PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva M.C., Fighera R.A., Brum J.S., Graça D.L., Kommers G.D., Irigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Clinicopathological features in 620 neurological cases of canine distemper.] Aspectos clinicopatológicos de 620 casos neurológicos de cinomose em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(5):215-220. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br The files of 5,361 necropsies performed in dogs in the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria during 1965-2006 were reviewed in search of cases of canine distemper. Six hundred and eighty three cases (12.7%) of the disease were found, 620 of which had neurological signs. From those 620, the following data on each case were retrieved: age, clinical signs, histopathology and concomitance or not of another disease. Age groups were classified as puppies (up to 1 year of age), adults (from 1 to 9 years) and aged (from 10 years on). In 565 out of the 620 (91.1%) neurological cases of canine distemper, histopathological brain changes were observed and in 554 of those 565 the age was registered in the files with following age group distribution: 45.9% of puppies, 51.4% of adults, and 2.7% of aged dogs. Neurological clinical signs encompassed a large spectrum of motor, postural and behavioral disturbances which could occur together or individually. Most frequent clinical signs were myoclonus (38.4%), motor incoordination (25.0%), seizures (18.5%), and paraplegia (13.4%). In 98.4% of the 565 dogs with histopathological changes in the brain demyelination, non-suppurative encephalitis or a combination of these two were found. Intranuclear eosinophilic inclusion bodies were observed in different brain cells of 343 of the 565 dogs with histopathological changes. In 170 (49.6%) the cellular type bearing the inclusions was not mentioned in the file and in the remaining cases the inclusions were seen in astrocytes (94.8% of the cases), neurons (3.5%), oligodendrocytes (1.1%), and ependyma cells (0.6%). Taking in consideration the type of lesions and the age groups, cases with combined demyelination and non-suppurative encephalitis occurred in 40.0% of the puppies, 51.2% of the adult dogs and 72.7% of the aged dogs. Demyelination alone occurred in 48.4% of the puppies, 41.3% of the adults and in 35.7% of the aged dogs. Non-suppurative encephalitis alone occurred 11.6% of the puppies, 7.5% of the adults and in 7.1% of the aged dogs.

• Infectious diseases canine distemper neurology neuropathology pathology diseases of dogs

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva M.C., Fighera R.A., Brum J.S., Graça D.L., Kommers G.D., Irigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Clinicopathological features in 620 neurological cases of canine distemper.] Aspectos clinicopatológicos de 620 casos neurológicos de cinomose em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(5):215-220. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br The files of 5,361 necropsies performed in dogs in the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria during 1965-2006 were reviewed in search of cases of canine distemper. Six hundred and eighty three cases (12.7%) of the disease were found, 620 of which had neurological signs. From those 620, the following data on each case were retrieved: age, clinical signs, histopathology and concomitance or not of another disease. Age groups were classified as puppies (up to 1 year of age), adults (from 1 to 9 years) and aged (from 10 years on). In 565 out of the 620 (91.1%) neurological cases of canine distemper, histopathological brain changes were observed and in 554 of those 565 the age was registered in the files with following age group distribution: 45.9% of puppies, 51.4% of adults, and 2.7% of aged dogs. Neurological clinical signs encompassed a large spectrum of motor, postural and behavioral disturbances which could occur together or individually. Most frequent clinical signs were myoclonus (38.4%), motor incoordination (25.0%), seizures (18.5%), and paraplegia (13.4%). In 98.4% of the 565 dogs with histopathological changes in the brain demyelination, non-suppurative encephalitis or a combination of these two were found. Intranuclear eosinophilic inclusion bodies were observed in different brain cells of 343 of the 565 dogs with histopathological changes. In 170 (49.6%) the cellular type bearing the inclusions was not mentioned in the file and in the remaining cases the inclusions were seen in astrocytes (94.8% of the cases), neurons (3.5%), oligodendrocytes (1.1%), and ependyma cells (0.6%). Taking in consideration the type of lesions and the age groups, cases with combined demyelination and non-suppurative encephalitis occurred in 40.0% of the puppies, 51.2% of the adult dogs and 72.7% of the aged dogs. Demyelination alone occurred in 48.4% of the puppies, 41.3% of the adults and in 35.7% of the aged dogs. Non-suppurative encephalitis alone occurred 11.6% of the puppies, 7.5% of the adults and in 7.1% of the aged dogs.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Ferrigno C.R.A., Schmaedecke A. & Ferraz V.C.M. 2007. [A new surgical approach to acetabular denervation in dogs.] Abordagem cirúrgica inédita para denervação acetabular em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):61-63. Departamento de Cirurgia do Hospital Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: cassioaf@usp.br The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a new surgical approach for the selective denervation of the sensitive fibers of the acetabular periosteum, for the treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs, conducted in 189 joints.The surgical approach of the cranial and dorso-lateral regions of the acetabular joint in dogs, by moon-shaped incision of approximately 3cm in extension, starting from the greater trocanter of the femur, in direction of the ileum body. After dorsal opening of the middle gluteal muscle, the insertion of the deep gluteal muscle is inserted for the access to the mentioned regions. With the help of a curette, the periosteum of the cranial and dorso-lateral acetabular margin was removed until the bone cortex was exposed, in all patients. In all animals, the approach was possible, both in the cranial as well as in the caudal faces for the access and curettage of the acetabulum, with the technique described, with a skin incision of about 3.2cm. The curettage of the cranial portion of the acetabulum was, in all cases, realized without the visualization of the bone, but of easy achievement and without intercurrences of nervous or muscular injuries. In all the approaches, it was possible to visualize the articular capsule of the coxo-femoral joint, and in none of the animals, this structure was incised for a technique mistake. The surgical approach described in the present study is feasible for this kind of surgical procedure in dogs, promoting adequate access, with minimal invasion and with no complications of any nature.

• Hip dysplasia surgical technique peripheral nerves dogs surgery

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Ferrigno C.R.A., Schmaedecke A. & Ferraz V.C.M. 2007. [A new surgical approach to acetabular denervation in dogs.] Abordagem cirúrgica inédita para denervação acetabular em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):61-63. Departamento de Cirurgia do Hospital Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: cassioaf@usp.br The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a new surgical approach for the selective denervation of the sensitive fibers of the acetabular periosteum, for the treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs, conducted in 189 joints.The surgical approach of the cranial and dorso-lateral regions of the acetabular joint in dogs, by moon-shaped incision of approximately 3cm in extension, starting from the greater trocanter of the femur, in direction of the ileum body. After dorsal opening of the middle gluteal muscle, the insertion of the deep gluteal muscle is inserted for the access to the mentioned regions. With the help of a curette, the periosteum of the cranial and dorso-lateral acetabular margin was removed until the bone cortex was exposed, in all patients. In all animals, the approach was possible, both in the cranial as well as in the caudal faces for the access and curettage of the acetabulum, with the technique described, with a skin incision of about 3.2cm. The curettage of the cranial portion of the acetabulum was, in all cases, realized without the visualization of the bone, but of easy achievement and without intercurrences of nervous or muscular injuries. In all the approaches, it was possible to visualize the articular capsule of the coxo-femoral joint, and in none of the animals, this structure was incised for a technique mistake. The surgical approach described in the present study is feasible for this kind of surgical procedure in dogs, promoting adequate access, with minimal invasion and with no complications of any nature.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Ferrigno C.R.A.,Della Nina M.I. & Fantoni D.T. 2007. [A comparative study of osteosynthesis with plates and plates associated with grafts of bone morphogenic proteins (Gen-Techâ) in distal radio-ulna fractures in dogs with less than 6 quilograms.] Estudo comparativo entre as osteossínteses com placas e osteossínteses com placas associadas a enxertos de proteína morfogenética óssea (Gen-Techâ) em fraturas distais de rádio-ulna em cães com menos de 6 quilos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(2):65-69. Departamento de Cirurgia do Hospital Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900. E-mail: cassioaf@usp.br It is well known that bone morphogenic proteins (BMP) cause osteogenesis, yet clinical research must be performed in order to really show their benefits. Animals weighing less than 6 kg show well known difficulties regarding radius and ulna fracture repair mainly with bone non-union, due to poor vascularization of the distal portion of the radius. Therefore this study aimed to compare the velocity of bone callus formation in the treatment of fracture repair with plates and screws alone or with plates and screws plus BMP. Thirty three dogs with radius and ulna fractures were distributed into two groups, where animals of the control group received the conservative treatment performed with screws and plates alone, whilst the other group received the conservative treatment and BMP. The time of bone callus formation was evaluated comparatively through radiographic exams 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 210 days after the surgical procedure. Animals treated with BMP showed a healing time of 32±15 days, which was significantly different (p <0.001) from the control group which required 127±34 days. With the results obtained, it can be concluded that the distal radio-ulna fractures of dogs weighing less than 6 kg suffered a significant reduction of the bone callus formation time, which was around 90 days.

• Bone morphogenic proteins BMP bone fractures bone plate dogs

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Ferrigno C.R.A.,Della Nina M.I. & Fantoni D.T. 2007. [A comparative study of osteosynthesis with plates and plates associated with grafts of bone morphogenic proteins (Gen-Techâ) in distal radio-ulna fractures in dogs with less than 6 quilograms.] Estudo comparativo entre as osteossínteses com placas e osteossínteses com placas associadas a enxertos de proteína morfogenética óssea (Gen-Techâ) em fraturas distais de rádio-ulna em cães com menos de 6 quilos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(2):65-69. Departamento de Cirurgia do Hospital Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900. E-mail: cassioaf@usp.br It is well known that bone morphogenic proteins (BMP) cause osteogenesis, yet clinical research must be performed in order to really show their benefits. Animals weighing less than 6 kg show well known difficulties regarding radius and ulna fracture repair mainly with bone non-union, due to poor vascularization of the distal portion of the radius. Therefore this study aimed to compare the velocity of bone callus formation in the treatment of fracture repair with plates and screws alone or with plates and screws plus BMP. Thirty three dogs with radius and ulna fractures were distributed into two groups, where animals of the control group received the conservative treatment performed with screws and plates alone, whilst the other group received the conservative treatment and BMP. The time of bone callus formation was evaluated comparatively through radiographic exams 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 210 days after the surgical procedure. Animals treated with BMP showed a healing time of 32±15 days, which was significantly different (p <0.001) from the control group which required 127±34 days. With the results obtained, it can be concluded that the distal radio-ulna fractures of dogs weighing less than 6 kg suffered a significant reduction of the bone callus formation time, which was around 90 days.

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.- 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.- 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.- 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.- Barros R.R., Irigoyen L.F., Kommers G.D., Rech R.R., Fighera R.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Poisoning by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação por Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):87-96. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Two oubreaks of poisoning by the mushroom Ramaria flavo-brunnescens are reported in cattle from two farms located in the municipalities of Santa Maria and São Gabriel, state of Rio Grande do Sul, during April-May 2005. Out of a total of 180 yearling calves that had access to a pasture with eucalyptus woods, 19 were affected and 10 died. The clinical courses were 8-15 days and clinical signs included depression, weight loss, dehydration, drooling, loosening and loss of the long hairs of the tip of the tail, smoothening of the dorsal surface of the tongue with occasional ulceration, loosening of the corneal encasement of horns, hard and ball-shaped feces covered with a film of mucous, hypopion, hyphema and corneal opacity. Two calves had leucocytosis due to mild regenerative left shift. Nine calves were necropsied. Necropsy findings confirmed the clinical observation and additionaly included fibrinonecrotic esophagitis, mainly in the distal third of the esophageal mucosa. Histopathological changes in the skin of the tail included orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis; hair folicles with irregular contours, thickening of the tricolemmal keratin layer with occasional formation of keratin plugs, and degeneration and necrosis of the outer root sheath. At the laminar region of the hooves, there was hyperplasia of the top of epidermal laminae with irregular keratinization and retention of nuclei; several epidermal laminae were shortened and fused. There was hemorrhage, fibrin and neutrophilic infiltrate in the dermal laminae. In the mucosa of the tongue there was thinning of the covering epithelium, atrophy and loss of filiform papillae, multifocal areas of dyskeratosis, and spongiosis of the basal cell layer. In some parts the epithelium was lost and the surface consisted of granulation tissue and mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate. The esophageal mucosae of six calves had varying degree of epithelial necrosis and inflammation. The loss of the covering epithelium revealed an underneath area of granulation tissue with heavy inflammatory infiltrate composed predominantly of neutrophils and macrophages. In six calves there were focal symmetric bilateral areas of malacia observed at the level of obex in the medulla oblongata and affecting the white matter and parts of the dorsal nucleus of the vagus and of the hypoglossal nucleus. The epidemiology, clinical signs, pathology, and pathogenesis of poisoning by R. flavo-brunnescens in cattle are discussed.

• Poisonous plants Ramaria flavo-brunnescens Clavariaceae plant poisoning mushroom poisoning keratinization defect focal symmetric encephalomalacia diseases of cattle pathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Barros R.R., Irigoyen L.F., Kommers G.D., Rech R.R., Fighera R.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Poisoning by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação por Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):87-96. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Two oubreaks of poisoning by the mushroom Ramaria flavo-brunnescens are reported in cattle from two farms located in the municipalities of Santa Maria and São Gabriel, state of Rio Grande do Sul, during April-May 2005. Out of a total of 180 yearling calves that had access to a pasture with eucalyptus woods, 19 were affected and 10 died. The clinical courses were 8-15 days and clinical signs included depression, weight loss, dehydration, drooling, loosening and loss of the long hairs of the tip of the tail, smoothening of the dorsal surface of the tongue with occasional ulceration, loosening of the corneal encasement of horns, hard and ball-shaped feces covered with a film of mucous, hypopion, hyphema and corneal opacity. Two calves had leucocytosis due to mild regenerative left shift. Nine calves were necropsied. Necropsy findings confirmed the clinical observation and additionaly included fibrinonecrotic esophagitis, mainly in the distal third of the esophageal mucosa. Histopathological changes in the skin of the tail included orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis; hair folicles with irregular contours, thickening of the tricolemmal keratin layer with occasional formation of keratin plugs, and degeneration and necrosis of the outer root sheath. At the laminar region of the hooves, there was hyperplasia of the top of epidermal laminae with irregular keratinization and retention of nuclei; several epidermal laminae were shortened and fused. There was hemorrhage, fibrin and neutrophilic infiltrate in the dermal laminae. In the mucosa of the tongue there was thinning of the covering epithelium, atrophy and loss of filiform papillae, multifocal areas of dyskeratosis, and spongiosis of the basal cell layer. In some parts the epithelium was lost and the surface consisted of granulation tissue and mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate. The esophageal mucosae of six calves had varying degree of epithelial necrosis and inflammation. The loss of the covering epithelium revealed an underneath area of granulation tissue with heavy inflammatory infiltrate composed predominantly of neutrophils and macrophages. In six calves there were focal symmetric bilateral areas of malacia observed at the level of obex in the medulla oblongata and affecting the white matter and parts of the dorsal nucleus of the vagus and of the hypoglossal nucleus. The epidemiology, clinical signs, pathology, and pathogenesis of poisoning by R. flavo-brunnescens in cattle are discussed.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Rissi D.R., Oliveira F.N., Rech R.R., Pierezan F., Lemos R.A.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Epidemiology, clinical signs and distribution of the encephalic lesions in cattle affected by meningoencephalitis caused by bovine herpesvirus-5.] Epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e distribuição das lesões encefálicas em bovinos afetados por meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino-5. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):123-132. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Seven outbreaks and an isolated case of meningoencephalitis caused by bovine herpesvirus-5 (BoHV-5) in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurring in 2002-2004, are described. From a total population at risk of 1,359 cattle, 54 1-18-month-old calves from both sexes and several breeds were affected and 50 died spontaneously or were euthanatized while moribund. The highest frequency of cases was in recently weaned calves or calves submitted to other stressing factors. General rates of morbidity, mortality and lethality were respectively 3.97, 3.67 and 92.59%. Clinical courses varied from 3-10 days and included depression, nasal and ocular discharge, grinding of teeth, circling, blindness, fever, nistagmus, trembling, anorexia, dysphagia, drooling, incoordination, head pressing, rough hair coat, tachycardia, tachypnea, abdominal pain, melena, falls, recumbency, opisthotonus, convulsions and paddling. Nineteen calves were necropsied. Necropsy findings were characterized by hyperemia of leptomeninges, swollen rostral portions of the telencephalon, and flattening of frontal lobes gyri; frequently in these frontal areas there were segmental brown-yellow discoloration and softening (malacia) of the cortex. In cases with more protracted clinical courses there were extensive swelling, softening and hemorrhaging of the telencephalic frontal lobes. Microscopically, all affected cattle had a necrotizing non-suppurative meningoencephalitis with variable distribution among the 19 cases and among the various telencephalic regions of the same case. The severity of these changes were more marked, in decreasing order of intensity, in the telencephalic frontal cortex, basal ganglia (nuclei), thalamus, brain stem, parietal telencephalic cortex, occipital telencephalic cortex and cerebellum. Perivascular inflammatory infiltrate consisted predominantly of lymphocytes, plasm cells, and less frequently of neutrophils. Additional microscopic findings included variable degrees of gliosis, edema, neuronal necrosis in the telencephalic cortex characterized by shrinking and eosinophilia of perikaria and nuclear picnosis (red neuron); basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in astrocytes and neurons (21.05% of the cases); sattelitosis; and neuronophagia. The areas of softening in the cortical substance consisted of necrosis of the neuroctodermal elements with maintenance of mesenchymal structures (vessels and microglia), infiltrate of Gitter cells, and, in more severe cases, extensive hemorrhages. In chronic cases, only vascular structures and a few Gitter cells remained in the cortical area leaving a cavity between white matter and leptomeninges (residual lesion).

• Bovine herpesvirus-5 BoHV-5 encephalitis diseases of cattle viral diseases neuropathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Rissi D.R., Oliveira F.N., Rech R.R., Pierezan F., Lemos R.A.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Epidemiology, clinical signs and distribution of the encephalic lesions in cattle affected by meningoencephalitis caused by bovine herpesvirus-5.] Epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e distribuição das lesões encefálicas em bovinos afetados por meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino-5. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):123-132. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Seven outbreaks and an isolated case of meningoencephalitis caused by bovine herpesvirus-5 (BoHV-5) in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurring in 2002-2004, are described. From a total population at risk of 1,359 cattle, 54 1-18-month-old calves from both sexes and several breeds were affected and 50 died spontaneously or were euthanatized while moribund. The highest frequency of cases was in recently weaned calves or calves submitted to other stressing factors. General rates of morbidity, mortality and lethality were respectively 3.97, 3.67 and 92.59%. Clinical courses varied from 3-10 days and included depression, nasal and ocular discharge, grinding of teeth, circling, blindness, fever, nistagmus, trembling, anorexia, dysphagia, drooling, incoordination, head pressing, rough hair coat, tachycardia, tachypnea, abdominal pain, melena, falls, recumbency, opisthotonus, convulsions and paddling. Nineteen calves were necropsied. Necropsy findings were characterized by hyperemia of leptomeninges, swollen rostral portions of the telencephalon, and flattening of frontal lobes gyri; frequently in these frontal areas there were segmental brown-yellow discoloration and softening (malacia) of the cortex. In cases with more protracted clinical courses there were extensive swelling, softening and hemorrhaging of the telencephalic frontal lobes. Microscopically, all affected cattle had a necrotizing non-suppurative meningoencephalitis with variable distribution among the 19 cases and among the various telencephalic regions of the same case. The severity of these changes were more marked, in decreasing order of intensity, in the telencephalic frontal cortex, basal ganglia (nuclei), thalamus, brain stem, parietal telencephalic cortex, occipital telencephalic cortex and cerebellum. Perivascular inflammatory infiltrate consisted predominantly of lymphocytes, plasm cells, and less frequently of neutrophils. Additional microscopic findings included variable degrees of gliosis, edema, neuronal necrosis in the telencephalic cortex characterized by shrinking and eosinophilia of perikaria and nuclear picnosis (red neuron); basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in astrocytes and neurons (21.05% of the cases); sattelitosis; and neuronophagia. The areas of softening in the cortical substance consisted of necrosis of the neuroctodermal elements with maintenance of mesenchymal structures (vessels and microglia), infiltrate of Gitter cells, and, in more severe cases, extensive hemorrhages. In chronic cases, only vascular structures and a few Gitter cells remained in the cortical area leaving a cavity between white matter and leptomeninges (residual lesion).