PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Soares M.P., Quevedo P.S. & Schild A.L. 2008. [Perreyia flavipes larvae poisoning in cattle in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação por larvas de Perreyia flavipes em bovinos na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):169-173. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Three outbreaks of poisoning by Perreyia flavipes Konow, 1899 (Hymenoptera: Pergidae) in cattle during July and August 2006 in southern Brazil are reported. The morbidity rate was 0.8%, 6.2% and 33% on the 3 farms, respectively. Fatality rate was 100%. Clinical signs were depression, jaundice, recumbence, pedaling movements and death in 24-48 hours. The liver was enlarged with increased lobular pattern, the mesenteric lymph nodes were edematous and Peyer patches of the small gut were depressed. Petechial hemorrhages and ecchymosis were observed in the mesentery and abomasum. On histologic examination the liver showed centrolobular or massive necrosis. Hemosiderosis and necrosis of the germinative centers of lymph nodes, white pulp of the spleen and Peyer patches were also observed. The poisoning occurred probably due to an intense drought in October-December 2005, when the insect stayed as a cocoon underground. The dry conditions probably avoided a higher number of adult sawflies to emerge from the cocoons, what resulted in greater egg production. The large amount of decaying grass due to almost normal rain fall during summer seemed to have provided favorable environmental conditions for the development of larvae in winter.

• Perreyia flavipes sawfly epidemiology bovine hepatic necrosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Soares M.P., Quevedo P.S. & Schild A.L. 2008. [Perreyia flavipes larvae poisoning in cattle in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação por larvas de Perreyia flavipes em bovinos na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):169-173. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Three outbreaks of poisoning by Perreyia flavipes Konow, 1899 (Hymenoptera: Pergidae) in cattle during July and August 2006 in southern Brazil are reported. The morbidity rate was 0.8%, 6.2% and 33% on the 3 farms, respectively. Fatality rate was 100%. Clinical signs were depression, jaundice, recumbence, pedaling movements and death in 24-48 hours. The liver was enlarged with increased lobular pattern, the mesenteric lymph nodes were edematous and Peyer patches of the small gut were depressed. Petechial hemorrhages and ecchymosis were observed in the mesentery and abomasum. On histologic examination the liver showed centrolobular or massive necrosis. Hemosiderosis and necrosis of the germinative centers of lymph nodes, white pulp of the spleen and Peyer patches were also observed. The poisoning occurred probably due to an intense drought in October-December 2005, when the insect stayed as a cocoon underground. The dry conditions probably avoided a higher number of adult sawflies to emerge from the cocoons, what resulted in greater egg production. The large amount of decaying grass due to almost normal rain fall during summer seemed to have provided favorable environmental conditions for the development of larvae in winter.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Hette K., Rahal S.C.,Volpi R.S., Ferreira D.O.L. & Teixeira C.R. 2008. [Arthroscopy of the stifle joint in sheep.] Artroscopia do joelho de ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):119-123. Departamento de Cirurgia e Anestesiologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Campus de Botucatu, Distrito de Rubião Junior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18650-000, Brazil. E-mail: khadijehette@yahoo.com.br The aim of this study was to evaluate arthroscopically the stifle joint of healthy Santa Ines sheep with different ages, and observe the joint elements according to the established portals. Eighteen Santa Ines sheep were divided into 3 equal groups according to the chronological age: GI - 6 to 8 months old (mean weight 25 kg), G II - 2 years old (mean weight 50 kg), and G III - 3.5 to 5 years old (mean weight 55 kg). Three arthroscopic portals were established: craniolateral primary arthroscopic portal, drainage outflow portal, and craniomedial instrumental portal. The patella, the trochlear groove and ridges, the medial and lateral femoral condyles, and the long digital extensor tendon were easily identified. After removing a great portion of the infrapatellar fat pad using a shaver, the cruciate ligaments and the menisci could be observed, even though with some difficulty. The limbs were flexed and extended to identify the cruciate ligaments. Varus and valgus stress of the joint was used to improve meniscal observation. The difficulty level was inversely proportional to the joint size. In conclusion, the arthroscopic portals allowed identification of the main elements of the knee joint, regardless of animal age, and the arthroscopic method had as advantage early postoperative recovery of the animals.

• Joint stifle arthroscopy sheep

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Hette K., Rahal S.C.,Volpi R.S., Ferreira D.O.L. & Teixeira C.R. 2008. [Arthroscopy of the stifle joint in sheep.] Artroscopia do joelho de ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):119-123. Departamento de Cirurgia e Anestesiologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Campus de Botucatu, Distrito de Rubião Junior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18650-000, Brazil. E-mail: khadijehette@yahoo.com.br The aim of this study was to evaluate arthroscopically the stifle joint of healthy Santa Ines sheep with different ages, and observe the joint elements according to the established portals. Eighteen Santa Ines sheep were divided into 3 equal groups according to the chronological age: GI - 6 to 8 months old (mean weight 25 kg), G II - 2 years old (mean weight 50 kg), and G III - 3.5 to 5 years old (mean weight 55 kg). Three arthroscopic portals were established: craniolateral primary arthroscopic portal, drainage outflow portal, and craniomedial instrumental portal. The patella, the trochlear groove and ridges, the medial and lateral femoral condyles, and the long digital extensor tendon were easily identified. After removing a great portion of the infrapatellar fat pad using a shaver, the cruciate ligaments and the menisci could be observed, even though with some difficulty. The limbs were flexed and extended to identify the cruciate ligaments. Varus and valgus stress of the joint was used to improve meniscal observation. The difficulty level was inversely proportional to the joint size. In conclusion, the arthroscopic portals allowed identification of the main elements of the knee joint, regardless of animal age, and the arthroscopic method had as advantage early postoperative recovery of the animals.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Filappi A.R., Prestes D.S., Antes F.G., Flores E.L.M., Dressler V.L., Flores E.M.M. & Cecim M. 2008. [Metabolism and distribution of fluor in lambs chronically treated with sodium fluoride.] Metabolismo e distribuição do flúor em ovinos jovens tratados cronicamente com fluoreto de sódio. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(2):124-128. Departamento de Clínica de Grandes Animais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Campus Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: afilappi@bol.com.br The objective of the present study was to evaluate fluorine metabolism in growing lambs. Twelve 5-month-old male lambs maintained on alfalfa hay (3% BW) and non-fluorinated water ad libitum were used. Animals were allocated into Control, receiving 5g NaCl/animal/day + 0.2mg I/kg dry matter) and Treated group, receiving the same treatment plus sodium fluoride (4.7mg F/kg body weight). Mineral treatment was given by gavage, daily for 150 days. Blood, urine and fecal samples were collected during and the end of the experiment. At the end of treatment period animals were euthanized and kidney, pineal and bone samples were collected. Urine F was higher in treated animals throughout the experiment. Bone F levels were also increased in treated animals; pineal F content however, was not different between groups. Kidney histology revealed no differences. It is concluded that chronic F administration induces accumulation of the element in the skeleton. However such fact appears not to be detrimental to animals. Rates of F accumulation in bone and urine excretion obtained in other species can not be used in growing lambs.

• Fluoride sheep serum urine bone

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Filappi A.R., Prestes D.S., Antes F.G., Flores E.L.M., Dressler V.L., Flores E.M.M. & Cecim M. 2008. [Metabolism and distribution of fluor in lambs chronically treated with sodium fluoride.] Metabolismo e distribuição do flúor em ovinos jovens tratados cronicamente com fluoreto de sódio. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(2):124-128. Departamento de Clínica de Grandes Animais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Campus Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: afilappi@bol.com.br The objective of the present study was to evaluate fluorine metabolism in growing lambs. Twelve 5-month-old male lambs maintained on alfalfa hay (3% BW) and non-fluorinated water ad libitum were used. Animals were allocated into Control, receiving 5g NaCl/animal/day + 0.2mg I/kg dry matter) and Treated group, receiving the same treatment plus sodium fluoride (4.7mg F/kg body weight). Mineral treatment was given by gavage, daily for 150 days. Blood, urine and fecal samples were collected during and the end of the experiment. At the end of treatment period animals were euthanized and kidney, pineal and bone samples were collected. Urine F was higher in treated animals throughout the experiment. Bone F levels were also increased in treated animals; pineal F content however, was not different between groups. Kidney histology revealed no differences. It is concluded that chronic F administration induces accumulation of the element in the skeleton. However such fact appears not to be detrimental to animals. Rates of F accumulation in bone and urine excretion obtained in other species can not be used in growing lambs.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Furlan F.H., Lucioli J., Veronezi L.O., Traverso S. D. & Gava A. 2008. [Experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação experimental por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):57-62. Departamento de Clínica e Patologia, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2ag@cav.udesc.br Clinical and pathological findings of experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia in cattle are described. A neurologic disease was observed in cattle on farms of the Alto Vale do Itajaí region of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. For the experimental reproduction of the disease, fresh green leaves, weekly harvested in the same region where spontaneous case occurred, were force-fed to five cattle at doses of 10 and 20g/kg for 120 days, 40g/kg for 30 days, and 30 and 40g/kg body weight for 150 days. One animal died and the others were euthanatized at the end of the experiment. Clinical signs and lesions varied from mild to severe in the experimentally poisoned cattle and depended on dose and length of the period of consumption. Main histological and ultrastructural lesions consisted of vacuolation and distension of neuronal perikarya (mainly of Purkinje cells), and of the cytoplasm of acinar pancreatic cells and thyroid follicular cells. It is concluded that ingestion of even small amounts S. carpinifolia for prolonged periods of time cause lisosomal storage disease in cattle.

• Poisonous plants Sida carpinifolia Malvaceae cattle storage disease alpha-mannosidosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Furlan F.H., Lucioli J., Veronezi L.O., Traverso S. D. & Gava A. 2008. [Experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação experimental por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):57-62. Departamento de Clínica e Patologia, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2ag@cav.udesc.br Clinical and pathological findings of experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia in cattle are described. A neurologic disease was observed in cattle on farms of the Alto Vale do Itajaí region of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. For the experimental reproduction of the disease, fresh green leaves, weekly harvested in the same region where spontaneous case occurred, were force-fed to five cattle at doses of 10 and 20g/kg for 120 days, 40g/kg for 30 days, and 30 and 40g/kg body weight for 150 days. One animal died and the others were euthanatized at the end of the experiment. Clinical signs and lesions varied from mild to severe in the experimentally poisoned cattle and depended on dose and length of the period of consumption. Main histological and ultrastructural lesions consisted of vacuolation and distension of neuronal perikarya (mainly of Purkinje cells), and of the cytoplasm of acinar pancreatic cells and thyroid follicular cells. It is concluded that ingestion of even small amounts S. carpinifolia for prolonged periods of time cause lisosomal storage disease in cattle.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Batista J.S., Bezerra F.S.B., Lira R.A., Carvalho J.R.G., Rosado Neto A.M., Petri A.A. & Teixeira M.M.G. 2008. [Clinical, epidemiological and pathological signs of natural infection in cattle by Trypanosoma vivax in Paraíba, Brazil.] Aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos da infecção natural em bovinos por Trypanosoma vivax na Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):63-69. Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-árido, BR 110 Km 47, Caixa Postal 147, Mossoró, RN 59625-900, Brazil. E-mail: jaelsbatista@hotmail.com Two outbreaks of trypanosomiasis by Trypanosoma vivax, reported in cattle, occurred on two farms located in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. The epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology of the disease were studied from May 2005 to November 2006. T. vivax was identified morphologically and by polymerase chain reaction test (PCR). The affected cattle presented anorexia, depression, fever, anemia, weight loss, reduction in milk production, transitory blindness, abortion and some nervous signs as nystagmus, tetany and bruxism. All cattle that presented nervous signs died. Necropsy findings were enlarged lymph and spleen, serous atrophy of the fat depots, proeminence of the splenic white pulp, hydropericardium and pericardial petechiae and ecchymoses on the epicardium. Histologically there was meningoencephalitis. The treatment of the clinical cases with diminazena aceturate was efficient with clearance of the parasite from the blood or disappearance of clinical signs in up to 2 months after the beginning of the outbreak on the two farms studied. The epidemiologic factors favoring the occurrence of the outbreak were the abundance of mechanical vectors, as tabanids and Stomoxys sp., and the introduction into the herd of cattle from farms where the disease occurred. It is suggested that the semiarid of the Brazilian Northeast is an enzootic instability region for trypanosomiasis due to its prolonged periods of drought and high temperatures, constituting during most part of the year an unfavorable environment for the development of vectors.

• Trypanosoma vivax trypanosomiasis cattle outbreak Brazilian Northeast semi-arid

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Batista J.S., Bezerra F.S.B., Lira R.A., Carvalho J.R.G., Rosado Neto A.M., Petri A.A. & Teixeira M.M.G. 2008. [Clinical, epidemiological and pathological signs of natural infection in cattle by Trypanosoma vivax in Paraíba, Brazil.] Aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos da infecção natural em bovinos por Trypanosoma vivax na Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):63-69. Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-árido, BR 110 Km 47, Caixa Postal 147, Mossoró, RN 59625-900, Brazil. E-mail: jaelsbatista@hotmail.com Two outbreaks of trypanosomiasis by Trypanosoma vivax, reported in cattle, occurred on two farms located in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. The epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology of the disease were studied from May 2005 to November 2006. T. vivax was identified morphologically and by polymerase chain reaction test (PCR). The affected cattle presented anorexia, depression, fever, anemia, weight loss, reduction in milk production, transitory blindness, abortion and some nervous signs as nystagmus, tetany and bruxism. All cattle that presented nervous signs died. Necropsy findings were enlarged lymph and spleen, serous atrophy of the fat depots, proeminence of the splenic white pulp, hydropericardium and pericardial petechiae and ecchymoses on the epicardium. Histologically there was meningoencephalitis. The treatment of the clinical cases with diminazena aceturate was efficient with clearance of the parasite from the blood or disappearance of clinical signs in up to 2 months after the beginning of the outbreak on the two farms studied. The epidemiologic factors favoring the occurrence of the outbreak were the abundance of mechanical vectors, as tabanids and Stomoxys sp., and the introduction into the herd of cattle from farms where the disease occurred. It is suggested that the semiarid of the Brazilian Northeast is an enzootic instability region for trypanosomiasis due to its prolonged periods of drought and high temperatures, constituting during most part of the year an unfavorable environment for the development of vectors.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Boabaid F.M., Ferreira E.V., Arruda L.P., Gasparetto N.D., Souza R.L., Silva M.C., Dutra V., Nakazato L. & Colodel E.M. 2008. [Conidiobolomycosis in sheep in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.] Conidiobolomicose em ovinos no Estado de Mato Grosso. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):77-81. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correia da Costa s/n, Bairro Coxipó, Cuiabá, MT 78068-900, Brasil. E-mail: moleta@ufmt.br The epidemiological, clinical, pathological and mycological findings of an outbreak of conidiobolomycosis in a flock of 40 Santa Ines sheep, in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, are reported. The illness occurred in the municipality of Nobres during January-June, 2007, resulting in death of about 30% of the affected sheep within 2-5 weeks. The clinical signs were characterized by apathy, weight loss, labored and noisy breathing with dyspnea, and mucous or serohemorrhagic nasal discharge. In three sheep there was unilateral exophthalmia, keratitis and corneal ulceration. A firm whitish, multi-lobulated, friable growth was evident in the ethmoturbinate region at the coronal sections of the head from six affected sheep. In all sheep the choana had similar nodular infiltration which resulted in local obstruction. In three of those there was exophthalmia. There was infiltration in the cribiform plate and brain (2 cases), regional lymph nodes (2), lungs (3), and abomasums (1). Microscopic findings were granulomatous inflammation of the rhinoetimoidal region, with necrosis, lymphocytic infiltration, epithelioid multinucleated giant cells and fibrovascular tissue, surrounding Splendore-Hoeppli material wich contained unstained ghost images of hyphae. The methenamine-silver stain uncover fungi hyphae, rarely ramified with bulbous dilatation in their extremities. Conidiobolus sp. was isolated from nasal tissue lesions of four sheep.

• Conidiobolomycosis sheep granulomatous rhinitis Conidiobolus sp.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Boabaid F.M., Ferreira E.V., Arruda L.P., Gasparetto N.D., Souza R.L., Silva M.C., Dutra V., Nakazato L. & Colodel E.M. 2008. [Conidiobolomycosis in sheep in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.] Conidiobolomicose em ovinos no Estado de Mato Grosso. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):77-81. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correia da Costa s/n, Bairro Coxipó, Cuiabá, MT 78068-900, Brasil. E-mail: moleta@ufmt.br The epidemiological, clinical, pathological and mycological findings of an outbreak of conidiobolomycosis in a flock of 40 Santa Ines sheep, in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, are reported. The illness occurred in the municipality of Nobres during January-June, 2007, resulting in death of about 30% of the affected sheep within 2-5 weeks. The clinical signs were characterized by apathy, weight loss, labored and noisy breathing with dyspnea, and mucous or serohemorrhagic nasal discharge. In three sheep there was unilateral exophthalmia, keratitis and corneal ulceration. A firm whitish, multi-lobulated, friable growth was evident in the ethmoturbinate region at the coronal sections of the head from six affected sheep. In all sheep the choana had similar nodular infiltration which resulted in local obstruction. In three of those there was exophthalmia. There was infiltration in the cribiform plate and brain (2 cases), regional lymph nodes (2), lungs (3), and abomasums (1). Microscopic findings were granulomatous inflammation of the rhinoetimoidal region, with necrosis, lymphocytic infiltration, epithelioid multinucleated giant cells and fibrovascular tissue, surrounding Splendore-Hoeppli material wich contained unstained ghost images of hyphae. The methenamine-silver stain uncover fungi hyphae, rarely ramified with bulbous dilatation in their extremities. Conidiobolus sp. was isolated from nasal tissue lesions of four sheep.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Antoniassi N.A.B., Ferreira E.V., Santos C.E.P., Campos J.L.E., Nakazato L. & Colodel E.M. 2007. [Spontaneous Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convolvulaceae) poisoning of cattle in the Brazilian Pantanal.] Intoxicação espontânea por Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convol-vulaceae) em bovinos no Pantanal Matogrossense. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):415-418. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT 78068-900, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@ufmt.br A spontaneous Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (canudo, algodoeiro) poisoning of cattle in the county of Poconé, Brazilian Pantanal, is reported. The investigation began after 12 cattle had died from a flock of 500 animals maintained in an extensive area intensely infested by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa with scarce availability of other fodder plants. The deaths occurred from June to September of 2006. Clinical signs were loss of weight and neurological deficits with hypermetry and incoordination. No significant gross lesions were observed at postmortem examination of one bovine. Histological changes comprised widespread cytoplasmic vacuolation of neurons, cells of the thyroid, kidney and pancreas. Cattle with similar clinical picture, that had been removed from the area invaded by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa and placed into areas with native and Brachiaria sp. pasture, recovered clinically within 15 days.

• Poisonous plants Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa plant poisoning storage diseases cattle

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Antoniassi N.A.B., Ferreira E.V., Santos C.E.P., Campos J.L.E., Nakazato L. & Colodel E.M. 2007. [Spontaneous Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convolvulaceae) poisoning of cattle in the Brazilian Pantanal.] Intoxicação espontânea por Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convol-vulaceae) em bovinos no Pantanal Matogrossense. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):415-418. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT 78068-900, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@ufmt.br A spontaneous Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (canudo, algodoeiro) poisoning of cattle in the county of Poconé, Brazilian Pantanal, is reported. The investigation began after 12 cattle had died from a flock of 500 animals maintained in an extensive area intensely infested by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa with scarce availability of other fodder plants. The deaths occurred from June to September of 2006. Clinical signs were loss of weight and neurological deficits with hypermetry and incoordination. No significant gross lesions were observed at postmortem examination of one bovine. Histological changes comprised widespread cytoplasmic vacuolation of neurons, cells of the thyroid, kidney and pancreas. Cattle with similar clinical picture, that had been removed from the area invaded by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa and placed into areas with native and Brachiaria sp. pasture, recovered clinically within 15 days.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Lucioli J., Furlan F.H., Mezaroba S., Traverso S. D. & Gava A. 2007. [Spontaneous and experimental poisoning by Eupatorium tremulum (Asteraceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação espon-tânea e experimental por Eupatorium tremulum (Asteraceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasi-leira 27(10):442-445. Departamento de Clínica e Patologia, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Univer-sidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2ag@cav.udesc.br The spontaneous and experimental poisoning by Eupatorium tremulum in cattle is described. Spontaneous cases were diagnosed in a herd of 19 cattle in the municipality of Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Three of the animals were found dead after having been transferred to a pasture with abundant quantities of E. tremulum. On two of them postmortem examination was performed and several internal organs were sampled for histological examination. Green leaves of E. tremulum were force-fed orally to 5 calves in single doses of 23-32g/kg body weight. Three calves showed clinical signs and two died. The main clinical signs included anorexia, apathy, absence of rumen movements, diarrhea and a flabby abdominal wall. Gross changes were restricted to the fore stomachs and were identical to those observed in the cases of natural poisoning. Rumen and reticulum were slightly reddish from outside; the corneal layer of their internal lining was loosely attached to a markedly red mucosa. The histological examination of rumen and reticulum from spontaneous and experimental cases revealed necrosis and vesicle formation in the epithelium; in some segments of the ruminal mucosa there was detachment of the epithelial covering and infiltration by neuthophils. Poisoning by E. tremulum has clinical course, gross lesions and histopathology very similar to those observed in poisoning caused by ingestion of the plants Baccharidastrum triplinervium, Baccharis coridifolia and Baccharis megapotamica var. weirii. The diagnosis of the spontaneous cases here described was confirmed by epidemiological data and the experimental reproduction of characteristic gross lesions and histopathology.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Eupatorium tremulum Asteraceae diseases of cattle digestive tract

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Lucioli J., Furlan F.H., Mezaroba S., Traverso S. D. & Gava A. 2007. [Spontaneous and experimental poisoning by Eupatorium tremulum (Asteraceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação espon-tânea e experimental por Eupatorium tremulum (Asteraceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasi-leira 27(10):442-445. Departamento de Clínica e Patologia, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Univer-sidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2ag@cav.udesc.br The spontaneous and experimental poisoning by Eupatorium tremulum in cattle is described. Spontaneous cases were diagnosed in a herd of 19 cattle in the municipality of Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Three of the animals were found dead after having been transferred to a pasture with abundant quantities of E. tremulum. On two of them postmortem examination was performed and several internal organs were sampled for histological examination. Green leaves of E. tremulum were force-fed orally to 5 calves in single doses of 23-32g/kg body weight. Three calves showed clinical signs and two died. The main clinical signs included anorexia, apathy, absence of rumen movements, diarrhea and a flabby abdominal wall. Gross changes were restricted to the fore stomachs and were identical to those observed in the cases of natural poisoning. Rumen and reticulum were slightly reddish from outside; the corneal layer of their internal lining was loosely attached to a markedly red mucosa. The histological examination of rumen and reticulum from spontaneous and experimental cases revealed necrosis and vesicle formation in the epithelium; in some segments of the ruminal mucosa there was detachment of the epithelial covering and infiltration by neuthophils. Poisoning by E. tremulum has clinical course, gross lesions and histopathology very similar to those observed in poisoning caused by ingestion of the plants Baccharidastrum triplinervium, Baccharis coridifolia and Baccharis megapotamica var. weirii. The diagnosis of the spontaneous cases here described was confirmed by epidemiological data and the experimental reproduction of characteristic gross lesions and histopathology.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Rissi D.R., Rech R.R., Pierezan F., Gabriel A.L., Trost M.E., Brum J.S., Kommers G.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Plant and plant-associated mycotoxins poisoning in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: 461 cases.] Intoxicações por plantas e micotoxinas associadas a plantas em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: 461 casos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):261-268. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br From 1990 to 2005, tissues from 2,912 cattle necropsies were examined at the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology (LPV) of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Brazil. These tissues came from necropsies performed by faculty members of the LPV or were mailed-in samples from necropsy performed by veterinarian practitioners. In 461 (15.83%) of these necropsies the cause of death was attributed to the ingestion of poisonous plants. In decreasing order of frequency poisoning by the following plants were registered: Senecio spp (56.14%), Pteridium aquilinum (12.06%), Ateleia glazioviana (10.31%), Solanum fastigiatum (5.04%), Baccharis coridifolia (3.29%), Xanthium cavanillesii (3.07%), Senna occidentalis (2.63%), Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (2.41%), Amaranthus spp (2.19%), Vicia villosa (1.54%), Ipomoea batatas, Prunus sellowii, cytrus pulp (0.44% each), Cestrum parqui, Claviceps paspali, Claviceps purpurea, Brachiaria spp and Lantana sp (0.22% each). In a given outbreak the number of affected cattle was substantially higher than the number of necropsies performed. The following aspects are discussed for each plant: geographical distribution; factors inducing ingestion; morbidity, mortality and lethality rates, clinical signs, necropsy findings, histopathology. For those plants in which information on the active principle and pathogenesis are available, these aspects are included in the discussion.

• Poisonous plants epidemiology cattle diseases

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Rissi D.R., Rech R.R., Pierezan F., Gabriel A.L., Trost M.E., Brum J.S., Kommers G.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Plant and plant-associated mycotoxins poisoning in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: 461 cases.] Intoxicações por plantas e micotoxinas associadas a plantas em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: 461 casos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):261-268. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br From 1990 to 2005, tissues from 2,912 cattle necropsies were examined at the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology (LPV) of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Brazil. These tissues came from necropsies performed by faculty members of the LPV or were mailed-in samples from necropsy performed by veterinarian practitioners. In 461 (15.83%) of these necropsies the cause of death was attributed to the ingestion of poisonous plants. In decreasing order of frequency poisoning by the following plants were registered: Senecio spp (56.14%), Pteridium aquilinum (12.06%), Ateleia glazioviana (10.31%), Solanum fastigiatum (5.04%), Baccharis coridifolia (3.29%), Xanthium cavanillesii (3.07%), Senna occidentalis (2.63%), Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (2.41%), Amaranthus spp (2.19%), Vicia villosa (1.54%), Ipomoea batatas, Prunus sellowii, cytrus pulp (0.44% each), Cestrum parqui, Claviceps paspali, Claviceps purpurea, Brachiaria spp and Lantana sp (0.22% each). In a given outbreak the number of affected cattle was substantially higher than the number of necropsies performed. The following aspects are discussed for each plant: geographical distribution; factors inducing ingestion; morbidity, mortality and lethality rates, clinical signs, necropsy findings, histopathology. For those plants in which information on the active principle and pathogenesis are available, these aspects are included in the discussion.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Schons S.V., Kommers G.D., Pereira G.M., Raffi M.B. & Schild A.L. 2007. [Microscopic, immunohistochemical, and ultra-structural study of the lesions experimentaly induced by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) in cattle.] Estudo histológico, imuno-histoquímico e ultra-estrutural das lesões induzidas experimentalmente por Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):269-276. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br The objective of this study was to investigate the pathogenesis of the lesions observed in cattle experimentally poisoned by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens. The mushroom was given to three 9 to10-month-old Jersey calves immediately after harvesting. Daily doses were around 20g/kg of body weight during 7 (Calf 1) or 13 days (Calves 2-3), and the total doses of mushroom given were 140, 268, and 261g/kg of body weight, respectively. One calf (Calf 4) with same age and breed was used as control. Clinical signs were characterized by prostration, anorexia, hyperemia of oral mucosa, and loosening of long hairs of the tail tip under mild traction. The calves were submitted to euthanasia and necropsied on days 8 (Calf 1) and 15 (Calves 2-4) after the beginning of the experiment. Microscopically, there was smoothness of dorsal epithelium of tongue with absence of filiform papillae, vacuolation of keratinocytes, and loosening of the keratin layer. In the hooves, there was vacuolation and irregular keratinization of the laminar epidermis and hyperplasia of keratinocytes. Hyperkeratosis, vacuolation of the external root sheath, thickening of tricholemal keratin, and inflammatory infiltration around hair follicles were observed on the skin of the tail tip. Immunohistochemical results with anti-pancytoceratin and anti-Ki67 (cell proliferation marker) antibodies showed no differences between the tongue dorsal epithelium of the control and experimental calves. Ultrastructural study demonstrated decrease in tonofilaments and increased intercellular spaces of the spinous layer of the tongue dorsal epithelium. The results of this study favor the hypothesis of an interference with the epithelial keratinization mechanisms by the toxic principles of Ramaria flavo-brunnescens.

• Ramaria flavo-brunnecens mushroom poisoning cattle diseases pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Schons S.V., Kommers G.D., Pereira G.M., Raffi M.B. & Schild A.L. 2007. [Microscopic, immunohistochemical, and ultra-structural study of the lesions experimentaly induced by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) in cattle.] Estudo histológico, imuno-histoquímico e ultra-estrutural das lesões induzidas experimentalmente por Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):269-276. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br The objective of this study was to investigate the pathogenesis of the lesions observed in cattle experimentally poisoned by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens. The mushroom was given to three 9 to10-month-old Jersey calves immediately after harvesting. Daily doses were around 20g/kg of body weight during 7 (Calf 1) or 13 days (Calves 2-3), and the total doses of mushroom given were 140, 268, and 261g/kg of body weight, respectively. One calf (Calf 4) with same age and breed was used as control. Clinical signs were characterized by prostration, anorexia, hyperemia of oral mucosa, and loosening of long hairs of the tail tip under mild traction. The calves were submitted to euthanasia and necropsied on days 8 (Calf 1) and 15 (Calves 2-4) after the beginning of the experiment. Microscopically, there was smoothness of dorsal epithelium of tongue with absence of filiform papillae, vacuolation of keratinocytes, and loosening of the keratin layer. In the hooves, there was vacuolation and irregular keratinization of the laminar epidermis and hyperplasia of keratinocytes. Hyperkeratosis, vacuolation of the external root sheath, thickening of tricholemal keratin, and inflammatory infiltration around hair follicles were observed on the skin of the tail tip. Immunohistochemical results with anti-pancytoceratin and anti-Ki67 (cell proliferation marker) antibodies showed no differences between the tongue dorsal epithelium of the control and experimental calves. Ultrastructural study demonstrated decrease in tonofilaments and increased intercellular spaces of the spinous layer of the tongue dorsal epithelium. The results of this study favor the hypothesis of an interference with the epithelial keratinization mechanisms by the toxic principles of Ramaria flavo-brunnescens.