PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

França T.N., Peixoto P.V., Brito M.F., Driemeier D., Mores N. & Zanella J. 2005. [Outbreak of Circovirosis (Porcine Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.] Surto de Circovirose (Síndrome Definhante Multissistêmica de Suínos Desmamados) no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):39-53. Universidade Estácio de Sá, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Disciplina de Anatomia Patológica, Estrada Boca do Mato 850, Vargem Pequena, RJ 22783-320, Brazil. E-mail: ticianaf@uol.com.br The first outbreak of Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) in swine, which occurred in southeastern Brazil, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is described. The disease, which affects mainly weaned about 4 month-old pigs, caused the death of at least 14 animals. The property, where the outbreak occurred, had inadequate sanitary and management conditions. Clinically the disease was characterized by wasting, poor development, cough, tachypnoea, dispnoea, diarrhoea, ataxia, tremors after stimulation, decubitus and convulsions. The course of the disease was acute or subacute. The most important post-mortem findings were enlarged lymphnodes, non-collapsed lungs, with consolidated areas mainly in the cranial lobes. Histological lesions consisted mainly of lymphohistiocytic infiltration with multinucleate giant cells in lymph nodes, spleen, Peyer’s patches, kidney, lung and liver, depletion or lymphoid hyperplasia, as well as lymphohistiocytic interstitial pneumonia and areas of secondary bronchopneumonia. The diagnosis was established through observations of the symptoms and typical lesions, and was confirmed by immunohistochemical examination and PCR. The objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of the outbreak of PMWS, because of the severe direct or indirect economical losses caused by the disease to the world pig industry.

• Postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome porcine circovirus type 2 pathology immunohistochemistry PCR.

Abstract in Portuguese:

França T.N., Peixoto P.V., Brito M.F., Driemeier D., Mores N. & Zanella J. 2005. [Outbreak of Circovirosis (Porcine Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.] Surto de Circovirose (Síndrome Definhante Multissistêmica de Suínos Desmamados) no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):39-53. Universidade Estácio de Sá, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Disciplina de Anatomia Patológica, Estrada Boca do Mato 850, Vargem Pequena, RJ 22783-320, Brazil. E-mail: ticianaf@uol.com.br The first outbreak of Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) in swine, which occurred in southeastern Brazil, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is described. The disease, which affects mainly weaned about 4 month-old pigs, caused the death of at least 14 animals. The property, where the outbreak occurred, had inadequate sanitary and management conditions. Clinically the disease was characterized by wasting, poor development, cough, tachypnoea, dispnoea, diarrhoea, ataxia, tremors after stimulation, decubitus and convulsions. The course of the disease was acute or subacute. The most important post-mortem findings were enlarged lymphnodes, non-collapsed lungs, with consolidated areas mainly in the cranial lobes. Histological lesions consisted mainly of lymphohistiocytic infiltration with multinucleate giant cells in lymph nodes, spleen, Peyer’s patches, kidney, lung and liver, depletion or lymphoid hyperplasia, as well as lymphohistiocytic interstitial pneumonia and areas of secondary bronchopneumonia. The diagnosis was established through observations of the symptoms and typical lesions, and was confirmed by immunohistochemical examination and PCR. The objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of the outbreak of PMWS, because of the severe direct or indirect economical losses caused by the disease to the world pig industry.

Abstract in English:

Riet-Correa F., Tabosa I.M., Vasconcelos J.S. & Medeiros J.M. 2004. [Floppy Kid Syndrome.] Síndrome do Cabrito Mole (“Floppy Kid”). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):111-113. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br The Floppy Kid Syndrome is an acute disease of unknown cause, which affects 3 to 10 day-old kids. It is characterized by severe depression, flacid paralysis, dilatation of the abdomen and metabolic acidosis, without dehydration (paradoxical acidosis). The disease was decribed for the first time in the United States in 1987 and later in Canada and several countries in Europe (Tremblay et al. 1991, Meier 2002). This paper has the objective to show the characteristics of the disease, which already has been diagnosed in Paraíba and occurs probably in other states of Brazil, so that veterinarians and research workers could recognize it and give informations, which may clarify its etiology and pathogenic aspects. Additionally, the epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology of four outbreaks of floppy kid syndrome in Paraiba are reported.

• “Cabrito Mole” Floppy Kid goats acidosis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Riet-Correa F., Tabosa I.M., Vasconcelos J.S. & Medeiros J.M. 2004. [Floppy Kid Syndrome.] Síndrome do Cabrito Mole (“Floppy Kid”). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):111-113. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br The Floppy Kid Syndrome is an acute disease of unknown cause, which affects 3 to 10 day-old kids. It is characterized by severe depression, flacid paralysis, dilatation of the abdomen and metabolic acidosis, without dehydration (paradoxical acidosis). The disease was decribed for the first time in the United States in 1987 and later in Canada and several countries in Europe (Tremblay et al. 1991, Meier 2002). This paper has the objective to show the characteristics of the disease, which already has been diagnosed in Paraíba and occurs probably in other states of Brazil, so that veterinarians and research workers could recognize it and give informations, which may clarify its etiology and pathogenic aspects. Additionally, the epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology of four outbreaks of floppy kid syndrome in Paraiba are reported.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Loretti A. P., Ilha M. R. S., Riet-Correa G., Driemeier D., Colodel E. M. & Barros C. S. L. 2002. [Pituitary abscess syndrome in calves following injury of the nasal septum by a plastic device used to prevent suckling.] Síndrome do abscesso pituitário em bezerros associada ao uso de tabuleta nasal para desmame interrompido. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(1):39-46. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105- 900, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.corn.br Outbreaks and sporadic cases of the pituitary abscess syndrome are described in calves in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. The disease occurred in eight beef cattle farms in the rnunicipalities of Cachoeira do Sul, Lavras do Sul, Bagé, Osório and Vila Nova do Sul, from 1998 to 2002. Thirty-five (1.4%) out of 2,438 calves with 3-12 rnonths of age were affected and 24 (0.98%) died. A nasal plastic device to prevent suckling had been used in all the affected calves. Clinicai signs consisted of nasal discharge, depression, hypertherrnia, ataxia, circling, head tilt and hyperrnetria, exophtalrnos, dysphagia, partial mandibular paralysis, prolapse of the tangue, difficulty in chewing, drooling and in some cases blindness accompanied or not by aqueous flare, prolapse of the ocular globe and corneal opacity. ln the terminal stages of the disease, there was lateral recumbency, opisthotonus and coma. The main necropsy findings included single large hypophyseal or para-hypophyseal abscesses. Those space-occupying lesions dorsally compressed the brain stem and the cranial nerves adjacent to the hypophysis. In sorne cases, there was also osteornyelitis of the basisphenoid bone, single or rnultiple brain abscesses and leptomeningitis affecting the ventral surface of the brain stern and cervical spinal cord. In a few cases, necrotizing or abscedative rhinitis associated with nose device injury was observed. Histologically, those abscesses consisted mainly of neutrophils adrnixed with cellular debris surrounded by numerous mononuclear cells anda fibrous capsule. Fibrino-suppurative rneningitis affecting the leptorneninges of the cerebellum, brain stem and cervical spinal cord was also observed. In some cases, purulent inflammation extended into the hypophyseal parenchyma. Arcanobacterium (Actinomyces) pyogenes was isolated from the abscesses. The diagnosis of pituitary abscess syndrome was based on epidemiological data, clinicai signs, necropsy findings, histological alterations and bacterial cultures.

• Abscess pituitary rete mirabile nose device diseases of cattle pathology central nervous system Abscesso pituitária tabuleta nasal doenças de bovinos patologia sistema nervoso central.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Loretti A. P., Ilha M. R. S., Riet-Correa G., Driemeier D., Colodel E. M. & Barros C. S. L. 2002. [Pituitary abscess syndrome in calves following injury of the nasal septum by a plastic device used to prevent suckling.] Síndrome do abscesso pituitário em bezerros associada ao uso de tabuleta nasal para desmame interrompido. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(1):39-46. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105- 900, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.corn.br Descrevem-se surtos e casos esporádicos de síndrome do abscesso pituitário em bovinos no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. A doença ocorreu em 8 propriedades de gado de corte, nos municípios de Cachoeira do Sul, Lavras do Sul, Bagé, Osório e Vila Nova do Sul, no período de 1998 a 2002. De um total de 2.438 bezerros submetidos ao desmame interrompido com o uso da tabuleta nasal, aproximadamente 35 (1,4%) animais adoeceram e 24 (0,98%) morreram. A idade dos bezerros afetados variava entre 3 e 12 meses. Os animais doentes apresentavam corrimento nasal, depressão, febre, incoordenação motora, andar em círculos, desvio lateral da cabeça, hipermetria, exoftalmia, disfagia, mandíbula caída, protusão lingual, dificuldade de mastigação e sialorréia. Em alguns casos, observou-se também cegueira, acompanhada ou não de turvação dos humores do globo ocular, exoftalmia e opacidade da córnea. Nas fases terminais, ocorriam decúbito lateral, convulsões, nistagmo, opistótono, coma e morte. Os principais achados de necropsia consistiam em abscessos únicos pituitários ou parapituitários que comprimiam dorsalniente o tronco encefálico e nervos cranianos próximos à pituitária. Em alguns casos, havia osteomielite envolvendo o osso baso-esfenóide com a formação de abscessos na substância encefálica, leptomeningite na superfície ventral do encéfalo e medula espinhal cervical e rinite necrosante ou abscedativa associada às lesões traumáticas provocadas pela colocação da tabuleta nasal. Histologicamente, os abscessos correspondiam a grandes agregados de neutrófilos e restos celulares circundados por células mononucleares e proliferação de tecido conjuntivo. Meningite fibrinopurulenta nas leptomeninges do cerebelo, tronco encefálico e medula espinhal cervical também foi observada. Em alguns casos, a inflamação purulenta se estendia para o parênquima da pituitária. Arcanobacterium (Actinomyces) pyogenes foi isolado dos abscessos. O diagnóstico de síndrome do abscesso pituitário foi baseado nos dados epidemiológicos, sinais clínicos, achados macroscópicos, histológicos e microbiológicos.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Ilha M.R.S., Riet-Correa F. & Barros C.S.L. 2001. [Dysthermic syntlrome (hyperthermia) in cattle associated with poisoning by Claviceps purpúrea] Síndrome distêrmica (hipertermia) em bovinos associada à intoxicação por Claviceps purpurea. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 21(2):81-86. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105- 900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: ilha76@mailcity.com Three outbreaks of dysthermic syndrome (hyperthermia) associated with poisoning by Claviceps purpurea are described in dairy cattle in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. During the summer of 1999/2000, 37 cattle out of 66 (56%) were affected up to 3 months after the introduction of a new batch of feed contaminated by this fungus. The main clinical signs included pyrexia, dull, rough and long hair coats, intense salivation, difficult respiration with open mouth and, in some cases, with the tangue protruding from the mouth. Affected cattle sought shade or remained within water ponds. There was a 10-30% reduction in feed intake and loss of weight. Reduction in milk yield was 30-50%. Clinical signs were more intense during daytime, and their intensity were directly proportional to the environmental temperature. Necropsy findings in one necropsied cow included mild pulmonary emphysema, mainly in dorsal aspect of the diaphragmatic lobes. Histollogically, there were moderate hypertrophy of the smooth muscle layer ofbronchioles, rupture of alveolar septae with resulting club-shaped alveolar stumps. Sclerotia of C. purpurea were found in the ration fed to cattle in the three farms where the outbreaks occurred. Affected cattle recovered approximately 60 days after feeding the contaminated ration was discontinued. Diagnosis was based on epidemiological data, clinical signs, presence of sclerotia of C. purpurea in the feed of affected cattle, necropsy and histopathological findings. The pathogenesis, clinical signs and pathology of dysthermic syndrome are discussed and compared to other reports on this condition.

• Dysthermic syndrome hyperthermia Claviceps purpurea mycotoxicosis diseases of cattle Síndrome distérmica hipertermia micotoxicoses doenças de bovinos.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Ilha M.R.S., Riet-Correa F. & Barros C.S.L. 2001. [Dysthermic syntlrome (hyperthermia) in cattle associated with poisoning by Claviceps purpúrea] Síndrome distêrmica (hipertermia) em bovinos associada à intoxicação por Claviceps purpurea. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 21(2):81-86. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105- 900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: ilha76@mailcity.com Descrevem-se três surtos de síndrome distérmica (hipertermia) associada à intoxicação por Claviceps purpurea, em bovinos de leite durante o verão de 1999-2000, em três estabelecimentos do Rio Grande do Sul. De um total de 66 bovinos que ingeriram a ração contaminada com o fungo, 37 (56%) adoeceram até 3 meses após a introdução da ração contaminada. Os principais sinais clínicos foram temperatura retal elevada, pêlos compridos, longos e sem brilho, salivação intensa, respiração ofegante, com a boca aberta e, em alguns casos, com a língua para fora da cavidade oral. Os animais acometidos procuravam sombra ou permaneciam dentro d'água. Houve diminuição de 10 a 30% no consumo de alimentos e perda de peso. A redução na produção de leite foi de 30 a 50%. Os sinais clínicos se intensificavam d0rante o dia e eram diretamente proporcionais à elevação da temperatura ambiental. Os achados de necropsia em um bovino que foi eutanasiado, incluíram leve enfisema pulmonar, principalmente na região dorsal dos lobos pulmonares diafragmáticos. Histologicamente havia moderada hipertrofia da musculatura lisa dos bronquíolos e ruptura de septos alveolares formando cotos alveolares em clava. Nos três estabelecimentos onde ocorreram os surtos, escleródios de C. purpurea foram observados nas amostras de ração fornecida aos bovinos. Os animais afetados recuperaram-se após aproximadamente 60 dias da retirada da ração contaminada. O diagnóstico baseou-se em dados epidemiológicos, sinais clínicos, na presença de escleródios de C. purpurea na ração fornecida aos animais, nos achados de necropsia e na histopatologia. A patogenia e o quadro clínico-patológico observados são discutidos e comparados com outros relatos dessa enfermidade.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Sousa R.S. & lrigoyen L.F. 1999. [Experimental poisoning by Phalaris angusta (Gramineae) in cattle.] Intoxicação experimental por Phalaris angusta (Gramineae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 19(3/4):116-122. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. To investigate the effects of the ingestion of different amounts of Phalaris angusta, eight 6-8-month-old calves were assigned to four treatment groups. Group I calves were fed only P. angusta. Group II calves were feda mixture of 75 % of P. angusta and 25% of oat (Avena sativa) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), whereas group III calves received a mixture of 50% of P.angusta and 50% of oat and ryegrass. Group IV calves received only oat and ryegrass and served as contras. P. angusta was toxic for calves. One group I calf died 34 days after the beginning of the ingestion of the plant, and the other calves were euthanatized in extremis 18 to 32 days after de beginning of the experiment. The main clinical signs were locomotor disorders, generalized tremors, frequent falis, and convulsions. Gross findings were confined to the brain and consisted of focal areas of green-bluish discoloration in the thalamus, mesencephalon, and medulla oblongata. Microscopic lesions were characterized by the presence of a intracytoplasmic yellow-brown indole-like pigment in neurons from grossly affected areas. Ultrastructural changes consisted of swollen lysosomes containing membranous material with variable orientation and density. The amount of ingested P. angusta was not a determinant factor for the severity of clinical signs and lesions. The extension of gross and microscopic lesions was not directly related with the intensity of the clinical signs. P. angusta was exclusively neurotoxic and should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of neurological disease of cattle with clinical signs consistent with tremorgenic syndrome.

• Poisonous plants CNS disease Phalaris angusta cattle Plantas tóxicas síndrome tremorgênica bovino.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Sousa R.S. & lrigoyen L.F. 1999. [Experimental poisoning by Phalaris angusta (Gramineae) in cattle.] Intoxicação experimental por Phalaris angusta (Gramineae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 19(3/4):116-122. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. Para investigar os efeitos da ingestão de diferentes quantidades da planta Phalaris angusta em bovinos, oito bezerros, com idade variando entre 6-8 meses, foram divididos em 4 grupos com 2 animais cada. Os animais do grupo I receberam somente P. angusta na alimentação, enquanto que os animais do grupo II receberam P. angusta (75%), aveia (Avena sativa) e azevém (Lolium multiflorum) (25%). Os animais do grupo III receberam P. angusta (50%), aveia e azevém (50%) e os animais do grupo IV receberam somente aveia e azevém e serviram como controles. Todos os animais que ingeriram P. angusta adoeceram. Um animal do grupo I morreu 34 dias após o início da ingestão da planta e os outros animais foram sacrificados, in extremis, em um período que variou de 18 a 32 dias após o início do experimento. Os principais sinais clínicos observados foram alterações de locomoção, tremores generalizados, quedas e crises convulsivas. Alterações macroscópicas foram observadas apenas no encéfalo e eram caracterizadas por focos de coloração verde-azulada no tálamo, mesencéfalo e medula oblonga. Microscopicamente observou-se pigmento granular marrom-amarelado no citoplasma de neurônios das regiões macroscopicamente afetadas. Alterações ultra-estruturais consistiram de lisossomos contendo material com densidade e orientação variáveis. A quantidade de P. angusta ingerida não foi um fator determinante na gravidade do quadro clínico, nem na intensidade das lesões observadas. A intensidade dos sinais clínicos também não teve uma relação direta com a severidade das lesões macro e microscópicas. Phalaris angusta demonstrou ter ação exclusivamente neurotóxica e deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial em casos de animais com sinais clínicos de origem nervosa, consistentes com síndrome tremorgênica.