PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Marcolongo-Pereira C., Sallis E.S.V., Raffi M.B., Pereira D.I.B., Hinnah F.L., Coe- lho A.C.B. & Schild A.L. 2012. [Epidemiology of equine pythiosis in southern of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.] Epidemiologia da pitiose equina na Região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 32(9):865-868. 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 A survey of cases of equine pythiosis received by the Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, from January 1979 to July 2011, was made to determine the epidemiological conditions in which the disease occurs in southern Rio Grande do Sul. Samples from 1888 horses were received; 435 samples were from the integumentary system, of which 63 (14.5%) corresponded to pythiosis. The affected animals were of both sexes and their age ranged from 8 months to 22 years. Crioulo was the most prevalent breed. Most cases of pythiosis were sent to the laboratory between March and June. The evolution of the lesions due to pythiosis ranged from 2 weeks to 1 year. The municipalities with the greatest number of cases were Pelotas (22/63), Santa Vitória do Palmar (15/63) and Rio Grande (8/63). With respect to the climatic data, in most cases the maximum temperature in the probable month of infection was above or close to 30°C during at least one day. The observation of cases in the colder seasons of the year could be due to the stagnant water temperature higher than the temperature of the air, which allows the development of infective structures of Pythium insidiosum.

• Pythium insidiosum pythiosis pitiose

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Marcolongo-Pereira C., Sallis E.S.V., Raffi M.B., Pereira D.I.B., Hinnah F.L., Coe- lho A.C.B. & Schild A.L. 2012. [Epidemiology of equine pythiosis in southern of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.] Epidemiologia da pitiose equina na Região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 32(9):865-868. 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 Foi realizado um levantamento dos casos de pitiose equina recebidos no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, no período de janeiro de 1979 a julho de 2011, com o objetivo de determinar as condições epidemiológicas em que a doença ocorre na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Nesse período foram recebidos 1888 materiais de equinos, dos quais, 435 eram provenientes do sistema tegumentar e 63 (14,5%) corresponderam à pitiose. Os animais afetados eram de ambos os sexos com idades variando entre oito meses e 22 anos. A raça mais frequentemente afetada foi a Crioula. A maioria dos casos de pitiose foi encaminhada ao laboratório entre março e junho. A evolução das lesões de pitiose variou de duas semanas até um ano. Os municípios com maior número de casos de pitiose foram Pelotas (22/63) Santa Vitória do Palmar (15/63) e Rio Grande (8/63). Foi observado que na maioria dos casos, no mês provável de infecção a temperatura máxima foi superior ou próxima a 30°C em pelo menos um dia. A observação de casos em épocas mais frias do ano pode ser devido ao fato da temperatura de águas estagnadas ser mais elevada que a temperatura ambiental o que permite o desenvolvimento das estruturas infectantes de Pythium insidiosum.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Grecco F.B., Estima-Silva P., Marcolongo-Pereira C., Soares M.P., Raffi M.B. & Schild A.L. 2012. [Acute experimental poisoning by Senecio brasiliensis in sheep and induced resistance against the poisoning.] Intoxicação experimental aguda por Senecio brasiliensis em ovinos e indução de resistência à intoxicação. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 32(9):912-916. 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 Sheep are more resistant to poisoning by Senecio spp. than cattle and horses. To determine whether this resistance could be induced by ingestion of small and repeated doses of the plant and to know how long the resistance could last, three experiments with fresh green leaves and stalks of Senecio brasiliensis were conducted. In Experiment 1, to determine the minimum dose for acute poisoning, single doses of 60, 80, 90, 100 and 100g/kg body weight (bw) were administered to five 1 and a half-year-old male Corriedale sheep. The sheep fed 60g/kg bw and 80g/kg bw of S. brasiliensis did not get sick; however, the sheep that received 80g/kg bw, developed mild fibrosis and megalocytosis in liver biopsies performed 90, 120 and 150 days after the end of plant administration. The sheep that received 90 and 100g/kg bw showed clinical signs of anorexia, prostration, paddling movements and abdominal pain, and died 12-48 hours after the onset of clinical signs. At their necropsy, ascites, disseminated petechiae and accentuated lobular pattern of the liver were found, and histologicaly hemorrhagic centrilobular necrosis was observed. In Experiment 2, the dose of 100g/kg bw fractionated into 2, 5 and 10 daily doses was administered to three sheep respectively. The fractioned dosage did not cause clinical signs of poisoning in any of the sheep, but periportal fibrosis and moderate megalocytosis were observed in liver biopsy performed at day 60 after the end of the plant administration. No histological lesions were observed in hepatic biopsies of sheep that received 10 daily doses of 10g/kg bw. In Experiment 3, to determine whether the sheep become resistant to the acute form of poisoning, four sheep ingested daily doses of 15g/kg bw of S. brasiliensis during 30 days and daily doses of 30g/kg bw for 10 days. On the day following the last dose of 30g/kg bw, two sheep were challenged with 100g/kg bw of the plant in a single dose. No clinical signs were observed in both sheep and no histological lesions could be found in the liver biopsies obtained 15 and 30 days after administration of the challenge dose. The third and fourth sheep received the challenge dose (100g/kg bw) 15 and 45 days after the end of plant administration. These animals showed anorexia, abdominal pain, and died about 12 hours after the onset of clinical signs. Gross and microscopic lesions were similar to those observed in sheep from Experiment 1. The results of this study demonstrate that sheep are susceptible to acute S. brasiliensis poisoning at doses of 90 and 100g/kg bw, but they become resistant after the continuous ingestion of small daily doses. This resistance has been lost 15 days after the end of the plant ingestion. Natural acute poisoning by S. brasiliensis probably does not occur in sheep, because they would have to eat large amounts of the plant in a short period of time.

• Poisonous plants senecio brasiliensis plant poisoning plantas tóxicas intoxicação por plantas

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Grecco F.B., Estima-Silva P., Marcolongo-Pereira C., Soares M.P., Raffi M.B. & Schild A.L. 2012. [Acute experimental poisoning by Senecio brasiliensis in sheep and induced resistance against the poisoning.] Intoxicação experimental aguda por Senecio brasiliensis em ovinos e indução de resistência à intoxicação. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 32(9):912-916. 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 Ovinos são mais resistentes à intoxicação por Senecio spp. que bovinos e equinos. Para determinar se essa resistência é induzida pela ingestão de pequenas e repetidas doses da planta e se essa resistência é duradoura, foram realizados três experimentos com folhas e talos verdes de Senecio brasilienses. Para determinar a dose mínima que causa intoxicação aguda (experimento 1), foram administradas doses únicas de 60, 80, 90, 100 e 100g/kg de peso corporal (pc) a cinco ovinos, respectivamente. Os animais que receberam 60 e 80 g/kg de pc de S. brasiliensis não adoeceram, porém o ovino que recebeu 80g/kg de pc apresentava fibrose e megalocitose discretas nas biópsias realizadas aos 90, 120 e 150 dias do término da administração da planta. Os ovinos que receberam 90 e 100g/kg de pc apresentaram anorexia, prostração, movimentos de pedalagem, dor abdominal e morte 12-48 horas após o aparecimento dos sinais clínicos. Na necropsia havia ascite, petéquias disseminadas e acentuação do padrão lobular hepático. Histologicamente havia necrose hemorrágica centro-lobular. No Experimento 2 a dose capaz de causar a intoxicação aguda foi fracionada e administrada em duas, cinco e 10 doses diárias para 3 ovinos, respectivamente. A dose tóxica fracionada não provocou sinais clínicos de intoxicação em nenhum dos ovinos, porém havia fibrose periportal e megalocitose moderadas nas biopsias realizadas aos 60 dias do término da administração da planta, as quais não evoluíram. O ovino que recebeu a dose fracionada em 10 administrações não apresentou lesões histológicas nas biópsias. Para determinar se os ovinos tornam-se resistentes à forma aguda da intoxicação (experimento 3), foram administradas doses diárias de 15g/kg de pc por 30 dias e 30g/kg de pc por 10 dias a quatro ovinos. No dia seguinte à última administração dois ovinos receberam a dose única de 100g/kg de pc de S. brasiliensis, mas não adoeceram nem apresentaram lesões em biópsias realizadas 15 e 30 dias após o desafio. Entretanto, dois ovinos que receberam essa dose, 15 e 45 dias após a última administração da planta, respectivamente, apresentaram anorexia, dor abdominal, movimentos de pedalagem e morreram 12 horas após o início dos sinais clínicos. As lesões macro e microscópicas eram semelhantes às observadas nos ovinos do Experimento 1. Os resultados do presente trabalho demonstraram que, experimentalmente, ovinos intoxicam-se de forma aguda com doses únicas de 90-100g/kg de pc, mas são capazes de suportar essas doses após a ingestão contínua de pequenas quantidades da planta, no entanto, essa suposta resistência é perdida se os ovinos deixam de ingerir a mesma. Pode-se sugerir também que a intoxicação aguda natural, provavelmente, não ocorre devido à improbabilidade de ingestão, por um ovino, da quantidade necessária de planta em um período curto de tempo.

Abstract in English:

BSTRACT.- Gilberto D. Vargas G.D., Albano A.P., Fischer G., Hübner S., Sallis S.E., Nunes C.F., Raffi M.B. & Soares M.P. 2011. Avian pox virus infection in a common barn owl (Tyto alba) in southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(7):620-622. Laboratório de Virologia e Imunologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: gdavilavargas@gmail.com A young common barn owl (Tyto alba) was referred to the Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre (Nurfs), Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), after been found in a barn of a brick factory in the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The bird was apathic, weak and with crusty lesions in the featherless areas (eyes, beak, legs), and died soon after arrival at Nurfs. Necropsy and histopathological examination of the lesions were carried out. The hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the cutaneous lesions, several eosinophilic intracyto-plasmic inclusion bodies in epithelial cells (Bollinger bodies), as well as particles characteristic of poxvirus, observed by electronic microscopy, confirmed the infection by avian poxvirus, what highlights the importance of Tyto alba as carrier of the virus in the wild.

• Tyto alba common barn owl avian pox virus bouba aviária

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Gilberto D. Vargas G.D., Albano A.P., Fischer G., Hübner S., Sallis S.E., Nunes C.F., Raffi M.B. & Soares M.P. 2011. Avian pox virus infection in a common barn owl (Tyto alba) in southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(7):620-622. Laboratório de Virologia e Imunologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: gdavilavargas@gmail.com Uma coruja-de-igreja (Tyto alba) em idade juvenil foi encaminha ao Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre (Nurfs), Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), após ter sido encontrada num galpão de uma olaria na região urbana da cidade de Pelotas, RS. A ave apresentava-se apática, debilitada e com lesões crostosas nas áreas sem penas do corpo (olhos, patas e bico), e morreu logo após a chegada ao Nurfs. Foram realizados necropsia e exame histopatológico. A presença de hiperplasia e hipertrofia epidérmica nas lesões cutâneas, várias inclusões intracitoplasmáticas eosinofílicas nas células epiteliais (Corpúsculos de Bollinger), assim como partículas características de poxvirus, demonstradas por microscopia eletrônica, confirmaram a infecção por poxvirus aviário, o que ressalta a importância da espécie Tyto alba como portadora do vírus na natureza.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Grecco F.B., Schild A.L., Soares M.P., Raffi M.B., Sallis E.S.V. & Damé M.C. 2009. [Organophosphate poisoning in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in southern Brazil.] Intoxicação por organofosforados em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):211-214. 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 This paper describes organophosphate (ORF) poisoning in a herd of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in southern Brazil, which were treated with a single dose of 12mg/kg body weight of Expertan® pour-on (chlorpyriphos) to control ectoparasites. Clinical signs, observed 7-45 days after exposure, were diarrhea, hypersalivation, ataxia, muscular tremors, weakness of pelvic limbs, paresis and flaccid paralysis and lateral recumbence. Out of 267 buffaloes 61 died. Necropsy of three animals that died 24-72 hours after onset of clinical signs, revealed congestion and serosal hemorrhages scattered along the bowel, emphysema and edema of the lungs. No significant histopathological changes were found. Residues of chlorpyriphos were detected in liver, kidneys and nervous system of the one necropsied buffalo. Despite the absence of histological lesions in the central and peripheral nervous system, the epidemiological, clinical, gross and toxicological findings suggest delayed neurotoxicity induced by organophosphates.

• Diseases of water buffaloes poisoning organophosphate toxicosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Grecco F.B., Schild A.L., Soares M.P., Raffi M.B., Sallis E.S.V. & Damé M.C. 2009. [Organophosphate poisoning in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in southern Brazil.] Intoxicação por organofosforados em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):211-214. 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 This paper describes organophosphate (ORF) poisoning in a herd of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in southern Brazil, which were treated with a single dose of 12mg/kg body weight of Expertan® pour-on (chlorpyriphos) to control ectoparasites. Clinical signs, observed 7-45 days after exposure, were diarrhea, hypersalivation, ataxia, muscular tremors, weakness of pelvic limbs, paresis and flaccid paralysis and lateral recumbence. Out of 267 buffaloes 61 died. Necropsy of three animals that died 24-72 hours after onset of clinical signs, revealed congestion and serosal hemorrhages scattered along the bowel, emphysema and edema of the lungs. No significant histopathological changes were found. Residues of chlorpyriphos were detected in liver, kidneys and nervous system of the one necropsied buffalo. Despite the absence of histological lesions in the central and peripheral nervous system, the epidemiological, clinical, gross and toxicological findings suggest delayed neurotoxicity induced by organophosphates.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida M.B., Priebe A.P.S., Riet-Correa B., Riet-Correa G., Fiss L., Raffi M.B. & Schild A.L. 2008. [Evolution and reversibility of neurologic and cardiac lesions in sheep caused by Ateleia glazioviana and Tetrapterys multiglandulosa.] Evolução e reversibiliade das lesões neurológicas e cardíacas em ovinos intoxicados experimentalmente por Ateleia glazioviana e Tetrapterys multiglandulosa. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):129-134. 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 To determine the reversibility of neurological and cardiac lesions in Ateleia glazioviana and Tetrapterys multiglandulosa poisoning, 3 groups of four sheep each were fed orally with the plants. In Group 1, 2 and 3, when sheep with nervous signs showed considerable increase of symptoms and risk of death, the plant administration was suspended. Group 4 with two sheep was used as control. Sheep from Group 1, fed 10g/kg during 6 days of fresh A. glazioviana collected in autumn were euthanized 8, 11, 16, and 21 days after the start of the experiment; they had shown regression of nervous signs, but had progressive cardiac lesions. Sheep from Group 2, fed during 8 days the same dose of fresh A. glazioviana collected in spring, were euthanized on days 9, 23, 38 and 68; they had shown regression of nervous signs and had no cardiac lesions. This suggests that the plant is less toxic in spring. Sheep from Group 3, fed 10g/kg during 11 days dry and ground T. multiglandulosa mixed with concentrated food, were euthanized on days 33, 33, 92 and 92; they had shown regression of nervous signs, and cardiac lesions were less severe on day 33 than on day 92. These results indicate that nervous lesions are reversible after the end of feeding, but cardiac lesions are progressive after discontinuation of the plant administration; these can be afterwards reversible if the animals do not anymore show clinical signs or die as a consequence of the poisoning. Results of those and previous experiments show that lesions of the nervous system are induced by lower doses than cardiac lesions and occur within a shorter period, what suggests that in spontaneous cases cardiac signs are always preceded by nervous signs, and that nervous signs can occur in the absence of cardiac lesions.

• Poisonous plants cardiomyopathy status spongiosus Ateleia glazioviana Tetrapterys multiglandulosa plant poisoning sheep

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida M.B., Priebe A.P.S., Riet-Correa B., Riet-Correa G., Fiss L., Raffi M.B. & Schild A.L. 2008. [Evolution and reversibility of neurologic and cardiac lesions in sheep caused by Ateleia glazioviana and Tetrapterys multiglandulosa.] Evolução e reversibiliade das lesões neurológicas e cardíacas em ovinos intoxicados experimentalmente por Ateleia glazioviana e Tetrapterys multiglandulosa. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):129-134. 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 To determine the reversibility of neurological and cardiac lesions in Ateleia glazioviana and Tetrapterys multiglandulosa poisoning, 3 groups of four sheep each were fed orally with the plants. In Group 1, 2 and 3, when sheep with nervous signs showed considerable increase of symptoms and risk of death, the plant administration was suspended. Group 4 with two sheep was used as control. Sheep from Group 1, fed 10g/kg during 6 days of fresh A. glazioviana collected in autumn were euthanized 8, 11, 16, and 21 days after the start of the experiment; they had shown regression of nervous signs, but had progressive cardiac lesions. Sheep from Group 2, fed during 8 days the same dose of fresh A. glazioviana collected in spring, were euthanized on days 9, 23, 38 and 68; they had shown regression of nervous signs and had no cardiac lesions. This suggests that the plant is less toxic in spring. Sheep from Group 3, fed 10g/kg during 11 days dry and ground T. multiglandulosa mixed with concentrated food, were euthanized on days 33, 33, 92 and 92; they had shown regression of nervous signs, and cardiac lesions were less severe on day 33 than on day 92. These results indicate that nervous lesions are reversible after the end of feeding, but cardiac lesions are progressive after discontinuation of the plant administration; these can be afterwards reversible if the animals do not anymore show clinical signs or die as a consequence of the poisoning. Results of those and previous experiments show that lesions of the nervous system are induced by lower doses than cardiac lesions and occur within a shorter period, what suggests that in spontaneous cases cardiac signs are always preceded by nervous signs, and that nervous signs can occur in the absence of cardiac lesions.

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.

Abstract in English:

Sallis E.S.V., Raffi M.B. & Riet-Correa F. 2004. [Experimental poisoning in sheep with frozen or dried Ramaria flavo-brunnescens.] Intoxicação experimental em ovinos com Ramaria flavo-brunnescens congelada ou dessecada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):107-110. Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: esvsallis@yahoo.com.br Ramaria flavo-brunnescens is a toxic mushroom affecting cattle and sheep. Its active principle is unknown. The experiment was done to obtain information about the toxicity of the mushroom after been frozen or dried. R. flavo-brunnescens was collected in autumn 1991. One part was frozen at –15ºC for 2-4 months, and another was dried in the shade. Other samples collected at the same time were given immediately after harvest to two sheep, at a total dose of 200 g/kg for 3 and 4 days, causing severe poisoning. The dried mushroom did not cause clinical signs at doses of 60 and 75 g/kg bw (equivalent to 400 and 500 g/kg of the fresh mushroom). The frozen mushroom at 200 g/kg bw caused hyperthermia, depression, hyperemia of the sclera and hemorrhages of the anterior chamber of the eye. Sheep that ingested 350 and 400 g/kg bw showed also nervous signs, and with the highest dose hyperemic lesions of the coronary band. All sheep recovered within 3 to 12 days. Clinical signs when given the frozen mushroom were less severe than clinical signs induced by the fresh mushroom. These results showed loss of toxicity of the dried material and decrease of toxicity of the frozen mushroom. It is suggested that chemical analyses for the toxic principle can be performed with the frozen or lyophilized mushroom.

• Poisonous plants toxic mushroom Ramaria flavo-brunnescens sheep.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Sallis E.S.V., Raffi M.B. & Riet-Correa F. 2004. [Experimental poisoning in sheep with frozen or dried Ramaria flavo-brunnescens.] Intoxicação experimental em ovinos com Ramaria flavo-brunnescens congelada ou dessecada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):107-110. Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: esvsallis@yahoo.com.br Ramaria flavo-brunnescens is a toxic mushroom affecting cattle and sheep. Its active principle is unknown. The experiment was done to obtain information about the toxicity of the mushroom after been frozen or dried. R. flavo-brunnescens was collected in autumn 1991. One part was frozen at –15ºC for 2-4 months, and another was dried in the shade. Other samples collected at the same time were given immediately after harvest to two sheep, at a total dose of 200 g/kg for 3 and 4 days, causing severe poisoning. The dried mushroom did not cause clinical signs at doses of 60 and 75 g/kg bw (equivalent to 400 and 500 g/kg of the fresh mushroom). The frozen mushroom at 200 g/kg bw caused hyperthermia, depression, hyperemia of the sclera and hemorrhages of the anterior chamber of the eye. Sheep that ingested 350 and 400 g/kg bw showed also nervous signs, and with the highest dose hyperemic lesions of the coronary band. All sheep recovered within 3 to 12 days. Clinical signs when given the frozen mushroom were less severe than clinical signs induced by the fresh mushroom. These results showed loss of toxicity of the dried material and decrease of toxicity of the frozen mushroom. It is suggested that chemical analyses for the toxic principle can be performed with the frozen or lyophilized mushroom.

Abstract in English:

Sodium fluoride was administered in the water to 2 groups of 25 Shaver female poultry. Group A received fluoride from 1 to 120 days of age and group B from 61 to 120 days. Each group was divided into 5 treatments, with 5 chickens each, which received 0, 25, 50, 200, and 400 ppm of fluoride in the water, respectively. AII animals were killed at 120 days of age. For histomorphometric studies the left femur and tibia were used, and for histologic studies the right femur and tibia. In the cortical bone, cortical porosity was slightly increased by fluoride, but the differences with the control group were not significant. Cortical thickness increased in the animals treated with fluoride (p<0,05, r2 = 0,59 ). In the trabecular bone, of group A, trabecular thickness (TT) (p<0,05, r2 = 0,63) and trabecular bone volume (TBV) (p<0,05, r2 = 0,72) increased in treatments receiving 25-200 ppm, and decreased in the 400 ppm treatment, as it was demonstrated by quadratic regression analysis. In group B there was a positive linear correlation on TT (p<0,05, r2 = 0,98) and TBV (p<0,05, r2 = 0,77) with fluoride ingestion.The osteoid surface was also positively correlated with the amount of fluoride ingested by the animals (p<0,001, r2 = 0,80). These results suggest that fluoride improves osteoblastic function resulting in increased osteoid production and bone apposition. In the other hand, in the animals treated with 400 ppm of fluoride for 120 days bone apposition was reduced suggesting a functional alteration of the osteoblasts or improved bone resorption. In the histological study of bone tissue all animals that received fluoride showed an increased trabecular thickness which was more marked in the 200-400 ppm treatments. In chickens treated with 200-400 ppm of fluoride osteoblasts and osteoclasts were more numerous suggesting an increased bone turnover. In cortical bone Haversian canais were narrowed on the periosteal surfaces and resorption spaces were enlarged on the endosteal surfaces.

• Fluoride bone bone histomorphometry poultry fluorosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

Fluoreto de sódio foi administrado na água de 2 grupos de 25 aves, fêmeas, da raça Shaver. O grupo A recebeu flúor do 1° ao 120° dia de idade e o grupo B do 61° ao 120º dia de idade. Cada grupo foi dividido em 5 níveis de tratamento: 0, 25, 50, 200 e 400 ppm de flúor, com 5 animais por tratamento. Todos os animais foram sacrificados aos 120 dias de idade. Para o estudo histomorfométrico foram coletados o fêmur e a tíbia esquerdos, e para o estudo histológico foram coletados fêmur e tíbia direitos. No estudo histomorfométrico do osso compacto observou-se um discreto aumento da porosidade cortical, que não foi estatisticamente significativo. A espessura do osso cortical aumentou nos animais tratados com flúor (p<0,05, r2 = 0,59). No osso trabeculai; do grupo A, houve um aumento da espessura trabecular (ET) (p<0,05, r2 = 0,63) e do volume trabecular ósseo (VTO) (p<0,05, r2 = 0,72) até a dose de 200 ppm; e, na dose de 400 ppm, ocorreu um decréscimo, demonstrado pela regressão quadrática obtida na análise de regressão. No grupo B houve um aumento progressivo da ET (p<0,05, r2 = 0,98) e do VTO (p<0,05, r2 = 0,77) diretamente relacionado com a dose de flúor. A superfície de osteóide (SO) apresentou, também, um aúmento gradativo relacionado com a dose, nos animais tratados com flúor (p<0,001, r2 = 0,80). Esses resultados sugerem que o flúor estimula a função osteoblástica, resultando em aumento da SO, e consequentemente maior aposição óssea. No entanto, nos animais tratados com 400 ppm, durante 120 dias, esse estímulo sobre a aposição óssea não foi tão evidente, sugerindo que o flúor determina alguma alteração funcional sobre os osteoblastos ou um aumento da reabsorção óssea. Histologicamente, observou-se espessamento trabecular nos animais tratados com flúor, mais marcado nas doses de 200 e 400 ppm, em ambos os grupos. Sobre a superfície trabecular, dos animais tratados com 200 e 400 ppm, evidenciou-se, principalmente, osteoblastos ativos e osteoclastos, sugerindo um aumento da remodelação óssea. No osso cortical observou-se diminuição dos canais de Havers, próximos a superfície periosteal, e aumento das lacunas de reabsorção próximas a superfície endosteal.

• Flúor ossos histomorfometria óssea aves fluorose