PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Vasconcelos J.S., Oliveira Neto T.S., Nascimento H.H.L., Barbosa F.M.S., Rezende F.Y.S, Oliveira L.G., Lucena R.B. & Dantas A.F.M. 2017. [Clinical and histopathological characterization of allergic dermatitis in dogs.] Caracterização clínica e histopatológica das dermatites alérgicas em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 37(3):248-256. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Campus Patos, Av. Universitária s/n, Bairro Santa Cecília. Cx. Postal 61, Patos, PB 58708-110, Brazil. E-mail: veterinariojsv@yahoo.com.br This paper describes the clinical and histopathological features of allergic dermatitis in dogs diagnosed the metropolitan region of João Pessoa, Paraíba. From September 2014 to September 2015 a total of 90 dogs with skin lesions was studied. Twenty-four cases showed changes consistent with allergic dermatitis, in 12 males and 12 females. The age of dogs ranged from 3 months to 15 years. Atopic dermatitis was the most common, affecting 58.33% (14/24) of the dogs, followed by food hypersensitivity dermatitis at 25% (6/24), allergic contact dermatitis at 8.33% (2/24), a case of allergic dermatitis flea and one case of drug hypersensitivity, which represented 4.17% respectively. Gross lesions included hypotrichosis, hyperpigmentation, comedones, erythema, alopecia, xerosis, erosions, ulcers, and exudates. Anatomically distributed was on face, head, neck, thoracolumbar, lumbosacral, flank, limbs and abdomen. The most common microscopic lesions were hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, spongiosis and exocytosis of lymphocytes in the epidermis. In the superficial dermis was observed perivasculitis, perianexite and in some cases pigmentary incontinence, edema, dilated lymphatic vessels and sweat glands. Histopathological examination associated with medical history, clinical examination and skin examen are important tools for the diagnosis of allergic dermatitis in dogs, as well as for associated therapeutic measures.

• Dermatitis skin diseases hypersensitivity dermatite caninos dermatopatias hipersensibilidade

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Vasconcelos J.S., Oliveira Neto T.S., Nascimento H.H.L., Barbosa F.M.S., Rezende F.Y.S, Oliveira L.G., Lucena R.B. & Dantas A.F.M. 2017. [Clinical and histopathological characterization of allergic dermatitis in dogs.] Caracterização clínica e histopatológica das dermatites alérgicas em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 37(3):248-256. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Campus Patos, Av. Universitária s/n, Bairro Santa Cecília. Cx. Postal 61, Patos, PB 58708-110, Brazil. E-mail: veterinariojsv@yahoo.com.br Descrevem-se as características clínicas e histopatológicas da dermatite alérgica diagnosticada em cães da região metropolitana de João Pessoa, Paraíba. Durante o período de setembro de 2014 a setembro de 2015, um total de 90 cães com lesões cutâneas. Desses 24 apresentaram alterações compatíveis com dermatite alérgica, sendo 12 machos e 12 fêmeas. A dermatite atópica (DA) foi a mais frequente, afetando 58,33% (14/24) dos cães, seguido por dermatite por hipersensibilidade alimentar (HA) 25% (6/24), dermatite de contato alérgica (DAC) com 8,33% (2/24) dos casos, dermatite alérgica por picada de pulgas (DAPP) com um caso e a hipersensibilidade a medicamento (farmacodermia) também um caso, que representou 4,17% respectivamente. As lesões macroscópicas incluíram hipotricose, hiperpigmentação, comedões, eritema, alopecia, xerose, erosões, úlceras e exsudato, anatomicamente distribuídas na face, cabeça, pescoço, toracolombar, lombossacra, flanco, membros e abdome. As lesões microscópicas mais frequentes foram hiperceratose, acantose, espongiose e exocitose de linfócitos na epiderme. Na derme superficial foi observada perivasculite, perianexite e em alguns casos de incontinência pigmentar, edema, dilatação de vasos sanguíneos, linfáticos e glândulas sudoríparas. O exame histopatológico associado com a história clínica, exame clínico e pele são ferramentas importantes para o diagnóstico de dermatite alérgica em cães, bem como medidas terapêuticas associadas.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Vasconcelos J.S., Riet-Correa F., Dantas A.F., Medeiros R.M.T. & Dantas A.J.A. 2008. [Sudden deaths caused by Palicourea aeneofusca (Rubiaceae) and Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae) in cattle in the Zona da Mata of Paraíba.] Mortes súbitas em bovinos causadas por Palicourea aeneofusca (Rubiaceae) e Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae) na Zona da Mata Paraibana. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):457-460. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br. This paper reports an outbreak of poisoning by Palicourea aeneofusca in cattle, in the municipality of Jacaraú, and another by Mascagnia rigida in the municipality of Sapé. Both outbreaks occurred in the Zona da Mata of Paraíba, where there are no previous reports of poisoning by toxic plants causing sudden death associated to exercise. The toxicity of both plants was tested in rabbits. The lethal dose was of 3g per kg body weight (g/kg) for fresh P. aeneofusca and 10g/kg for fresh Mascagnia rigida. On the farm where the poisoning by P. aeneofusca was observed, M. rigida also was found. The farmer reported that this plant also caused sudden death previously. M. rigida collected on that farm and given dried to rabbits caused death at the dose of 10gkg. The poisoning by P. aeneofusca in cattle had been previously reported in the Zona da Mata and Agreste of Pernambuco and east of Bahia. There are also numerous farmers’ reports about the occurrence of the poisoning in the Zona da Mata of Alagoas, suggesting that it occurs in the whole coastal region, from Bahia to Paraíba. M. rigida is the most important toxic plant for cattle in the Brazilian semiarid. The results of this paper demonstrate that this plant poisoning also occurs in the tropical wet climate of the Zona da Mata.

• Toxic plants Palicourea aeneofusca Mascagnia rigida cattle rabbits plant poisoning fluoroacetic acid cardiac failure

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Vasconcelos J.S., Riet-Correa F., Dantas A.F., Medeiros R.M.T. & Dantas A.J.A. 2008. [Sudden deaths caused by Palicourea aeneofusca (Rubiaceae) and Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae) in cattle in the Zona da Mata of Paraíba.] Mortes súbitas em bovinos causadas por Palicourea aeneofusca (Rubiaceae) e Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae) na Zona da Mata Paraibana. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):457-460. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br. This paper reports an outbreak of poisoning by Palicourea aeneofusca in cattle, in the municipality of Jacaraú, and another by Mascagnia rigida in the municipality of Sapé. Both outbreaks occurred in the Zona da Mata of Paraíba, where there are no previous reports of poisoning by toxic plants causing sudden death associated to exercise. The toxicity of both plants was tested in rabbits. The lethal dose was of 3g per kg body weight (g/kg) for fresh P. aeneofusca and 10g/kg for fresh Mascagnia rigida. On the farm where the poisoning by P. aeneofusca was observed, M. rigida also was found. The farmer reported that this plant also caused sudden death previously. M. rigida collected on that farm and given dried to rabbits caused death at the dose of 10gkg. The poisoning by P. aeneofusca in cattle had been previously reported in the Zona da Mata and Agreste of Pernambuco and east of Bahia. There are also numerous farmers’ reports about the occurrence of the poisoning in the Zona da Mata of Alagoas, suggesting that it occurs in the whole coastal region, from Bahia to Paraíba. M. rigida is the most important toxic plant for cattle in the Brazilian semiarid. The results of this paper demonstrate that this plant poisoning also occurs in the tropical wet climate of the Zona da Mata.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Vasconcelos J.S., Riet-Correa F., Dantas A.F.M., Medeiros R.M.T., Galiza G.J.N., Oliveira D.M. & Pessoa A.F.A. 2008. [Poisoning by Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae) in sheep and goats.] Intoxicação por Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae) em ovinos e caprinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):521-526. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail. franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Mascagnia rigida is the most important toxic plant for cattle in the Northeastern region of Brazil, causing sudden death during exercise. The objectives of this research were to report three outbreaks of poisoning by M. rigida in sheep and one in goats in the semiarid of the state of Paraíba, to reproduce experimentally the disease, and to determine if the active principle of the plant is eliminated through the milk. The outbreaks occurred at beginning of the raining season, when the plant sprouts ahead other forages, or after the end of the raining season, when M. rigida stayed green and other forages had dried. In the experimental reproduction of the poisoning doses of 10 and 20g of M. rigida per kg body weight from two different regions were lethal to 3 goats and 3 sheep. One goat that ingested 20g/kg and a sheep that ingested 10g/kg recovered. Two sheep and two goats that ingested 5g/kg had mild clinical signs and recovered. Clinical signs of experimental and spontaneous cases were ingurgitation of the jugular veins, reluctance to move, sternal recumbence, incoordination, respiratory distress, depression, instability, and muscular tremors. Death occurred after a clinical manifestation period of about 4 min to 27h40min. The main lesions were pulmonary edema and vacuolization and necrosis of epithelial cells in some renal tubules. To test if the active principle of M. rigida causes sudden deaths in newborn lambs and kids, 2g/kg of the plant were given daily to two goats and five sheep in the 15 days previous to parturition. One sheep aborted two lambs, 5 days before parturition. The four lambs of the other four sheep ingested the colostrum without problems. The kid from one goat ingested the colostrum and died suddenly 5 minutes after. The kid from the other goat died immediately after parturition before ingestion of colostrum. These results suggest that the active principle of M. rigida was eliminated through the milk at toxic doses for the kids. Management measures to prevent the poisoning are recommended.

• Toxic plants Mascagnia rigida Malpighiaceae sudden death fluoroacetic acid semiarid small ruminants

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Vasconcelos J.S., Riet-Correa F., Dantas A.F.M., Medeiros R.M.T., Galiza G.J.N., Oliveira D.M. & Pessoa A.F.A. 2008. [Poisoning by Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae) in sheep and goats.] Intoxicação por Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae) em ovinos e caprinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):521-526. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail. franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Mascagnia rigida is the most important toxic plant for cattle in the Northeastern region of Brazil, causing sudden death during exercise. The objectives of this research were to report three outbreaks of poisoning by M. rigida in sheep and one in goats in the semiarid of the state of Paraíba, to reproduce experimentally the disease, and to determine if the active principle of the plant is eliminated through the milk. The outbreaks occurred at beginning of the raining season, when the plant sprouts ahead other forages, or after the end of the raining season, when M. rigida stayed green and other forages had dried. In the experimental reproduction of the poisoning doses of 10 and 20g of M. rigida per kg body weight from two different regions were lethal to 3 goats and 3 sheep. One goat that ingested 20g/kg and a sheep that ingested 10g/kg recovered. Two sheep and two goats that ingested 5g/kg had mild clinical signs and recovered. Clinical signs of experimental and spontaneous cases were ingurgitation of the jugular veins, reluctance to move, sternal recumbence, incoordination, respiratory distress, depression, instability, and muscular tremors. Death occurred after a clinical manifestation period of about 4 min to 27h40min. The main lesions were pulmonary edema and vacuolization and necrosis of epithelial cells in some renal tubules. To test if the active principle of M. rigida causes sudden deaths in newborn lambs and kids, 2g/kg of the plant were given daily to two goats and five sheep in the 15 days previous to parturition. One sheep aborted two lambs, 5 days before parturition. The four lambs of the other four sheep ingested the colostrum without problems. The kid from one goat ingested the colostrum and died suddenly 5 minutes after. The kid from the other goat died immediately after parturition before ingestion of colostrum. These results suggest that the active principle of M. rigida was eliminated through the milk at toxic doses for the kids. Management measures to prevent the poisoning are recommended.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Riet-Correa F., Simões S.D.V. & Vasconcelos J.S. 2008. [Urolithiasis in sheep and goats.] Urolitíase em ovinos e caprinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(6):319-322. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Urolithiasis is a common disease in the Brazilian semiarid in rams and bucks fed with grains, mainly with low C:P ratio. From 28 rams with urolithiasis sent to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande, Paraíba, 19 died and 9 survived, and from the bucks, 13 died and 3 survived At necropsy the main lesions were presence of calculi in the urethra and urinary bladder, diffuse purulent urethritis, hemorrhagic necrotizing urethritis, rupture of the urethra with presence of urine in the subcutaneous tissue, hydronephrosis, urinary bladder rupture, necrotizing diffuse nephritis, pyelonephritis, renal hemorrhage, and renal rupture. The severity of the lesions is responsible for the high case fatality rate despite medical and chirurgic treatment. The most important preventive measure is the correction of the Ca:P ratio to at least 2:1. The administration of good quality roughage in the food is also necessary. In cases in which the amount of concentrate food is higher than 1.5% live weight, the addition of 1% ammonium chloride and 0.5-4% of sodium chloride in the diet could be also necessary. Water had to be offered ad libitum. It is necessary to abolish the use of ad libitum mineral supplementation in sheep and goats fed grains or their byproducts.

• Urolithiasis grain feeding phosphorous phosphorus:calcium rate

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Riet-Correa F., Simões S.D.V. & Vasconcelos J.S. 2008. [Urolithiasis in sheep and goats.] Urolitíase em ovinos e caprinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(6):319-322. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Urolithiasis is a common disease in the Brazilian semiarid in rams and bucks fed with grains, mainly with low C:P ratio. From 28 rams with urolithiasis sent to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande, Paraíba, 19 died and 9 survived, and from the bucks, 13 died and 3 survived At necropsy the main lesions were presence of calculi in the urethra and urinary bladder, diffuse purulent urethritis, hemorrhagic necrotizing urethritis, rupture of the urethra with presence of urine in the subcutaneous tissue, hydronephrosis, urinary bladder rupture, necrotizing diffuse nephritis, pyelonephritis, renal hemorrhage, and renal rupture. The severity of the lesions is responsible for the high case fatality rate despite medical and chirurgic treatment. The most important preventive measure is the correction of the Ca:P ratio to at least 2:1. The administration of good quality roughage in the food is also necessary. In cases in which the amount of concentrate food is higher than 1.5% live weight, the addition of 1% ammonium chloride and 0.5-4% of sodium chloride in the diet could be also necessary. Water had to be offered ad libitum. It is necessary to abolish the use of ad libitum mineral supplementation in sheep and goats fed grains or their byproducts.

Abstract in English:

Medeiros J.M., Tabosa I.M., Simões S.V.D., Nóbrega Jr J. E., Vasconcelos J.S. & Riet-Correa F. 2005. [Perinatal mortality in kids in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil.] Mortalidade perinatal em cabritos no semi-árido da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):201-206. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-970 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br The causes of perinatal kid mortality were studied from May 2002 to August 2004 in the semiarid region of Paraíba. In 118 necropsied kids the frequency of different causes of death were neonatal infections (50%), distocia (12.71%), hypothermia/starvation (11.86%), malformations (7.62%), floppy kid (6.77%) and abortions (1.69%). Regarding the time of death, 1.69% of the kids died before parturition, 16.94% during the parturition and 81.34 % after birth. The high occurrence of neonatal infections, dystocias, and hypothermia/starvation is probably to due to factors related with error in the sanitary, reproductive and nutritional management. Arthrogryposis of the forelimbs was the main malformation observed. This defect is endemic in goat flocks in the semi-arid of Brazil. Most deaths occurred after birth (25.42%) and from the 4th to the 28th day of life (38.98%) suggesting that care with the kids during their first 28 days of life is important for the improvement of the survival rate.

• Perinatal mortality kids semiarid region Brazil.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Medeiros J.M., Tabosa I.M., Simões S.V.D., Nóbrega Jr J. E., Vasconcelos J.S. & Riet-Correa F. 2005. [Perinatal mortality in kids in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil.] Mortalidade perinatal em cabritos no semi-árido da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):201-206. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-970 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br The causes of perinatal kid mortality were studied from May 2002 to August 2004 in the semiarid region of Paraíba. In 118 necropsied kids the frequency of different causes of death were neonatal infections (50%), distocia (12.71%), hypothermia/starvation (11.86%), malformations (7.62%), floppy kid (6.77%) and abortions (1.69%). Regarding the time of death, 1.69% of the kids died before parturition, 16.94% during the parturition and 81.34 % after birth. The high occurrence of neonatal infections, dystocias, and hypothermia/starvation is probably to due to factors related with error in the sanitary, reproductive and nutritional management. Arthrogryposis of the forelimbs was the main malformation observed. This defect is endemic in goat flocks in the semi-arid of Brazil. Most deaths occurred after birth (25.42%) and from the 4th to the 28th day of life (38.98%) suggesting that care with the kids during their first 28 days of life is important for the improvement of the survival rate.

Abstract in English:

Nóbrega Jr J.E., Riet-Correa F., Nóbrega R.S., Medeiros J.M., Vasconcelos J.S., Simões S.V.D. & Tabosa I.M. 2005. [Perinatal mortality of lambs in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, Brazil.] Mortalidade perinatal de cordeiros no semi-árido da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):171-178. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, UFCG, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br The causes of perinatal lamb mortality were studied, from March 2002 to October 2004, on 27 farms in the semiarid region of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. In 90 lambs necropsied the following frequency of different causes of death was found: neonatal infections (41.1%), malformations (23.3%), dystocia (10%), starvation/hypothermia (10%), abortion (4.4%), and predation (2.2%). Regarding the time of death, 4.4% of the lambs died before parturition, 10% during parturition, 30% on the first day after parturition, 20% between the second and the third day, and 35.6% between the 4th and the 28th day after parturition. The assistance during parturition, umbilical disinfection of the neonates, colostrum ingestion between 2 and 6 hours after parturition, and keeping the ewes in healthy environmental conditions during and after parturition could improve lamb surviving. The high frequency of malformations in different breeds suggests that malformations are due to a toxic plant. The main defects were permanent flexure of the front legs, brachygnathia, cleft palate, and other head malformations. In a recent report the authors demonstrated the teratogenic effects of Mimosa tenuiflora, a very common plant in the semiarid region, which is probably the cause of those malformations. Lambs which died due to starvation/hypothermia and had low birth weight (1.37 ± 0.70kg), suggesting that a better nutrition of the ewe during the last trimester of gestation is a way to control this cause of lamb mortality. Considering that in the northeastern region, in most farms, the rams stay with the ewes during the whole year, the adoption of a breeding season would help to control the different causes of perinatal lamb mortality.

• Lamb mortality newborn lambs sheep production perinatal mortality.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Nóbrega Jr J.E., Riet-Correa F., Nóbrega R.S., Medeiros J.M., Vasconcelos J.S., Simões S.V.D. & Tabosa I.M. 2005. [Perinatal mortality of lambs in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, Brazil.] Mortalidade perinatal de cordeiros no semi-árido da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):171-178. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, UFCG, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br The causes of perinatal lamb mortality were studied, from March 2002 to October 2004, on 27 farms in the semiarid region of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. In 90 lambs necropsied the following frequency of different causes of death was found: neonatal infections (41.1%), malformations (23.3%), dystocia (10%), starvation/hypothermia (10%), abortion (4.4%), and predation (2.2%). Regarding the time of death, 4.4% of the lambs died before parturition, 10% during parturition, 30% on the first day after parturition, 20% between the second and the third day, and 35.6% between the 4th and the 28th day after parturition. The assistance during parturition, umbilical disinfection of the neonates, colostrum ingestion between 2 and 6 hours after parturition, and keeping the ewes in healthy environmental conditions during and after parturition could improve lamb surviving. The high frequency of malformations in different breeds suggests that malformations are due to a toxic plant. The main defects were permanent flexure of the front legs, brachygnathia, cleft palate, and other head malformations. In a recent report the authors demonstrated the teratogenic effects of Mimosa tenuiflora, a very common plant in the semiarid region, which is probably the cause of those malformations. Lambs which died due to starvation/hypothermia and had low birth weight (1.37 ± 0.70kg), suggesting that a better nutrition of the ewe during the last trimester of gestation is a way to control this cause of lamb mortality. Considering that in the northeastern region, in most farms, the rams stay with the ewes during the whole year, the adoption of a breeding season would help to control the different causes of perinatal lamb mortality.

Abstract in English:

Nobre V.M.T., Riet-Correa F., Barbosa Filho J.M., Dantas A.F.M., Tabosa I.M. & Vasconcelos J.S. 2004. [Poisoning by Crotalaria retusa (Fabaceae) in Equidae in the semiarid region of Paraíba.] Intoxicação por Crotalaria retusa (Fabaceae) em eqüídeos no semi-árido da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):132-143. Depto Clínicas Veteri-nárias, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: verônica.nobre@uol.com.br From 2000 to 2003 eight cases of poisoning by Crotalaria retusa L. were observed in horses on 8 farms in the semiarid region of Paraíba and Ceará. C. retusa was found in all farms. The main clinical signs were characteristic of hepatic encephalopathy, with dullness or hyperexcitability, head pressing, compulsive walking or circling and, occasionally, violent uncontrollable galloping. Decreased cranial nerve reflexes, ataxia and weakness were also observed. Other clinical signs were anorexia, weight loss, photosensitization and jaundice. The clinical manifestation period varied from 4 to 40 days, but most horses had a previous history of weight loss. At necropsy the livers were hard, with irregular surface and white areas mixed with dark red areas and increased lobular pattern. Mild jaundice, ascitis, hydropericardium and hydrothorax were also observed. Edema and moderate congestion were seen in the lungs. Histologic changes of the liver were characterized by fibrosis, mainly periportal, megalocitosis and bile duct cell proliferation. Multifocal areas of centrilobular or midzonal hemorrhages were also observed. Centrilobular hemorrhagic necrosis was present in two horses. Alzheimer type II astrocytes were observed, isolated or in groups, mainly in the caudate nucleus and cortex in 4 horses. The poisoning was experimentally produced in 1 adult horse and 3 adult donkeys. The horse received daily 100 g of C. retusa seeds and died 52 days after the beginning of the experiment. The dried whole C. retusa was mixed with grass and given to the 3 experimental donkeys at daily doses of 10g/kg, 5g/kg and 2.5g/kg, respectively. The donkey treated with 5g per kg died 48 days after beginning of the experiment and the other two were sacrificed at 120 days. Clinical signs and pathology were similar to those observed in spontaneous cases, but Alhzeimer type II astrocytes were observed only in the donkey that died 48 days after the beginning of ingestion of the plant material. The concentration of monocrotaline in the whole plant given to the donkeys was 0.5%.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Crotalaria retusa Fabaceae hepatic cirrhosis horse pirrolizidine alkaloids.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Nobre V.M.T., Riet-Correa F., Barbosa Filho J.M., Dantas A.F.M., Tabosa I.M. & Vasconcelos J.S. 2004. [Poisoning by Crotalaria retusa (Fabaceae) in Equidae in the semiarid region of Paraíba.] Intoxicação por Crotalaria retusa (Fabaceae) em eqüídeos no semi-árido da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):132-143. Depto Clínicas Veteri-nárias, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: verônica.nobre@uol.com.br From 2000 to 2003 eight cases of poisoning by Crotalaria retusa L. were observed in horses on 8 farms in the semiarid region of Paraíba and Ceará. C. retusa was found in all farms. The main clinical signs were characteristic of hepatic encephalopathy, with dullness or hyperexcitability, head pressing, compulsive walking or circling and, occasionally, violent uncontrollable galloping. Decreased cranial nerve reflexes, ataxia and weakness were also observed. Other clinical signs were anorexia, weight loss, photosensitization and jaundice. The clinical manifestation period varied from 4 to 40 days, but most horses had a previous history of weight loss. At necropsy the livers were hard, with irregular surface and white areas mixed with dark red areas and increased lobular pattern. Mild jaundice, ascitis, hydropericardium and hydrothorax were also observed. Edema and moderate congestion were seen in the lungs. Histologic changes of the liver were characterized by fibrosis, mainly periportal, megalocitosis and bile duct cell proliferation. Multifocal areas of centrilobular or midzonal hemorrhages were also observed. Centrilobular hemorrhagic necrosis was present in two horses. Alzheimer type II astrocytes were observed, isolated or in groups, mainly in the caudate nucleus and cortex in 4 horses. The poisoning was experimentally produced in 1 adult horse and 3 adult donkeys. The horse received daily 100 g of C. retusa seeds and died 52 days after the beginning of the experiment. The dried whole C. retusa was mixed with grass and given to the 3 experimental donkeys at daily doses of 10g/kg, 5g/kg and 2.5g/kg, respectively. The donkey treated with 5g per kg died 48 days after beginning of the experiment and the other two were sacrificed at 120 days. Clinical signs and pathology were similar to those observed in spontaneous cases, but Alhzeimer type II astrocytes were observed only in the donkey that died 48 days after the beginning of ingestion of the plant material. The concentration of monocrotaline in the whole plant given to the donkeys was 0.5%.

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.