PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Peixoto T.C., Oliveira L.I., Caldas S.A, Catunda Junior F.E.A., Carvalho M.G., França T.N. & Peixoto P.V. 2011. [The protective effect of acetamide on experimental poisoning by sodium monofluoroacetate and Brazilian sudden death causing plants in rats.] Efeito protetor da acetamida sobre as intoxicações experimentais em ratos por monofluoroacetato de sódio e por algumas plantas brasileiras que causam morte súbita. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(11):938-952. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: peixotop@ufrrj.br The protective effect of acetamide in poisoning by sodium monofluoroacetate (MF) and by eight Brazilian sudden death causing plants (BSDCP) (Palicourea marcgravii, P. juruana, Pseudocalymma elegans, Arrabidaea bilabiata, Amorimia (Mascagnia) rigida, M. pubiflora, Amorimia (Mascagnia) exotropica and M. aff. rigida) was studied using rats. Additionally the clinical and pathological picture of the poisoning was described. In these experiments 33 Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) were used. Nine rats ate spontaneously the fresh leaves of P. marcgravii at amounts of 2.0 and 4.0g/kg. Two of the rats received orally single doses of acetamide (2.0 and 4.0g/kg) one minute before the plant was supplied. A third rat received 4.0g/kg of acetamide after consumption of 4.0g/kg of the plant and showed severe symptoms of poisoning. In the experiments with MF, doses of 4.0 and 8.0mg/kg were administered to four rats. The interval between the administration of either acetamide and concentrated plant extracts or MF ranged from 2 to 4 hours; the dose of acetamide ranged from 2.0 to 8.0g/kg. In the experiments with concentrated extracts of eight BSDCP, 20 rats were orally poisoned with single or repeated doses. Acetamide, when previously administered, prevented the appearance of clinical signs and death in all of the rats poisoned by MF, as well as of the ones poisoned by fresh P. marcgravii leaves and by the concentrated extracts of each of the other BSDCP. These rats were re-subjected to the same experimental protocol, yet without the administration of acetamide. In these experiments, all of the rats evidenced clinical signs and death (except M. aff. rigida). All of the rats showed mild to markedly engorged atria, and sometimes also of the cranial and caudal vena cava. In three of the rats, there was a moderate right and left cardiac dilatation. The liver of all rats was slightly or markedly congested, with lobular pattern in some. There was frothy liquid on the cut surface of the lungs in three of the rats. The histopathology of the kidneys in six rats showed slight cytoplasmic swelling of the distal convoluted tubules and sometimes also of the collecting tubules. But only in four rats a vacuolar-hydropic degeneration with nuclear pyknosis was seen. Twenty-six rats showed liver congestion, three of them with compressive narrowing of the hepatic cords, and in eight rats shock corpuscles were observed; another three rats showed slight to moderate focal liver necrosis. A slight to moderate vacuolation of hepatocytes was observed in 16 rats. It can be concluded that acetamide had a protective effect, capable to prevent clinical signs and death of the rats poisoned by MF, and by fresh P. marcgravii leaves and concentrated extracts of seven other BSDCP. The clinical and pathological picture observed in the rats poisoned by MF and BSDCP, associated with the protective effect of acetamide, indicate that MF is the toxic principle responsible for death of the rats, and by extension, for the death of cattle that ate BSDCP.

• Acetamide sodium monofluoroacetate poisoning acetamida intoxicação por monofluoroacetato de sódio

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Peixoto T.C., Oliveira L.I., Caldas S.A, Catunda Junior F.E.A., Carvalho M.G., França T.N. & Peixoto P.V. 2011. [The protective effect of acetamide on experimental poisoning by sodium monofluoroacetate and Brazilian sudden death causing plants in rats.] Efeito protetor da acetamida sobre as intoxicações experimentais em ratos por monofluoroacetato de sódio e por algumas plantas brasileiras que causam morte súbita. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(11):938-952. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: peixotop@ufrrj.br O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar e comparar o efeito protetor da acetamida nas intoxicações por monofluoroacetato de sódio (MF) e por oito plantas brasileiras que causam “morte súbita” (PBCMS) (Palicourea marcgravii, P. juruana, Pseudocalymma elegans, Arrabidaea bilabiata, Amorimia (Mascagnia) rigida, M. pubiflora, Amorimia (Mascagnia) exotropica e M. aff. rigida) em ratos, bem como descrever o quadro clínico-patológico nos animais intoxicados. Foram utilizados 33 ratos da linhagem Wistar (Rattus norvegicus albinus), nove dos quais ingeriram espontaneamente folhas frescas de P. marcgravii nas doses de 2,0 e 4,0g/kg. Dois desses ratos receberam doses únicas de acetamida de 2,0 e 4,0g/kg, por via oral um minuto antes do fornecimento da planta. Outro rato recebeu 4,0g/kg de acetamida após ingerir 4,0g/kg da planta e manifestar sintomas graves. Nos experimentos com MF, foram administradas a quatro ratos doses de 4,0 e 8,0mg/kg; o intervalo de tempo entre a administração da acetamida e dos extratos concentrados ou do MF variou entre 2 a 4 horas. A dose de acetamida utilizada variou de 2,0 a 8,0g/kg. Nos experimentos com extratos concentrados das oito PBCMS, 20 ratos foram intoxicados por via oral com doses únicas ou repetidas. A acetamida, quando previamente administrada em doses suficientemente altas, evitou o aparecimento dos sinais clínicos ou morte dos animais intoxicados por MF, bem como pelas folhas frescas de P. marcgravii e com os extratos concentrados de cada uma das sete outras PBCMS utilizadas. Todos esses ratos foram novamente submetidos ao mesmo protocolo experimental, porém sem administração de acetamida. Nesses experimentos posteriores todos os ratos manifestaram sinais clínicos e morte (exceto M. aff. rigida, cuja amostra não se revelou tóxica). Todos os ratos apresentaram aurículas de leve a acentuadamente ingurgitadas e, por vezes, também as veias cava cranial e caudal. Havia moderada dilatação cardíaca direita e esquerda em três animais. O fígado de todos os animais apresentava-se de leve a acentuadamente congesto, e em alguns ratos, verificou-se evidenciação do padrão lobular. Observou-se ainda discreta a leve presença de líquido espumoso na superfície de corte dos pulmões em três ratos. O exame histopatológico evidenciou nos rins de seis dos 30 ratos leve a moderada tumefação citoplasmática dos túbulos uriníferos contornados distais e, por vezes, também nos túbulos coletores, mas somente em quatro (dois intoxicados por P. marcgravii, um por P. elegans e outro por A. exotropica) havia a clássica lesão de degeneração hidrópico-vacuolar com picnose nuclear evidente. No fígado de 26 animais havia congestão e, destes, três apresentaram estreitamento compressivo dos cordões hepáticos, oito corpúsculos de choque; em outros três, necrose focal de discreta a moderada. Observou-se ainda, de discreta a moderada vacuolização de hepatócitos em 16 animais. Este trabalho demonstra que a acetamida possui acentuado efeito protetor, capaz de prevenir os sinais clínicos e evitar a morte dos ratos intoxicados por MF, folhas frescas de P. marcgravii e extratos concentrados de outras sete PBCMS. O quadro clínico-patológico observado nos ratos intoxicados pelo MF e pelas PBCMS deste estudo, associado ao efeito protetor da acetamida, confirma que o MF é o princípio tóxico responsável pela morte dos ratos, e, por extensão, também dos bovinos que ingeriram PBCMS.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Nogueira V.A., Peixoto T.C., França T.N., Caldas S.A. & Peixoto P.V. 2011. [Monofluoroacetate poisoning in animals.] Intoxicação por monofluoroacetato em animais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(10):823-838. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: vivianmedvet@yahoo.com.br Monofluoroacetate (MF) or monofluoroacetic acid is used in Australia and New Zealand for control of native or exotic mammals. The compounds are prohibited in Brazil, as they remain stable for decades and as risk for poisoning of animals and men exists. Cases of criminal and accidental poisonings have been reported in the country. MF was identified in several poisonous plants, the ingestion of which causes “sudden death” in cattle in South Africa, Australia and Brazil. The poisoning leads in the Krebs cycle to the formation of fluorocitrate, its active metabolite, what competitively blocks aconitase in the cycle, with decrease in the production of ATP. Animal species have been classified into four categories regarding the effects caused by MF: (I) on heart, (II) heart and central nervous system, (III) central nertvous system or (IV) with atypical symptoms. In this paper, we present an updated critical review on MF poisoning. The diagnosis is made through the history of ingestion of the poison, by clinical findings and confirmation through toxicological examination. Vacuolar-hydropic degeneration of the epithelial cells of the distal convoluted kidney tubules has been considered as characteristic of the poisoning in animal species. The treatment of MF poisoning is a challenge, since there is still not known any agent that effectively can reverse the poisoning, which generally is fatal.

• Monofluoroacetate poisoning monofluoroacetato intoxicação por monofluoroacetato

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Nogueira V.A., Peixoto T.C., França T.N., Caldas S.A. & Peixoto P.V. 2011. [Monofluoroacetate poisoning in animals.] Intoxicação por monofluoroacetato em animais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(10):823-838. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: vivianmedvet@yahoo.com.br O monofluoroacetato (MF) ou ácido monofluoroacético é utilizado na Austrália e Nova Zelândia no controle populacional de mamíferos nativos ou exóticos. O uso desse composto é proibido no Brasil, devido ao risco de intoxicação de seres humanos e de animais, uma vez que a substância permanece estável por décadas. No Brasil casos recentes de intoxicação criminosa ou acidental têm sido registrados. MF foi identificado em diversas plantas tóxicas, cuja ingestão determina “morte súbita” de bovinos na África do Sul, Austrália e no Brasil. O modo de ação dessa substância baseia-se na formação do fluorocitrato, seu metabólito ativo, que bloqueia competitivamente a aconitase e o ciclo de Krebs, o que reduz produção de ATP. As espécies animais têm sido classificadas nas quatro Categorias em função do efeito provocado por MF: (I) no coração, (II) no sistema nervoso central (III) sobre o coração e sistema nervoso central ou (IV) com sintomatologia atípica. Neste trabalho, apresenta-se uma revisão crítica atualizada sobre essa substância. O diagnóstico da intoxicação por MF é realizado pelo histórico de ingestão do tóxico, pelos achados clínicos e confirmado por exame toxicológico. Uma forma peculiar de degeneração hidrópico-vacuolar das células epiteliais dos túbulos uriníferos contorcidos distais tem sido considerada como característica dessa intoxicação em algumas espécies. O tratamento da intoxicação por MF é um desafio, pois ainda não se conhece um agente capaz de reverte-la de maneira eficaz; o desfecho geralmente é fatal.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Helayel M.A., Caldas S.A., Peixoto T.C., França, T.N., Tokarnia C.H., Döbereiner J., Nogueira V.A. & Peixoto P.V. 2011. [Antagonism of acetamid in experiments with sheep, goats and rabbits indicates that monofluoroacetate is the toxic principle of Pseudocalymma elegans Bignoniaceae.] O antagonismo com acetamida em experimentos com ovinos, caprinos e coelhos indica monofluoroacetato como princípio tóxico de Pseudocalymma elegans Bignoniaceae. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(10):867-874. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: michel_abdallavet@yahoo.com.br This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of acetamid in experimental poisoning by Pseudocalymma elegans in sheep, goats and rabbits, in order to prove indirectly that monofluoroacetate (MF) is responsible for the clinical signs and death of animals that ingested the plant. Experiments were performed to determine for sheep and goats the lethal dose of P. elegans collected in Rio Bonito, RJ, in different seasons, and to adjust the dose of acetamid to be administered. - In the first experiment, two sheep and two goats received 1.0g/kg of fresh P. elegans, and two (one sheep and one goat) were pretreated with 2.0g/kg of acetamid. None of the animals showed clinical signs or died. Possibly, the plant could be less toxic, since it was collected at the end of the rainy season. - In the second experiment, two sheep and two goats received 0.67 and 1.0g/kg of the dried plant, after pretreatment with 2.0 and 3.0g/kg of acetamid, respectively. All animals died, as the administered doses of P. elegans were very high. - In the third experiment, two sheep and two goats received 0.333g/kg of dried P. elegans after previous administration of 2.0g/kg of acetamid; a week later, the protocol above was repeated, but without the antidote. In experiments with rabbits, doses of 0.5 and 1.0g/kg of dried P. elegans were given after administration of 3.0g/kg of acetamid; seven days later, the same protocol was repeated, except the administration of acetamide. This procedure, when acetamid was administered before, prevented the appearance of clinical signs and death of sheep, goats and rabbits. But the animals not treated with acetamid showed symptoms of poisoning and died. Clinically, the sheep and goats had tachycardia, engorged jugular vein, positive venous pulse, lateral recumbence, and muscle tremors. In the “dramatic phase”, the animals fell into lateral position, stretched the limbs, were paddling and died within minutes. The rabbits showed apathy, muscle tremors, vocalization and lateral decumbence minutes before death. At postmortem examination, the sheep and goats had engorged jugular veins and atria, dilated vena cava cranialis and caudalis, as well as pulmonary edema, hepatic congestion and edema of the gallbladder subserosa. In rabbits, the main macroscopic alterations were dilated atria, engorged vena cava cranialis and caudalis, and congested liver and diaphragm vessels. Histopathology revealed, in two sheep and one goat, vacuolar-hydropic degeneration of the distal convoluted kidney tubules, together with caryopicnosis. In the rabbits, the liver showed severe congestion with numerous shock corpuscles. The experimental results show indirectly that MF is to be held responsible for death of the animals that ingested P. elegans; since “acetate donor” compounds, such as acetamid, are capable to reduce the competitive inhibition of MF for the same active site (Coenzyme A) which prevents the formation of fluorocitrate, its active metabolite, formed in the body through the so-called “lethal synthesis”.

• Pseudocalymma elegans acetamide poisonous plants acetamida plantas tóxicas

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Helayel M.A., Caldas S.A., Peixoto T.C., França, T.N., Tokarnia C.H., Döbereiner J., Nogueira V.A. & Peixoto P.V. 2011. [Antagonism of acetamid in experiments with sheep, goats and rabbits indicates that monofluoroacetate is the toxic principle of Pseudocalymma elegans Bignoniaceae.] O antagonismo com acetamida em experimentos com ovinos, caprinos e coelhos indica monofluoroacetato como princípio tóxico de Pseudocalymma elegans Bignoniaceae. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(10):867-874. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: michel_abdallavet@yahoo.com.br

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Caldas S.A., Peixoto T.C., Nogueira V.A., França, T.N., Tokarnia C.H. & Peixoto P.V. 2011. [Abortion in cattle due to Tetrapterys acutifolia poisoning.] Aborto em bovinos devido à intoxicação por Tetrapterys acutifolia (Malpighiacae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(9):737-746. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: saulo-andrade@bol.com.br Tetrapterys acutifolia Cav. (fam. Malpighiacae) stands out among the most important toxic plants of the Brazilian Southeast Region. These plants are responsible for a significant number of deaths in over 1-year-old cattle, especially in the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. This study aims to demonstrate that T. acutifolia is also able to induce abortion in cattle and to characterize the clinic-pathological alterations in cows and fetuses. Four cows, kept on pasture were used in the experiments which were performed on a farm in the county of Barra do Piraí, RJ, Brazil. The sprouts and young leaves of T. acutifolia were collected from the vicinity shortly before disposed in a trough. The experimental cows ingested the plant material at doses of 2.5g/kg/day (one cow), 5g/kg/day (two cows) and 10g/kg/day (one cow) until abortion occurred. All four cows aborted. The cows showed cardiac arrhythmia, muscular tremors, anorexia, ascites, distended jugular veins, edema of the sternal region and dewlap, and abortion (23 to 76 days after the beginning of ingestion of the plasnt) from the 5th to the 28th day of the experiment. Only one cow which received 10g/kg/day died with characteristic signs of heart failure, 36 days after she had aborted. Gross examination of the fetuses revealed hydrothorax, hydropericardium, hydroperitoneum, nutmeg appearance of the liver, few petechiae and ecchymoses in the epicardium, and pale areas in cross sections of the myocardium. The main postmortem findings in the cow that died were hydrothorax, hydropericardium and hydroperitoneum, engorged vessels at the heart base, exceedingly pale heart muscle with marked spots and stripes in cross sections. Distended jugular veins and severe edema in the sternal region and the abdominal wall were also observed. Histological examination of the fetal hearts revealed interstitial edema with incipient fibrosis and degenerative/necrotic changes of the myocytes. In the succumbed cow was found interstitial fibrosis, as well as necrotic areas and/or necrosis of individual myocytes in extensive portions of the heart, besides passive congestion of the liver. This study shows that Tetrapterys acutifolia can induce abortion in cattle and, depending on the dosage, can cause death.

• Poisonous plants Tetrapterys acutifolia Malpighiaceae abortion plant poisoning plantas tóxicas intoxicação por planta aborto

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Caldas S.A., Peixoto T.C., Nogueira V.A., França, T.N., Tokarnia C.H. & Peixoto P.V. 2011. [Abortion in cattle due to Tetrapterys acutifolia poisoning.] Aborto em bovinos devido à intoxicação por Tetrapterys acutifolia (Malpighiacae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(9):737-746. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: saulo-andrade@bol.com.br Esse estudo teve por objetivo demonstrar experimentalmente que Tetrapterys acutifolia Cav. (fam. Malpighiaceae) é capaz de provocar aborto em bovinos e caracterizar as alterações clínico-patológicas nas vacas e nos fetos. Estas plantas são responsáveis por significativo número de mortes em bovinos com mais de um ano de idade, especialmente nos Estados de Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo, mas até agora não havia sido comprovado experimentalmente seu efeito abortivo em bovinos. Os experimentos foram realizados no município de Barra do Piraí, RJ. Quatro vacas de descarte receberam brotos e folhas novas frescas de T. acutifolia, coletadas em propriedades vizinhas, nas doses de 2,5g/kg/dia, 5,0g/kg/dia (2 vacas) e 10g/kg/dia, até ocorrer o abortamento. O quadro clínico nas vacas caracterizou-se por arritmia cardíaca, tremores musculares, anorexia, ascite, jugular ingurgitada, edema de peito e barbela e aborto (23-76 dias após o início da ingestão da planta); todas as vacas abortaram. Das quatro vacas apenas uma (a que recebeu 10g/kg/dia) morreu 36 dias após o abortamento, com sintomas de insuficiência cardíaca. O exame necroscópico dos fetos/natimortos revelou hidrotórax, hidropericárdio, hidroperitônio e congestão hepática; ao corte do miocárdio, verificaram-se áreas pálidas. No exame histológico havia edema intersticial com fibrose incipiente. Na vaca que recebeu a maior dose e foi a óbito, bem como em outra intoxicada naturalmente, os achados de necropsia foram similares aos observados nos fetos, exceto pela dilatação dos vasos da base do coração e mais acentuada palidez do miocárdio. Observaram-se ainda edema subcutâneo nas regiões cervical e esternal, bem como veias jugulares ingurgitadas. Os achados histopatológicos foram necrose e edema intersticial com acentuada fibrose no miocárdio, espongiose da substância branca do encéfalo e, no fígado, congestão e leve fibrose. Adicionalmente, observou-se na vaca intoxicada espontaneamente, 17 dias após o aborto, arritmia cardíaca, jugular ingurgitada, edema de peito e barbela, anorexia com morte 43 dias após o aborto. Este estudo demonstra que Tetrapterys acutifolia é capaz de induzir aborto e, dependendo da dose, ainda causar a morte das vacas que abortarem.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Aragão A.P., Tokarnia C.H., Graça F.A.S., França T.N., Coelho C.D., Caldas S.A. & Peixoto P.V. 2010. [Experimental poisoning by Bothropoides jararaca and Bothrops jararacussu in sheep: Clinic-pathological and laboratory aspects.] Envenenamento experimental por Bothropoides jararaca e Bothrops jararacussu em ovinos: aspectos clínico-patológicos e laboratoriais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(9):717-728. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: paulaaragao.vet@gmail.com The purpose of this study was to establish the clinic-pathological and laboratory changes in sheep inoculated with Bothropoides jararaca and Bothrops jararacussu venom to provide subsidies for the differential diagnosis of snake bites. The liofilized venoms were diluted in 1 ml saline and administrated subcutaneously to four sheep. Three of the animals died, and the one that received 0.5mg/kg (B. jararaca venom) recovered. First symptoms were observed from 7 minutes to 1 hour after inoculation, and the clinical course varied from 7 hours and 9 minutes to 21 hours and 59 minutes. The symptoms, independent of the dosage, were swelling of the inoculation site, increased bleeding time and capillary filling, tachycardia, dyspnea, pale mucous membranes and diminished reaction to external stimuli. Laboratory tests revealed pronounced normocytic and normochromic anemia, trombocytopenia, slight reduction of fibrogen and total plasmatic protein, in two animals diminished hematocrit, besides pronounced increase of creatinaquinase and lactic dehydrogenase. At necropsy, the main findings at the inoculation site and adjacent tissues were extensive hemorrhages in the sheep inoculated with jararaca venom, and predominantly edema in the two animals inoculated with jararacussu venom. In two sheep which received jararacussu venom, acute pulmonary edema was observed. Hemorrhage and edema as the main histopathological changes, besides necrosis of muscle fibers and vessels at the inoculation site and adjacent tissue was observed. The renal tubular necrosis was attributed to shock. The volume increase at the inoculation site and surroundings was mainly due to hemorrhage (B. jararaca) or edema (B. jararacussu).

• Snake bite Bothrops jararaca Bothropoides jararaca Bothrops jararacussu picada de cobra

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Aragão A.P., Tokarnia C.H., Graça F.A.S., França T.N., Coelho C.D., Caldas S.A. & Peixoto P.V. 2010. [Experimental poisoning by Bothropoides jararaca and Bothrops jararacussu in sheep: Clinic-pathological and laboratory aspects.] Envenenamento experimental por Bothropoides jararaca e Bothrops jararacussu em ovinos: aspectos clínico-patológicos e laboratoriais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(9):717-728. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: paulaaragao.vet@gmail.com Esse estudo teve como objetivo determinar as alterações clínico-patológicas e laboratoriais em ovinos inoculados com a peçonha de Bothropoides jararaca e Bothrops jararacussu, no intuito de fornecer subsídios que possam facilitar o estabelecimento do diagnóstico e do diagnóstico diferencial dessa condição. Os venenos liofilizados foram diluídos em 1 ml de solução fisiológica e administrados a quatro ovinos por via subcutânea. Três ovinos foram a óbito e um que recebeu a dose de 0,5mg/kg (B. jararaca), recuperou-se. Os sinais clínicos tiveram início entre 7 minutos e 1 hora. O período de evolução variou de 7 horas 9 minutos a 21 horas 59 minutos. O quadro clínico, independentemente das doses, caracterizou-se por aumento de volume no local da inoculação, tempo de sangramento e de preenchimento capilar aumentados, taquicardia, dispnéia, mucosas hipocoradas e apatia. Os exames laboratoriais revelaram acentuada anemia normocítica normocrômica, trombocitopenia, acentuada redução de fibrinogênio e proteínas plasmáticas totais, hematócrito diminuído em dois animais, além de acentuado aumento de creatinaquinase e desidrogenase lática em todos os animais. À necropsia, os principais achados no local da inoculação e tecidos adjacentes eram extensas hemorragias no animal que recebeu o veneno de B. jararaca e edema e acentuado edema pulmonar agudo para os dois animais envenenados por B. jararacussu. Além de hemorragia e edema a principal alteração histopatológica verificada foi necrose das fibras musculares e de vasos, no local de inoculação e adjacências. A necrose tubular renal foi atribuída ao quadro de choque. Nos ovinos deste estudo, o aumento de volume observado no local de inoculação e adjacências era constituído predominantemente por sangue (B. jararaca) e por edema (B. jararacussu).

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Nogueira V.A., França T.N., Peixoto T. C., Caldas S.A., Armién A.G. & Peixoto P.V. 2010. [Experimental poisoning by sodium monofluoroacetate in cattle: Clinical and pathological aspects.] Intoxicação experimental por monofluoroacetato de sódio em bovinos: aspectos clínicos e patológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(7):533-540. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: vivianmedvet@yahoo.com.br Sodium monofluoroacetate (MF) was identified, by cromatography, in three of the 12 plants that cause sudden death in cattle in Brazil, including Palicourea marcgravii, the most important plant of this group. A special kind of hydropic-vacuolar degeneration (HVD) of the distal convoluted uriniferous tubules was considered typical for the poisoning by some authors. The objective of this study was to verify if the ingestion of MF causes similar clinical signs and lesion in cattle poisoned by plants that cause sudden death. Six cows received orally 0.5 and 1.0mg/kg of M diluted in 50mL of distilled water. Clinically the animals presented tachycardia, engorgement and positive pulse of the jugular vein, abdominal breathing, swaying gait, subtle unbalance, and recumbency with head placed the on the flank. In the agonal phase all the animals in lateral recumbence presented muscular fasciculation, tonic contraction, peddling movements, opisthotonus, nystagmus, and died between 2 and 14 minutes. At postmortem examination, the heart auricles, jugular and pulmonary veins were moderately distended and engorged with blood. Slight to moderate edema of the subserosa was seen around the gall bladder and the duodenum near to the pancreas. At light microscopy, HVD associated with nuclear picnosis of the epithelial cells of the distal convoluted uriniferous tubules was present in all animals. Ultrastructurally, the cell lesion represents formation of cytosolic vacuoles, likely due to accumulation of water. Coagulation necrosis of individual or groups of hepatocytes and slight hepatic congestion secondary to the venous stasis were also observed. Hydropic-vacuolar degeneration has been observed in cases of poisoning by many substances, which cause acute tubular nephrosis, however not restricted to the distal renal tubules and without nuclear picnosis. This study demonstrates that the HVD in the kidney can be caused by MF and, in analogy, the compound should be considered responsible for the death of cattle that ingest toxic plants which cause sudden death in Brazil. Our results can be supportive to studies that will focus on the degradation of MF by rumen bacteria, what might have economic implications, as at least 500.000 cattle die annually by sudden death causing toxic plants in Brazil.

• Sodium monofluoroacetate hydropic-vacuolar degeneration poisonous plants cattle plant poisoning monofluoroacetato de sódio degeneração hidrópico-vacuolar plantas tóxicas bovinos intoxicação por planta

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Nogueira V.A., França T.N., Peixoto T. C., Caldas S.A., Armién A.G. & Peixoto P.V. 2010. [Experimental poisoning by sodium monofluoroacetate in cattle: Clinical and pathological aspects.] Intoxicação experimental por monofluoroacetato de sódio em bovinos: aspectos clínicos e patológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(7):533-540. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: vivianmedvet@yahoo.com.br Monofluoracetato de sódio (MF) foi identificado, por cromatografia, em três das doze plantas que causam morte súbita em bovinos no Brasil, incluindo Palicourea marcgravii, a mais importante desse grupo. Uma lesão considerada típica por alguns autores para intoxicação foi1 a degeneração hidrópico-vacuolar dos túbulos uriníferos contorcidos distais (DHV). O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se a ingestão de MF induz sinais clínicos e lesões similares às observadas nos bovinos intoxicados pelas plantas que causam morte súbita. Seis vacas receberam, por via oral, 0,5 e 1,0mg/kg de MF diluídos em 50mL de água destilada. Clinicamente, os animais apresentaram taquicardia, jugular repleta com pulso venoso positivo, respiração abdominal, ligeira perda de equilíbrio, por vezes cambaleavam, deitavam e apoiavam a cabeça no flanco. Na fase final (agônica), todos os animais caíam em decúbito lateral, esticavam os membros, faziam movimentos de pedalagem, apresentavam opistótono, nistagmo, mugidos e a morte ocorria em 2-14 minutos. À necropsia verificaram-se aurículas, jugulares, ázigos e pulmonares moderadamente ingurgitadas. Observaram-se ainda leve a moderado edema da subserosa nos locais de fixação da vesícula biliar no fígado, além de leve edema entre o duodeno e o pâncreas. O exame histopatológico revelou, em todos os animais, desde leve a acentuada DHV das células epiteliais dos túbulos uriníferos contorcidos distais associada à cariopicnose. Com relação à ultraestrutura, observou-se vacuolização do citoplasma devido ao acúmulo de água. Vacuolização e necrose de coagulação individual ou de grupos de hepatócitos e leve congestão hepática secundários à estase venosa também foram observados. DHV tem sido observada em casos de envenenamento por outras substâncias, porém nestes não está restrita aos túbulos distais e não se observa cariopicnose. Este estudo demonstra que a DHV dos túbulos renais de bovinos pode ser causada pelo envenenamento por MF e, por analogia, essa substância deve ser considerada como um dos fatores importantes, senão o mais significativo, implicado na morte dos animais que ingerem plantas que causam morte súbita no Brasil. Isso indica que estudos, que envolvam metabolização de MF por bactérias ruminais, teriam grande aplicabilidade econômica, uma vez que pelo menos 500.000 bovinos morrem anualmente intoxicados por plantas do grupo das que causam morte súbita no Brasil.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- França T.N., Nogueira V.A., Yamasaki E.M., Caldas S.A., Tokarnia C.H. & Peixoto P.V. 2009. [Accidental monensin poisoning in sheep in Rio de Janeiro State.] Intoxicação acidental por monensina em ovinos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):743-746. Departamento de Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: ticianafranca@terra.com.br An outbreak of monensin poisoning in sheep in the State of Rio de Janeiro is described. From 180 animals, eight died after they had been fed with ration containing the ionophore. The poisoning had a variable course and was clinically characterized by apathy, heart arrhythmia, myoglobinuria, incoordenation, incapacity of getting up, and sternal decubitus; one sheep aborted. The macroscopic lesions consisted of pale areas in the myocardium, hydroperitoneum, hydrothorax, and pulmonary edema. Histopathological examination revealed degenerative-necrotic alterations in heart and skeletal muscles. In the myocardium lesions were more severe and were characterized by multifocal necrosis with substitution of the myofibres by fibrous tissue and interstitial mononuclear infiltration. Proliferation of satellite cells and mononuclear inflammatory reaction in skeletal muscles were also verified. It seems that the exaggerated addition of sodic monensin, eventually associated with improper homogenization of monensin in the ration, was responsible for the excessive ingestion of monensin by some animals.

• Monensin miopathy monensina miopatia

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- França T.N., Nogueira V.A., Yamasaki E.M., Caldas S.A., Tokarnia C.H. & Peixoto P.V. 2009. [Accidental monensin poisoning in sheep in Rio de Janeiro State.] Intoxicação acidental por monensina em ovinos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):743-746. Departamento de Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: ticianafranca@terra.com.br Descreve-se um surto de intoxicação por monensina em ovinos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, no qual de 180 animais, oito morreram após serem alimentados com ração contendo o ionóforo. A enfermidade, de evolução variável, caracterizou-se clinicamente por apatia, arritmia cardíaca, mioglobinúria, incoordenação, incapacidade de se levantar, decúbito esternal; uma ovelha abortou. As lesões macroscópicas consistiram de áreas pálidas no miocárdio, hidroperitônio, hidrotórax e edema pulmonar. O exame histopatológico evidenciou alterações degenerativo-necróticas no coração e na musculatura esquelética. No miocárdio, as lesões eram mais marcadas e caracterizavam-se por necrose multifocal com substituição das miofibras por tecido conjuntivo fibroso e inflamação intersticial mononuclear. Adicionalmente, verificaram-se proliferação de células satélite e reação inflamatória mononuclear em músculos esqueléticos. Ao que tudo indica, a adição excessiva de monensina sódica, talvez associada à homogeneização inadequada da droga ao alimento, tenha determinado a ingestão de grande quantidade de monensina por parte dos animais.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Helayel M.A., França T.N., Seixas J.N., Nogueira V.A., Caldas S.A. & Peixoto P.V. 2009. [Sudden death in cattle caused by ingestion of Pseudocalymma elegans (Bignoniaceae) in the county of Rio Bonito, Rio de Janeiro.] Morte súbita em bovinos causada pela ingestão de Pseudocalymma elegans (Bignoniaceae) no município de Rio Bonito, RJ. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):498-508. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: michel_abdallavet@yahoo.com.br Natural poisoning by Pseudocalymma elegans, a plant that causes “sudden death” and only occurs in the State of Rio de Janeiro, is described in a cow. This condition was experimentally reproduced in three calves and three rabbits with the plant collected in the area where the deaths had occurred. Postmortem and histopathological examinations of the natural case in the cow did not reveal significant alterations. Oral administration of 1g/kg of the sprouts of P. elegans caused death of the calf 5 hours and 30 minutes after beginning of the administration. The dose of 0.5 g/kg caused death of another calf with onset of symptoms after 3 hours and 24 minutes and a course of 73 hours and 12 minutes. Animals that ingest borderline doses may show a longer course with a characteristic clinical picture of heart impairment. The dose of 0.25g/kg did not cause death, but only clinical signs. Heart palpitation and arrhythmia, increase of breathing frequency, reluctance in moving, positive venous pulse, ingurgitated jugular veins, falling down and peddling movements shortly before death, were observed. At postmortem examination the lesions were those of acute heart insufficiency, and histopathological examination revealed the typical kidney lesion (hydropic-vacular degeneration in the distal convoluted tubules) seen in poisoning by plants that cause “sudden death”. In the experimentally poisoned rabbits the clinical course was less than 1-2 minutes. In the kidney of two rabbits there was also the characteristic microscopic lesion. The presence of the plant in the county of Rio Bonito had not been known by the veterinarians. It is concluded that the plant could be more toxic than described before.

• Poisonous plants Pseudocalymma elegans Bignoniaceae plant poisoning sudden death cattle rabbits

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Helayel M.A., França T.N., Seixas J.N., Nogueira V.A., Caldas S.A. & Peixoto P.V. 2009. [Sudden death in cattle caused by ingestion of Pseudocalymma elegans (Bignoniaceae) in the county of Rio Bonito, Rio de Janeiro.] Morte súbita em bovinos causada pela ingestão de Pseudocalymma elegans (Bignoniaceae) no município de Rio Bonito, RJ. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):498-508. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: michel_abdallavet@yahoo.com.br Descreve-se a intoxicação natural por Pseudocalymma elegans em pelo menos um bovino em Rio Bonito, RJ e a reprodução experimental dessa intoxicação em três bovinos e em 3 coelhos com exemplares dessa planta colhida no local onde ocorreu a morte. Necropsia e histopatologia do bovino naturalmente intoxicado não revelaram alterações significativas. A administração, por via oral, de 1g/kg da brotação da planta causou a morte do bovino dentro de 5h e 30 minutos após o início da administração, já pela administração de 0,5 g/kg, a morte do animal ocorreu após 76 horas e 36 minutos. A dose de 0,25g/kg foi capaz de causar sintomas, mas não levou a morte. A sintomatologia caracterizou-se por arritmia cardíaca, taquicardia, aumento da freqüência respiratória, relutância em se mover, pulso venoso positivo, jugulares e grandes vasos ingurgitados, queda ao solo e movimentos de pedalagem, seguindo-se o óbito. À necropsia foram verificadas alterações compatíveis com às observadas na insuficiência cardíaca aguda, e o exame histopatológico revelou a lesão renal típica (degeneração hidrópica em túbulos contornados distais) de intoxicação por plantas que causam “morte súbita”. Nos coelhos, a evolução variou entre menos de um minuto a dois minutos. O exame histopatológico do rim de dois coelhos também revelou a lesão microscópica característica. Essa planta ainda não havia sido mapeada nessa área do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Conclui-se que a planta pode ser mais tóxica do que anteriormente descrito.

Abstract in English:

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

• Poisoning Crotalus durissus terrificus cattle snake bite

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Caldas S.A., Tokarnia C.H., França T.N., Brito M.F., Graça F.A.S., Coelho C.D. & Peixoto P.V. 2008. [Clinic and pathological and laboratory aspects of experimental poisoning by Bothrops alternatus venom in cattle.] Aspectos clínico-patológicos e laboratoriais do envenenamento experimental por Bothrops alternatus em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(6):303-312. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: saulo-andrade@bol.com.br The aim of this study was to determine the clinical-pathological alterations and laboratory findings in cattle inoculated with Bothrops alternatus venom, with the intention of providing information for the establishment of diagnosis and differential diagnosis procedures, as well as to elucidate some obscurities observed in the pertinent literature. The lyophilized venom was diluted in 1 ml of physiologic solution. It was administered to 5 bovines by the subcutaneous route at doses of 0.0625, 0.125 and 0.25mg/kg body weight, and to 2 bovines by the intramuscular route at doses of 0.25 e 0.45mg/kg. Six bovines died and the only animal that survived, who had subcutaneously received the venom at a dose of 0.0625mg/kg, recovered. The first clinical signs were observed from 25min to 5h30min after the inoculation. The clinical evolution time varied from 7 hours 18 minutes to 92 hours. Regardless of the dose, the clinical picture was characterized by swelling (hemorrhage/hematoma) at the site of inoculation, increase in bleeding time and capillary refill time, paleness of mucous membranes and apathy. The laboratory exams revealed progressive normocytic normochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia, reduction in fibrinogen and total plasma proteins, decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin, and slight increase in creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. When subjected to necropsy, the animals that received the venom through the subcutaneous route showed large hematomas and hemorrhagic areas in the subcutaneous tissue, extending from the site of inoculation. The animals in which inoculation was performed intramuscularly exhibited, in addition, intramuscular hemorrhage. The left endocardium showed extensive hemorrhagic lesions, and petechiae were found on the serosae of rumen, omasum, abomasum and gall bladder. The colon, rectum and perirenal areas were surrounded by clotted blood in three animals. Besides hemorrhage, the histological examination revealed hemorrhage and coagulative muscle necrosis in the vicinities of the inoculation site in the animals that received the venom by the intramuscular route. These lesions were mild in the muscles close to the site of inoculation in the animals inoculated by the subcutaneous route. The swelling on the site of inoculation and its surroundings was a consequence of blood accumulation and not merely edema. Myoglobinuria and gross or microscopic lesions were not observed in the kidneys. This study indicates that B. alternatus can lead adult bovines to death if they release all their venom during a bite. Conversely, since venomous ophidians can control the amount of poison they inoculate and they probably do not identify bovines as potential preys, it is likely that the number of accidents involving this species is small, which is in agreement with the findings of the majority of the centers for anatomical-pathological diagnosis in Brazil.

• Bothrops alternatus cattle pathology symptoms

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Caldas S.A., Tokarnia C.H., França T.N., Brito M.F., Graça F.A.S., Coelho C.D. & Peixoto P.V. 2008. [Clinic and pathological and laboratory aspects of experimental poisoning by Bothrops alternatus venom in cattle.] Aspectos clínico-patológicos e laboratoriais do envenenamento experimental por Bothrops alternatus em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(6):303-312. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: saulo-andrade@bol.com.br The aim of this study was to determine the clinical-pathological alterations and laboratory findings in cattle inoculated with Bothrops alternatus venom, with the intention of providing information for the establishment of diagnosis and differential diagnosis procedures, as well as to elucidate some obscurities observed in the pertinent literature. The lyophilized venom was diluted in 1 ml of physiologic solution. It was administered to 5 bovines by the subcutaneous route at doses of 0.0625, 0.125 and 0.25mg/kg body weight, and to 2 bovines by the intramuscular route at doses of 0.25 e 0.45mg/kg. Six bovines died and the only animal that survived, who had subcutaneously received the venom at a dose of 0.0625mg/kg, recovered. The first clinical signs were observed from 25min to 5h30min after the inoculation. The clinical evolution time varied from 7 hours 18 minutes to 92 hours. Regardless of the dose, the clinical picture was characterized by swelling (hemorrhage/hematoma) at the site of inoculation, increase in bleeding time and capillary refill time, paleness of mucous membranes and apathy. The laboratory exams revealed progressive normocytic normochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia, reduction in fibrinogen and total plasma proteins, decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin, and slight increase in creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. When subjected to necropsy, the animals that received the venom through the subcutaneous route showed large hematomas and hemorrhagic areas in the subcutaneous tissue, extending from the site of inoculation. The animals in which inoculation was performed intramuscularly exhibited, in addition, intramuscular hemorrhage. The left endocardium showed extensive hemorrhagic lesions, and petechiae were found on the serosae of rumen, omasum, abomasum and gall bladder. The colon, rectum and perirenal areas were surrounded by clotted blood in three animals. Besides hemorrhage, the histological examination revealed hemorrhage and coagulative muscle necrosis in the vicinities of the inoculation site in the animals that received the venom by the intramuscular route. These lesions were mild in the muscles close to the site of inoculation in the animals inoculated by the subcutaneous route. The swelling on the site of inoculation and its surroundings was a consequence of blood accumulation and not merely edema. Myoglobinuria and gross or microscopic lesions were not observed in the kidneys. This study indicates that B. alternatus can lead adult bovines to death if they release all their venom during a bite. Conversely, since venomous ophidians can control the amount of poison they inoculate and they probably do not identify bovines as potential preys, it is likely that the number of accidents involving this species is small, which is in agreement with the findings of the majority of the centers for anatomical-pathological diagnosis in Brazil.