pavarini, S.P., Spanamberg A., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Experimental poisoning by Aspergillus clavatus in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Aspergillus clavatus em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):205-210. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br This paper describes the experimental reproduction of a neurological condition in sheep by the administration of a beer by-product contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus. Samples of this by-product, in which pure cultures of A. clavatus grew, originated from two farms where outbreaks of A. clavatus poisoning in cattle had occurred. The onset of symptomatology was 2 to 6 days after dosage with the contaminated beer by-product or pure A. clavatus culture. The clinical course lasted from one and a half to 12 days. Clinical signs were predominantly of locomotor and respiratory nature and included muscle tremors, hyperesthesia, and progressive tachypnea, rigidity of the pelvic limbs, posterior weakness, and recumbency. One sheep also showed occasional knuckling of fetlocks of the hind limbs. Gait abnormalities and tremors were more pronounced after exercise. In 6 of 7 sheep, appetite and dypsia were maintained until close to death or euthanasia. The main histological findings consisted of chromatolytic neuronal degeneration and necrosis in selected nuclei of the brain stem, the ventral horn of the spinal cord and the spinal, trigeminal, stellate and celiac ganglions. Three sheep also presented slight degenerative and necrotic changes in muscles of the pelvic and thoracic limbs.

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.- Oliveira E.C., Pescador C.A., Sonne L., Pavarini S.P., Santos A.S., Corbellini L.G. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Immunohistochemical analysis of dogs infected naturally by canine parvovirus.] Análise imuno-histoquímica de cães naturalmente infectados pelo parvovírus canino. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):131-136. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Ninety-six dogs with gross lesions suggestive of canine parvovirus infection were selected and necropsied in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, between March 2005 and November 2006. The main gross lesions were enlargement of the Peyer’s patches in the small intestine and hyperemia in the intestinal mucosa and serosa. Microscopically, the small intestine showed necrotizing enteritis in 77% (74/96) of the dogs examined. However, in 17.7% of the histological evaluation in the small intestine were damaged due to autolytic changes making it difficult to obtain an appropriate interpretation. The immunohistochemistry test was performed in tissues of small intestine, mesenteric lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, tonsils, tongue, and bone marrow in all the 96 selected cases. Parvovirus antigen was detected in 91.6% (88/96) of the dogs necropsied. The best result of the IHC test was seen in samples of small intestine which was positive in 77% (74/96) of the cases. The statistical analysis (Fisher test) showed a weak association between intestinal autolysis and positive result of the IHC test. The chance of the autolysed intestine showing a positive result in the immunohistochemistry test was 0.33 less (OR=0.33, 95% CI:0.10-1.17) when compared with small intestine not autolysed.

• Canine parvovirus dogs immunohistochemistry small intestine lymphoid tissue

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Oliveira E.C., Pescador C.A., Sonne L., Pavarini S.P., Santos A.S., Corbellini L.G. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Immunohistochemical analysis of dogs infected naturally by canine parvovirus.] Análise imuno-histoquímica de cães naturalmente infectados pelo parvovírus canino. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):131-136. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Ninety-six dogs with gross lesions suggestive of canine parvovirus infection were selected and necropsied in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, between March 2005 and November 2006. The main gross lesions were enlargement of the Peyer’s patches in the small intestine and hyperemia in the intestinal mucosa and serosa. Microscopically, the small intestine showed necrotizing enteritis in 77% (74/96) of the dogs examined. However, in 17.7% of the histological evaluation in the small intestine were damaged due to autolytic changes making it difficult to obtain an appropriate interpretation. The immunohistochemistry test was performed in tissues of small intestine, mesenteric lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, tonsils, tongue, and bone marrow in all the 96 selected cases. Parvovirus antigen was detected in 91.6% (88/96) of the dogs necropsied. The best result of the IHC test was seen in samples of small intestine which was positive in 77% (74/96) of the cases. The statistical analysis (Fisher test) showed a weak association between intestinal autolysis and positive result of the IHC test. The chance of the autolysed intestine showing a positive result in the immunohistochemistry test was 0.33 less (OR=0.33, 95% CI:0.10-1.17) when compared with small intestine not autolysed.

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Sonne L., Oliveira E.C., Pescador C.A., Santos A.S., Pavarini S. P., Carissimi A.S. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Pathologic and immunohistochemistry findings in dogs naturally infected by canine distemper virus.] Achados patológicos e imuno-histoquímicos em cães infectados naturalmente pelo vírus da cinomose canina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):143-149. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Canine distemper is a viral disease that affects mainly respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system. The present study analyzes pathologic and immunohistochemical findings in 54 dogs with canine distemper of a total of 760 canine necropsies performed from July 2006 to October 2007. The gross lesions were characterized by mucopurulent oculonasal discharge, hyperkeratosis of footpads, red and not collapsed lungs, thymic atrophy, watery intestinal content, hyperemia and enlarged Peyer’s patches. The histological findings were characterized by interstitial pneumonia, lymphoid depletion, white matter demyelization, perivascular cuffs and intracytoplasmatic and intranuclear inclusion bodies located in epithelial cells of gastric mucosa, urinary bladder, bronchial, renal pelvis, footpads, eyelid, skin of the ear, tonsil, central nervous system and mononuclear cells in lymph nodes, spleen, and tonsils. Viral antigen was detected by an immunohistochemical procedure using a mouse monoclonal anti-canine distemper antibody. The footpads were the more constantly (67.4% of the cases) immunolabeled tissue, followed by stomach with 62.7%. Immunohistochemistry was demonstrated to be a useful tool for the study of viral antigen distribution in distemper affected dogs as well as it indicated which is the best tissue to be examined in order to confirm a suspected case of canine.

• Canine diseases distemper immunohistochemistry

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Sonne L., Oliveira E.C., Pescador C.A., Santos A.S., Pavarini S. P., Carissimi A.S. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Pathologic and immunohistochemistry findings in dogs naturally infected by canine distemper virus.] Achados patológicos e imuno-histoquímicos em cães infectados naturalmente pelo vírus da cinomose canina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):143-149. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Canine distemper is a viral disease that affects mainly respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system. The present study analyzes pathologic and immunohistochemical findings in 54 dogs with canine distemper of a total of 760 canine necropsies performed from July 2006 to October 2007. The gross lesions were characterized by mucopurulent oculonasal discharge, hyperkeratosis of footpads, red and not collapsed lungs, thymic atrophy, watery intestinal content, hyperemia and enlarged Peyer’s patches. The histological findings were characterized by interstitial pneumonia, lymphoid depletion, white matter demyelization, perivascular cuffs and intracytoplasmatic and intranuclear inclusion bodies located in epithelial cells of gastric mucosa, urinary bladder, bronchial, renal pelvis, footpads, eyelid, skin of the ear, tonsil, central nervous system and mononuclear cells in lymph nodes, spleen, and tonsils. Viral antigen was detected by an immunohistochemical procedure using a mouse monoclonal anti-canine distemper antibody. The footpads were the more constantly (67.4% of the cases) immunolabeled tissue, followed by stomach with 62.7%. Immunohistochemistry was demonstrated to be a useful tool for the study of viral antigen distribution in distemper affected dogs as well as it indicated which is the best tissue to be examined in order to confirm a suspected case of canine.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Coutinho A.S., Oliveira Filho J.P., Silva D.P.G.S., Oliveira A.P., Marcondes J.S., Chiacchio S.B., Paes A.C., Amorim R.M. & Gonçalves R.C. 2009. [Experimental pneumonic mannheimiosis in calves: Nasal and nasopharingeal swabs for diagnostic.] Mannheimiose pulmonar experimental em bezerros: swab nasal e nasofaringeano como auxílio diagnóstico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):83-88. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, Distrito de Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com An experimental model of bovine pneumonic mannheimiosis (BPM) was used to evaluate the nasal and nasopharynx bacterial species of calves during the course of the disease and for checking the diagnostic efficiency of nasal swab (NS) and nasopharingeal swab (NPS) microbiological exams. A total of 28 calves were randomized into four experimental groups (G1-G4). NS and NPS were obtained 7 days before and 12 (G1), 24 (G2), 48 (G3) e 72 (G4) hours after intrabronchial inoculation of Mannheimia haemolytica. After the induction of BPM, M. haemolytica biotype A was the predominant isolated bacterium in NS and NPS in all evaluated sampling times, except for one NS (harvested 24 hours). There were no significant statistical differences for the rates of Pasteurella multocida isolation in NS and NPS, harvested before and after the induction of BPM. However, this bacterium was isolated more frequently after the induction of BPM, mainly in NPS. Therefore, the microbiological NS and NPS exams were important auxiliary tests for diagnosing BPM.

• Bacterial flora upper airway respiratory diseases bovine Mannheimia haemolytica

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Coutinho A.S., Oliveira Filho J.P., Silva D.P.G.S., Oliveira A.P., Marcondes J.S., Chiacchio S.B., Paes A.C., Amorim R.M. & Gonçalves R.C. 2009. [Experimental pneumonic mannheimiosis in calves: Nasal and nasopharingeal swabs for diagnostic.] Mannheimiose pulmonar experimental em bezerros: swab nasal e nasofaringeano como auxílio diagnóstico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):83-88. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, Distrito de Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com An experimental model of bovine pneumonic mannheimiosis (BPM) was used to evaluate the nasal and nasopharynx bacterial species of calves during the course of the disease and for checking the diagnostic efficiency of nasal swab (NS) and nasopharingeal swab (NPS) microbiological exams. A total of 28 calves were randomized into four experimental groups (G1-G4). NS and NPS were obtained 7 days before and 12 (G1), 24 (G2), 48 (G3) e 72 (G4) hours after intrabronchial inoculation of Mannheimia haemolytica. After the induction of BPM, M. haemolytica biotype A was the predominant isolated bacterium in NS and NPS in all evaluated sampling times, except for one NS (harvested 24 hours). There were no significant statistical differences for the rates of Pasteurella multocida isolation in NS and NPS, harvested before and after the induction of BPM. However, this bacterium was isolated more frequently after the induction of BPM, mainly in NPS. Therefore, the microbiological NS and NPS exams were important auxiliary tests for diagnosing BPM.

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Pavarini S.P., Bezerra Junior P.S., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Clinic pathological features during a winter dysentery outbreak in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul.] Achados clínico patológicos durante um surto de disenteria de inverno em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):611- 616. 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 The report describes a winter dysentery outbreak that affected 10 dairy cows from a ranch located in the county of Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul. The most significant clinical sign was profuse and watery diarrhea, which ranged from a greenish to a brownish coloration and from occasional blood streaks with mucus to a bloody diarrhea. Most cases persisted for 5 days and also included depression, drastic decrease in milk production and in food consumption. Only one of the affected animals died. The necropsy revealed pale mucosa and sanguineous content with high quantity of blood clots, particularly within the spiral colon, and petechiae on the colonic mucosa. Histopathological lesions were predominant in the spiral colon, and consisted of a high number of dilated crypts without epithelium or with the replacement of a pavement epithelium with occasional immature cuboidal cells, which sometimes showed enlarged nucleus and proeminent nucleolus. Some crypts were filled with epithelial desquamation and polymorphnuclear cells. Bovine coronavirus (8F2) monoclonal antibody was used for immunohistochemistry on sections of the spiral colon that showed positive reactions in the cytoplasm of the infected crypt epithelium, sloughed necrotic cells, and within macrophages in the lamina propria of both.

• Winter dysentery diarrhea spiral colon bovine coronavirus

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Pavarini S.P., Bezerra Junior P.S., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Clinic pathological features during a winter dysentery outbreak in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul.] Achados clínico patológicos durante um surto de disenteria de inverno em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):611- 616. 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 The report describes a winter dysentery outbreak that affected 10 dairy cows from a ranch located in the county of Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul. The most significant clinical sign was profuse and watery diarrhea, which ranged from a greenish to a brownish coloration and from occasional blood streaks with mucus to a bloody diarrhea. Most cases persisted for 5 days and also included depression, drastic decrease in milk production and in food consumption. Only one of the affected animals died. The necropsy revealed pale mucosa and sanguineous content with high quantity of blood clots, particularly within the spiral colon, and petechiae on the colonic mucosa. Histopathological lesions were predominant in the spiral colon, and consisted of a high number of dilated crypts without epithelium or with the replacement of a pavement epithelium with occasional immature cuboidal cells, which sometimes showed enlarged nucleus and proeminent nucleolus. Some crypts were filled with epithelial desquamation and polymorphnuclear cells. Bovine coronavirus (8F2) monoclonal antibody was used for immunohistochemistry on sections of the spiral colon that showed positive reactions in the cytoplasm of the infected crypt epithelium, sloughed necrotic cells, and within macrophages in the lamina propria of both.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Araujo J.A.S., Riet-Correa F., Medeiros R.M.T., Soares M.P., Oliveira D.M. & Carvalho F.K.L. 2008. [Experimental poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) in goats and sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) em caprinos e ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):488-494. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Campus de Patos, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Ipomoea asarifolia causes a tremogenic syndrome in sheep, goats, cattle and buffaloes. The objectives of the experiments were (1) to determine the toxicity to goats of fresh I. asarifolia collected during the raining and the dry season, and the toxicity of the dried plant, and (2) to determine the toxicity of the plant to sheep, and if the active principle is eliminated through the milk. In the first experiment the plant collected in the dry season and in the raining season was fed to 16 goats. The plant collected during the dry season caused clinical signs at the daily doses of 5g and 10g/kg body weight. The plant collected during the raining season was toxic at daily doses of 20g and 30g/kg, indicating that the plant is more toxic during the dry season. The plant collected in the dry season and dried was fed to 9 goats at doses of 1.7g, 2.0g, 3.4g, and 5.1g per kg. Daily doses of 3.0g, 4.0g and 5.1g/kg caused clinical signs, showing that the plant maintains its toxicity after being dried. In the second experiment the fresh plant collected in the dry and in the raining season was fed to 10 sheep. The plant collected in the dry season was toxic at the dose of 5g/kg, and the plant collected in the raining season was toxic at the doses of 10g and 20g/kg. The experimental results suggest that sheep are more susceptible to the poisoning than goats. As some farmers mentioned that suckling non-grazing lambs are poisoned by milk ingestion, I. asarifolia was fed at daily doses of 2.5g, 5.0g and 10g/kg for variable periods to 5 sheep from the day of parturition (2 sheep), after the last day of pregnancy (1 sheep) and 60 days before parturition (2 sheep). The sheep but not the lambs showed clinical signs of intoxication suggesting that the active principle is not eliminated through the milk at doses toxic for the lambs. In one euthanized sheep no gross or histologic lesions were detected. The main ultra-structural findings were found in Purkinje cell dendrites and included swelling, decrease or absence of dendritic spines, decrease or absence of neurotubules and neurofilaments and vacuolation of the dendroplasm. Swelling of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and granular eletrondense inclusions in dendroplasm was observed. Swelling of astrocyte foot processes was conspicuous. It is suggested that these alterations are a result of continuous tremors induced by the plant with liberation of glutamate causing excitotoxicity, which probably constitutes a neuronal mechanism of defense.

• Toxic plants Ipomoea asarifolia goats sheep plant poisoning Purkinje cells swollen dendrites exitotoxicity tremogenic toxins

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Araujo J.A.S., Riet-Correa F., Medeiros R.M.T., Soares M.P., Oliveira D.M. & Carvalho F.K.L. 2008. [Experimental poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) in goats and sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) em caprinos e ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):488-494. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Campus de Patos, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Ipomoea asarifolia causes a tremogenic syndrome in sheep, goats, cattle and buffaloes. The objectives of the experiments were (1) to determine the toxicity to goats of fresh I. asarifolia collected during the raining and the dry season, and the toxicity of the dried plant, and (2) to determine the toxicity of the plant to sheep, and if the active principle is eliminated through the milk. In the first experiment the plant collected in the dry season and in the raining season was fed to 16 goats. The plant collected during the dry season caused clinical signs at the daily doses of 5g and 10g/kg body weight. The plant collected during the raining season was toxic at daily doses of 20g and 30g/kg, indicating that the plant is more toxic during the dry season. The plant collected in the dry season and dried was fed to 9 goats at doses of 1.7g, 2.0g, 3.4g, and 5.1g per kg. Daily doses of 3.0g, 4.0g and 5.1g/kg caused clinical signs, showing that the plant maintains its toxicity after being dried. In the second experiment the fresh plant collected in the dry and in the raining season was fed to 10 sheep. The plant collected in the dry season was toxic at the dose of 5g/kg, and the plant collected in the raining season was toxic at the doses of 10g and 20g/kg. The experimental results suggest that sheep are more susceptible to the poisoning than goats. As some farmers mentioned that suckling non-grazing lambs are poisoned by milk ingestion, I. asarifolia was fed at daily doses of 2.5g, 5.0g and 10g/kg for variable periods to 5 sheep from the day of parturition (2 sheep), after the last day of pregnancy (1 sheep) and 60 days before parturition (2 sheep). The sheep but not the lambs showed clinical signs of intoxication suggesting that the active principle is not eliminated through the milk at doses toxic for the lambs. In one euthanized sheep no gross or histologic lesions were detected. The main ultra-structural findings were found in Purkinje cell dendrites and included swelling, decrease or absence of dendritic spines, decrease or absence of neurotubules and neurofilaments and vacuolation of the dendroplasm. Swelling of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and granular eletrondense inclusions in dendroplasm was observed. Swelling of astrocyte foot processes was conspicuous. It is suggested that these alterations are a result of continuous tremors induced by the plant with liberation of glutamate causing excitotoxicity, which probably constitutes a neuronal mechanism of defense.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Miranda R.L., Mundim A.V., Costa À.S., Guimarães R.V. & Silva F.O.C. 2008. Serum biochemistry of 4-day-old ostriches (Struthio camelus). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(9):423-426. Laboratório Clínico Veterinário da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, Bloco 2T, Campus Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil. E-mail: renatavetufu@yahoo.com.br An analysis was made of 30 four-day-old ostriches to evaluate their protein, metabolite, mineral, and serum enzyme profiles, to correlate them with the birds’ sex. The values obtained were: Total proteins 3.59±0.72g/dL, albumin 1.04±0.14g/dL, globulins 2.51±0.56g/dL, A:G ratio 0.43± 0.07, total cholesterol 615.10±101.15mg/dL, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) 132.72±20.33mg/dL, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 454.93±90.81mg/dL, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) 27.45±9.96mg/dL, triglycerides 137.23±49.78mg/dL, uric acid 6.24±2.15mg/dL, urea 18.27±12.33mg/dL, creatinine 0.30±0.04mg/dL, total calcium 9.38± 0.76mg/dL, ionized calcium 7.17±0.64mg/dL, phosphorus 6.96±0.91mg/dL, Ca:P ratio 1.37±0.21, iron 24.74±13.02µg/dL, sodium 142.03±6.17mEq/L, chlorides 109.59± 4.99mEq/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 200.67±31.42 U/L, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 3.90±1.92 U/L, g-glutamyltransferase (GGT) 1.18±0.73 U/L, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 597.30± 231.36 U/L, and creatine kinase (CK) 2348.30±755.60 U/L. Males and females showed significant differences in total proteins, globulins, alkaline phosphatase, A:G ratio, and uric acid.

• Serum biochemistry ostriches Struthio camelus

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Miranda R.L., Mundim A.V., Costa À.S., Guimarães R.V. & Silva F.O.C. 2008. Serum biochemistry of 4-day-old ostriches (Struthio camelus). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(9):423-426. Laboratório Clínico Veterinário da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, Bloco 2T, Campus Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil. E-mail: renatavetufu@yahoo.com.br An analysis was made of 30 four-day-old ostriches to evaluate their protein, metabolite, mineral, and serum enzyme profiles, to correlate them with the birds’ sex. The values obtained were: Total proteins 3.59±0.72g/dL, albumin 1.04±0.14g/dL, globulins 2.51±0.56g/dL, A:G ratio 0.43± 0.07, total cholesterol 615.10±101.15mg/dL, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) 132.72±20.33mg/dL, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 454.93±90.81mg/dL, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) 27.45±9.96mg/dL, triglycerides 137.23±49.78mg/dL, uric acid 6.24±2.15mg/dL, urea 18.27±12.33mg/dL, creatinine 0.30±0.04mg/dL, total calcium 9.38± 0.76mg/dL, ionized calcium 7.17±0.64mg/dL, phosphorus 6.96±0.91mg/dL, Ca:P ratio 1.37±0.21, iron 24.74±13.02µg/dL, sodium 142.03±6.17mEq/L, chlorides 109.59± 4.99mEq/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 200.67±31.42 U/L, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 3.90±1.92 U/L, g-glutamyltransferase (GGT) 1.18±0.73 U/L, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 597.30± 231.36 U/L, and creatine kinase (CK) 2348.30±755.60 U/L. Males and females showed significant differences in total proteins, globulins, alkaline phosphatase, A:G ratio, and uric acid.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Graça F.A.S., Peixoto P.V., Coelho C.D., Caldas S.A. & Tokarnia C.H. 2008. [Clinical and pathological aspects of experimental Crotalus poisoning in cattle.] Aspectos clinicos e patológicos do envenenamento crotálico experimental em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(6):261-270. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: flaviograca@uol.com.br Crotalus poisoning was experimentally reproduced by subcutaneous inoculation of Crotalus durissus terrificus (South American rattlesnake) venom into 10 clinically healthy mixed bred 12 to 36-month-old cattle, weighing 125 to 449 kg. Two animals were used as controls. The animal that received a dose of 0.03mg/kg body weight died 7h40min after inoculation. A 0.015mg/kg dose provoked death in 4 out of 7 young oxen. Two animals given 0.0075mg/kg became slightly sick and recovered. Onset of symptoms occurred from 1h30min to 13h45min after inoculation. The clinical course varied from 5h25min to 45h for animals that died, and from 33h15min to 17 days for animals that recovered. The main nervous signs observed were diminished response to external stimuli, hypotonic reflexes, dragging of the hooves, apathy, difficulties in moving around obstacles, ocular globe paralysis, lateral and sternal decubitus, and tongue paralysis. Adipsia and sometimes petechiae in the conjunctival and vaginal mucosa were observed. A slight to moderate increase in bleeding time was noted in 6 animals, and a moderate increase in partial thromboplastin time was found in 7 others. Moderate leukocytosis with neutrophilia, relative lymphopenia, eosinopenia, and monocytosis was found. There was a significant increase in creatine kinase serum levels of a ten-fold order. No significant alterations were revealed by urinalysis. Necropsy revealed minimal edema at the inoculation site, few petechiae and equimoses in the epicardium, omentum, biliary vesicle and bladder mucosa of some animals. Histopathological examination revealed necrosis (hyalinization) of groups or isolated myocytes in different muscles examined, both near and far from the inoculation site, in all animals. The diagnosis of Crotalus poisoning and its differentiation from diseases causing paralysis and muscular necrosis in cattle in Brazil are discussed.

• Poisoning Crotalus durissus terrificus cattle snake bite

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Graça F.A.S., Peixoto P.V., Coelho C.D., Caldas S.A. & Tokarnia C.H. 2008. [Clinical and pathological aspects of experimental Crotalus poisoning in cattle.] Aspectos clinicos e patológicos do envenenamento crotálico experimental em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(6):261-270. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: flaviograca@uol.com.br Crotalus poisoning was experimentally reproduced by subcutaneous inoculation of Crotalus durissus terrificus (South American rattlesnake) venom into 10 clinically healthy mixed bred 12 to 36-month-old cattle, weighing 125 to 449 kg. Two animals were used as controls. The animal that received a dose of 0.03mg/kg body weight died 7h40min after inoculation. A 0.015mg/kg dose provoked death in 4 out of 7 young oxen. Two animals given 0.0075mg/kg became slightly sick and recovered. Onset of symptoms occurred from 1h30min to 13h45min after inoculation. The clinical course varied from 5h25min to 45h for animals that died, and from 33h15min to 17 days for animals that recovered. The main nervous signs observed were diminished response to external stimuli, hypotonic reflexes, dragging of the hooves, apathy, difficulties in moving around obstacles, ocular globe paralysis, lateral and sternal decubitus, and tongue paralysis. Adipsia and sometimes petechiae in the conjunctival and vaginal mucosa were observed. A slight to moderate increase in bleeding time was noted in 6 animals, and a moderate increase in partial thromboplastin time was found in 7 others. Moderate leukocytosis with neutrophilia, relative lymphopenia, eosinopenia, and monocytosis was found. There was a significant increase in creatine kinase serum levels of a ten-fold order. No significant alterations were revealed by urinalysis. Necropsy revealed minimal edema at the inoculation site, few petechiae and equimoses in the epicardium, omentum, biliary vesicle and bladder mucosa of some animals. Histopathological examination revealed necrosis (hyalinization) of groups or isolated myocytes in different muscles examined, both near and far from the inoculation site, in all animals. The diagnosis of Crotalus poisoning and its differentiation from diseases causing paralysis and muscular necrosis in cattle in Brazil are discussed.