PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Vieira A.C.S., Afonso J.A.B. & Mendonça C.L. 2007. [Ruminal fluid characteristics of Santa Inês sheep under pasture conditions in the State of Pernambuco.] Características do fluído ruminal de ovinos Santa Inês criados extensivamente em Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(3):110-114. Clínica de Bovinos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Cx. Postal 152, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: acynnara@gmail.com The objective of this study was to determine normal standards to ruminal fluid characteristics of Santa Inês sheep under pasture conditions in the State of Pernambuco. Fifty samples were collected, using an esophageal tube, during winter (rainy season) and summer (dry season). The predominant colors were an olive green in the rainy season and a nut-brown in the dry season. The smell was aromatic, but was stronger in winter. A slight viscous consistence was found in most of the samples, with a greater proportion in winter. The sedimentation and flotation time was 6.73min (±1.63) in the rainy period and 3.15min (±0.72) in the dry period. In the biochemical tests, the average values found in winter and summer were, respectively: pH 6.76±0.21 and 6,59±0.14; methylene blue reduction, 3.20min (±0.76) and 7.76min (±3.00); chloride, 28.14±4,16mEq/L and 24.97±5.65mEq/L; acidity, 21.90±4.38UC and 13.68±2.97UC. Ruminal microbiotic analyses revealed abundant and moderate density of protozoa in winter and summer, respectively. The motility was very active and there were almost 90% of live protozoa in both seasons. Protozoa numbers were 425.373±217.258/mL in winter and 155.375±83.113/mL in summer. There was a mixed population of bacteria with prevalence of Gram-negative forms in both seasons.

• Ruminal fluid sheep bacteria protozoa

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Vieira A.C.S., Afonso J.A.B. & Mendonça C.L. 2007. [Ruminal fluid characteristics of Santa Inês sheep under pasture conditions in the State of Pernambuco.] Características do fluído ruminal de ovinos Santa Inês criados extensivamente em Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(3):110-114. Clínica de Bovinos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Cx. Postal 152, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: acynnara@gmail.com The objective of this study was to determine normal standards to ruminal fluid characteristics of Santa Inês sheep under pasture conditions in the State of Pernambuco. Fifty samples were collected, using an esophageal tube, during winter (rainy season) and summer (dry season). The predominant colors were an olive green in the rainy season and a nut-brown in the dry season. The smell was aromatic, but was stronger in winter. A slight viscous consistence was found in most of the samples, with a greater proportion in winter. The sedimentation and flotation time was 6.73min (±1.63) in the rainy period and 3.15min (±0.72) in the dry period. In the biochemical tests, the average values found in winter and summer were, respectively: pH 6.76±0.21 and 6,59±0.14; methylene blue reduction, 3.20min (±0.76) and 7.76min (±3.00); chloride, 28.14±4,16mEq/L and 24.97±5.65mEq/L; acidity, 21.90±4.38UC and 13.68±2.97UC. Ruminal microbiotic analyses revealed abundant and moderate density of protozoa in winter and summer, respectively. The motility was very active and there were almost 90% of live protozoa in both seasons. Protozoa numbers were 425.373±217.258/mL in winter and 155.375±83.113/mL in summer. There was a mixed population of bacteria with prevalence of Gram-negative forms in both seasons.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Farias M.M.M.D, Wenceslau C.V., Passos J., Teixeira D.G., Araújo K.P.C., Ambrósio C.E., Martins D.S. & Prada I.L.S. 2007. [Behavior of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves in the retropharyngeal region of sheep: apparent origin in cranium, course, branching and dis-tribution.] Comportamento dos nervos glossofaríngeo e vago, na região retrofaríngea de ovinos: origem aparente no crânio, trajeto, ramificação e distribuição. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(3):115-123. Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia. Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: ceambrosio@usp.br In 60 hemiheads of sheep of the Santa Ines breed the apparent origin in the skull of itinerary, ramification and distribution of the glossopharingeal nerve (Gf) and the vagus nerve (Vg) in the retropharyngeal region (Rr) were studied. By fixation and dissection of the specimens it was seen that the glossopharyngeal nerve and the vagus nerve arise from the jugular foramen in 100% of the cases. The right and the left glossopharingeal nerve (Glde) are frequently (86.6%) located more medially to the tympanic bulla, pass caudally to the stylohyoid bone, bypass the margin of the caudal stylopharyngeal muscle, the tonsilla, of the pharyngeal and the lingual mucous membrane. These branches are distributed, respectively, in the carotid sinus, pharyngeal musculature, soft palate, stylopharyngeal muscle, palatine tonsil, pharyngeal mucosa and the caudal third of the tongue (100%). The right and the left vagus nerve run caudally in association with the accessory nerves (Ac) up to the atlas (70%) and go then medially to the occipital artery, dorsally to the common carotid and the sympathetic trunk in the cervical region (80%). The vague nerves have pharyngeal (86.6%) and cranial laryngeal (100%) branches.

• Anatomy sheep glossopharingeal nerve vagus nerve

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Farias M.M.M.D, Wenceslau C.V., Passos J., Teixeira D.G., Araújo K.P.C., Ambrósio C.E., Martins D.S. & Prada I.L.S. 2007. [Behavior of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves in the retropharyngeal region of sheep: apparent origin in cranium, course, branching and dis-tribution.] Comportamento dos nervos glossofaríngeo e vago, na região retrofaríngea de ovinos: origem aparente no crânio, trajeto, ramificação e distribuição. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(3):115-123. Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia. Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: ceambrosio@usp.br In 60 hemiheads of sheep of the Santa Ines breed the apparent origin in the skull of itinerary, ramification and distribution of the glossopharingeal nerve (Gf) and the vagus nerve (Vg) in the retropharyngeal region (Rr) were studied. By fixation and dissection of the specimens it was seen that the glossopharyngeal nerve and the vagus nerve arise from the jugular foramen in 100% of the cases. The right and the left glossopharingeal nerve (Glde) are frequently (86.6%) located more medially to the tympanic bulla, pass caudally to the stylohyoid bone, bypass the margin of the caudal stylopharyngeal muscle, the tonsilla, of the pharyngeal and the lingual mucous membrane. These branches are distributed, respectively, in the carotid sinus, pharyngeal musculature, soft palate, stylopharyngeal muscle, palatine tonsil, pharyngeal mucosa and the caudal third of the tongue (100%). The right and the left vagus nerve run caudally in association with the accessory nerves (Ac) up to the atlas (70%) and go then medially to the occipital artery, dorsally to the common carotid and the sympathetic trunk in the cervical region (80%). The vague nerves have pharyngeal (86.6%) and cranial laryngeal (100%) branches.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Santos R.A., Afonso J.A.B., Mendonça C.L. & Simão, L.C.V. 2007. [Clinical aspects and characteristics of the milk in sheep with mastitis experimentally induced with Staphylococcus aureus.] Aspectos clínicos e características do leite em ovelhas com mastite induzida experimentalmente com Staphylococcus aureus. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):6-12. Clinica de Bovinos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Campus Garanhuns, Cx.Postal 152, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: carlaze@uol.com.br The objective was to study the clinical aspects and the physical-chemical characteristics of the milk in sheep with mastitis experimentally induced with Staphylococcus aureus. For such, were used 10 Santa Inês primiparity ewes, weighing 30 kg, clinically healthy and housed in a stall. After establishing the normality patterns for the studied variables, the animals were inoculated into one teat of the udder with an inoculum of 1.0x104ufc/ml of S. aureus, while the other gland served as control. The clinical observations were accomplished in intervals of 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 132, 168, 180, 288 and 336 hours after the inoculation of the agent (PI). All the animals presented clinical systemic manifestations, and in the inoculated glands with more intensity from 24 hours on after the inoculation. There were significant alterations (P<0.05) in the production and physical-chemical composition of the milk in relation to the controls, with reduction of volume and fat. The pH, the chlorates and CCS reached very high indexes, accompanied by the CMT test reaction. The bacteriological exam revealed the presence of S. aureus during the phase of infection. After the treatment of the sheep 36 hours PI, one animal came to death 48h PI, and the others showed clinical recovery; however there was no physiologic re-establishment of the inoculated udders which lost their function.

• Mastitis in sheep Staphylococcus aureus milk somatic cell count

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Santos R.A., Afonso J.A.B., Mendonça C.L. & Simão, L.C.V. 2007. [Clinical aspects and characteristics of the milk in sheep with mastitis experimentally induced with Staphylococcus aureus.] Aspectos clínicos e características do leite em ovelhas com mastite induzida experimentalmente com Staphylococcus aureus. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):6-12. Clinica de Bovinos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Campus Garanhuns, Cx.Postal 152, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: carlaze@uol.com.br The objective was to study the clinical aspects and the physical-chemical characteristics of the milk in sheep with mastitis experimentally induced with Staphylococcus aureus. For such, were used 10 Santa Inês primiparity ewes, weighing 30 kg, clinically healthy and housed in a stall. After establishing the normality patterns for the studied variables, the animals were inoculated into one teat of the udder with an inoculum of 1.0x104ufc/ml of S. aureus, while the other gland served as control. The clinical observations were accomplished in intervals of 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 132, 168, 180, 288 and 336 hours after the inoculation of the agent (PI). All the animals presented clinical systemic manifestations, and in the inoculated glands with more intensity from 24 hours on after the inoculation. There were significant alterations (P<0.05) in the production and physical-chemical composition of the milk in relation to the controls, with reduction of volume and fat. The pH, the chlorates and CCS reached very high indexes, accompanied by the CMT test reaction. The bacteriological exam revealed the presence of S. aureus during the phase of infection. After the treatment of the sheep 36 hours PI, one animal came to death 48h PI, and the others showed clinical recovery; however there was no physiologic re-establishment of the inoculated udders which lost their function.

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.- Brum K.B., Haraguchi M., Lemos R.A.A, Riet-Correa F. & Fioravanti M.C.S. 2007. Crystal-associated cholangiopathy in sheep grazing Brachiaria decumbens containing the saponin protodioscin. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):39-42. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: kbbrum@gmail.com An outbreak of hepatogenous photosensitization is reported in a flock of 28 sheep grazing Brachiaria decumbens in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Central-Western Brazil. Seven lambs and an adult sheep were affected and 6 of them died. Two surviving affected lambs and one lamb without clinical signs had increased serum values of gamma glutamyltransferase, bilirubin, and cholesterol. In two adult unaffected sheep those parameters were within normal values. An adult sheep submitted to necropsy presented moderate body condition, unilateral corneal opacity, drying of the muzzle, moderate jaundice, increased lobular pattern of the liver, and a distended gallbladder. Histological lesions were epithelial degeneration, necrosis, and hyperplasia of small bile ducts. Mild amounts of foamy macrophages were observed, mainly in the centroacinar zone. Diffuse swelling and vacuolation were observed in hepatocytes. Crystal negative images were found within bile ducts, foamy macrophages, and the lumen of some renal tubules. The heart showed multifocal areas of degeneration and necrosis of the muscle fibers. Pasture samples (Brachiaria decumbens) contained 2.36% of protodioscin. No Pithomyces chartarum spores were found in the pasture. Samples from a similar neighboring B. decumbens pasture grazed by cattle without photosensitization contained 1.63% of protodioscin isomers. Outbreaks of photosensitization caused by Brachiaria spp. are common in cattle in the Brazilian Cerrado (savanna) with about 51 million hectares of Brachiaria spp pastures. Sheep farming has been recently developed in this region, and the number of sheep is increasing significantly. Because sheep are more susceptible than cattle to lithogenic saponins, poisoning by Brachiaria should be an important limiting factor for the sheep industry.

• Sheep photosensitization Brachiaria decumbens protodioscin steroidal saponin cholangiopathy

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Brum K.B., Haraguchi M., Lemos R.A.A, Riet-Correa F. & Fioravanti M.C.S. 2007. Crystal-associated cholangiopathy in sheep grazing Brachiaria decumbens containing the saponin protodioscin. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):39-42. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: kbbrum@gmail.com An outbreak of hepatogenous photosensitization is reported in a flock of 28 sheep grazing Brachiaria decumbens in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Central-Western Brazil. Seven lambs and an adult sheep were affected and 6 of them died. Two surviving affected lambs and one lamb without clinical signs had increased serum values of gamma glutamyltransferase, bilirubin, and cholesterol. In two adult unaffected sheep those parameters were within normal values. An adult sheep submitted to necropsy presented moderate body condition, unilateral corneal opacity, drying of the muzzle, moderate jaundice, increased lobular pattern of the liver, and a distended gallbladder. Histological lesions were epithelial degeneration, necrosis, and hyperplasia of small bile ducts. Mild amounts of foamy macrophages were observed, mainly in the centroacinar zone. Diffuse swelling and vacuolation were observed in hepatocytes. Crystal negative images were found within bile ducts, foamy macrophages, and the lumen of some renal tubules. The heart showed multifocal areas of degeneration and necrosis of the muscle fibers. Pasture samples (Brachiaria decumbens) contained 2.36% of protodioscin. No Pithomyces chartarum spores were found in the pasture. Samples from a similar neighboring B. decumbens pasture grazed by cattle without photosensitization contained 1.63% of protodioscin isomers. Outbreaks of photosensitization caused by Brachiaria spp. are common in cattle in the Brazilian Cerrado (savanna) with about 51 million hectares of Brachiaria spp pastures. Sheep farming has been recently developed in this region, and the number of sheep is increasing significantly. Because sheep are more susceptible than cattle to lithogenic saponins, poisoning by Brachiaria should be an important limiting factor for the sheep industry.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Amarante A.F.T., Rocha R.A. & Bricarello P.A. 2006. Relationship of intestinal histology with the resistance to Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection in three breeds of sheep. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):43-48. Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Cx. Postal 510, Botucatu, SP 18618-000, Brazil. E-mail: amarante@ibb.unesp.br The study was carried out to evaluate the relationship of inflammatory intestinal cells with the resistance to Trichostrongylus colubriformis infections in three breeds of sheep (Santa Ines, Suffolk and Ile de France), naturally infected. Mast cells, eosinophils, and globule leucocytes were enumerated in intestinal mucosa. Histamine concentration was estimated in intestinal tissue samples and the length of male and female specimens were determined. The three breeds of sheep showed similar cellular response in the small intestine mucosa (P>0.05). There was extensive variation among sheep in the parasitological and inflammatory cell variables, even in lambs of the same breed. In general, animals presenting less inflammatory cells had a larger worm burden, higher fecal egg counts, and larger T. colubriformis worms. The inflammatory cells possibly impaired the parasite’s establishment, development, and survival.

• Sheep Trichostrongylus colubriformis resistance mast cells eosinophils

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Amarante A.F.T., Rocha R.A. & Bricarello P.A. 2006. Relationship of intestinal histology with the resistance to Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection in three breeds of sheep. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):43-48. Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Cx. Postal 510, Botucatu, SP 18618-000, Brazil. E-mail: amarante@ibb.unesp.br The study was carried out to evaluate the relationship of inflammatory intestinal cells with the resistance to Trichostrongylus colubriformis infections in three breeds of sheep (Santa Ines, Suffolk and Ile de France), naturally infected. Mast cells, eosinophils, and globule leucocytes were enumerated in intestinal mucosa. Histamine concentration was estimated in intestinal tissue samples and the length of male and female specimens were determined. The three breeds of sheep showed similar cellular response in the small intestine mucosa (P>0.05). There was extensive variation among sheep in the parasitological and inflammatory cell variables, even in lambs of the same breed. In general, animals presenting less inflammatory cells had a larger worm burden, higher fecal egg counts, and larger T. colubriformis worms. The inflammatory cells possibly impaired the parasite’s establishment, development, and survival.

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:

Rozza D.B., Raymundo D.L., Corrêa A.M.R., Seitz A.L., Driemeier D. & Colodel E.M. 2006. [Spontaneous Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) poisoning in sheep.] Intoxicação espontânea por Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):21-25. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@terra.com.br An outbreak of Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) poisoning in sheep is reported, which occurred in November 2004 in the county of Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), southern Brazil. From a herd of 212 sheep, coming from a Baccharis coridifolia free area, in the county of Jaguarão, RS, 35 sheep died until 5 days after the arrival in the new area where the plant was found with abundance. The clinical signs began 8 hours after introduction of the animals into the new pasture and included apathy, anorexia, abdominal retraction or mild distension, weakness of hind limbs, dry feces, sternal ou lateral decumbency, struggling movements, coma and death. Clinical evolution was from 5 to 48 hours. Other sheep that were already before on the pasture were not affected. Main necropsy findings were in the gastrointestinal tube, with wall and serosal oedema, mainly in the reticulo-ruminal fold and of the abomasum, reddening and detachment of the mucosa of forestomachs, and intense hemorrhage in the submucosa. Histopathological findings were degeneration and necrosis of the epithelium of the forestomachs with polymorphonuclear infiltration associated with bacterial colonies, congestion, hemorrhage and oedema, and lymphoid tissue necrosis.

• Poisonous plants Baccharis coridifolia Compositae plant poisoning diseases of sheep pathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Rozza D.B., Raymundo D.L., Corrêa A.M.R., Seitz A.L., Driemeier D. & Colodel E.M. 2006. [Spontaneous Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) poisoning in sheep.] Intoxicação espontânea por Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):21-25. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@terra.com.br An outbreak of Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) poisoning in sheep is reported, which occurred in November 2004 in the county of Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), southern Brazil. From a herd of 212 sheep, coming from a Baccharis coridifolia free area, in the county of Jaguarão, RS, 35 sheep died until 5 days after the arrival in the new area where the plant was found with abundance. The clinical signs began 8 hours after introduction of the animals into the new pasture and included apathy, anorexia, abdominal retraction or mild distension, weakness of hind limbs, dry feces, sternal ou lateral decumbency, struggling movements, coma and death. Clinical evolution was from 5 to 48 hours. Other sheep that were already before on the pasture were not affected. Main necropsy findings were in the gastrointestinal tube, with wall and serosal oedema, mainly in the reticulo-ruminal fold and of the abomasum, reddening and detachment of the mucosa of forestomachs, and intense hemorrhage in the submucosa. Histopathological findings were degeneration and necrosis of the epithelium of the forestomachs with polymorphonuclear infiltration associated with bacterial colonies, congestion, hemorrhage and oedema, and lymphoid tissue necrosis.

Abstract in English:

Batista J.S., Riet-Correa F., Barbosa R.C. & Guerra J.L. 2006. [Experimental infection by Trypanosoma vivax in sheep.] Infecção experimental por Trypanosoma vivax em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):31-37. Hospital Veterinário, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.cnpq.br This paper has the objective to report clinical signs, hematologic changes, and macroscopic and microscopic alterations in sheep infected experimentally with Trypanosoma vivax, isolated from an outbreak in cattle in the semiarid region of the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Four Santa Inês sheep were inoculated intravenously with 1ml of blood containing 1.85x105 trypomastigotes. Other 4 sheep were used as control. The presence of trypanosomes in the blood and the temperature were recorded daily during the first 30 days and fortnightly from day 31 to day 90 after infection. Also fortnightly, the sheep were weighed and blood samples were obtained for hematological analysis. One inoculated sheep died 75 days after inoculation. The other 3 inoculated and the 4 control sheep were killed 90 days after the beginning of the experiment. T. vivax was observed constantly in the blood of the inoculated sheep from 4-15 days after inoculation. From day 16 to day 30 the parasitemia was lower and irregular. No trypanosomes were observed in the blood after 30 days of infection. A positive linear correlation [Y=0.027x + 38.515, R2=0.944 (P<0.05)] was found between the number of trypanosomes in the blood and body temperature. Significant differences were observed in body weight between inoculated and non-inoculated sheep from day 30 to day 90 after the experiment. From day 30 to day 90 after inoculation trypanosomes were absent or only in low numbers in the blood, and the animals showed anemia and leucopenia. Gross alterations were pale carcasses, enlarged lymph nodes and spleen, and augmented liquid in the peritoneal and pericardiac cavities. Multifocal lymphocytic myocarditis was observed histologically. It is concluded that the isolate is pathogenic to sheep. It is suggested that the semiarid region, where the outbreak occurred, is non-endemic (marginal) for trypanosomosis, and that the disease may occur if the parasite is introduced through vectors.

• Experimental infection Trypanosoma vivax sheep semiarid.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Batista J.S., Riet-Correa F., Barbosa R.C. & Guerra J.L. 2006. [Experimental infection by Trypanosoma vivax in sheep.] Infecção experimental por Trypanosoma vivax em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):31-37. Hospital Veterinário, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.cnpq.br This paper has the objective to report clinical signs, hematologic changes, and macroscopic and microscopic alterations in sheep infected experimentally with Trypanosoma vivax, isolated from an outbreak in cattle in the semiarid region of the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Four Santa Inês sheep were inoculated intravenously with 1ml of blood containing 1.85x105 trypomastigotes. Other 4 sheep were used as control. The presence of trypanosomes in the blood and the temperature were recorded daily during the first 30 days and fortnightly from day 31 to day 90 after infection. Also fortnightly, the sheep were weighed and blood samples were obtained for hematological analysis. One inoculated sheep died 75 days after inoculation. The other 3 inoculated and the 4 control sheep were killed 90 days after the beginning of the experiment. T. vivax was observed constantly in the blood of the inoculated sheep from 4-15 days after inoculation. From day 16 to day 30 the parasitemia was lower and irregular. No trypanosomes were observed in the blood after 30 days of infection. A positive linear correlation [Y=0.027x + 38.515, R2=0.944 (P<0.05)] was found between the number of trypanosomes in the blood and body temperature. Significant differences were observed in body weight between inoculated and non-inoculated sheep from day 30 to day 90 after the experiment. From day 30 to day 90 after inoculation trypanosomes were absent or only in low numbers in the blood, and the animals showed anemia and leucopenia. Gross alterations were pale carcasses, enlarged lymph nodes and spleen, and augmented liquid in the peritoneal and pericardiac cavities. Multifocal lymphocytic myocarditis was observed histologically. It is concluded that the isolate is pathogenic to sheep. It is suggested that the semiarid region, where the outbreak occurred, is non-endemic (marginal) for trypanosomosis, and that the disease may occur if the parasite is introduced through vectors.

Abstract in English:

Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Duarte M.D., Peixoto P.V. & Tokarnia C.H. 2005. [Experimental and natural poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) in buffaloes and other ruminants.] Intoxicações experimental e natural por Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) em búfalos e outros ruminantes. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):231-234. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Ipomoea asarifolia R. et Schult. is a plant responsible for occasional outbreaks of poisoning in cattle, sheep and goats. Its oral administration to cattle and buffalos showed that the buffalo is as susceptible as cattle. One to 4 daily doses of 10-20g/kg caused similar symptoms in both species, as incoordination, muscular twiching and swaying of the head and anterior part of the body (pendular movement). In buffaloes the signs of incoordination were observed to a smaller extent. There is no report yet on natural poisoning by I. asarifolia in buffaloes, possibly because cases are not being noticed.

• Poisonous plants Ipomoea asarifolia Convolvulaceae plant poisoning buffaloes bovines sheep goats.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Duarte M.D., Peixoto P.V. & Tokarnia C.H. 2005. [Experimental and natural poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) in buffaloes and other ruminants.] Intoxicações experimental e natural por Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) em búfalos e outros ruminantes. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):231-234. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Ipomoea asarifolia R. et Schult. is a plant responsible for occasional outbreaks of poisoning in cattle, sheep and goats. Its oral administration to cattle and buffalos showed that the buffalo is as susceptible as cattle. One to 4 daily doses of 10-20g/kg caused similar symptoms in both species, as incoordination, muscular twiching and swaying of the head and anterior part of the body (pendular movement). In buffaloes the signs of incoordination were observed to a smaller extent. There is no report yet on natural poisoning by I. asarifolia in buffaloes, possibly because cases are not being noticed.