PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Feitosa F.L.F., Shimamura M.G., Roberto T., Mendes L.C.N., Peiró J.R., Feres F,C., Bovino, F., Perri S.H.V. & Meireles M.V. 2008. [Importance of Cryptospori-dium spp. as a cause of diarrhea in calves.] Importância de Cryptosporidium spp. como causa de diarréia em bezerros. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):452-456. Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Araçatuba, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: leydsonf@fmva.unesp.br The aim of this research was to evaluate the shedding of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in fecal samples from 14 calves from one dairy farm, from birth until 60 days old and from cows until eight weeks after parturition. The higher percentage of oocysts excreted was observed in 7-day-old calves. In the post-partum period 43.7% of cows were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Further analyses were accomplished in 57 calves from another 32 milk farms, previously known as positive for Cryptosporidium, through oocysts fecal screening and clinical signs analyses until calves were 30 days old. Fecal samples from all animals that presented diarrhea were screened for the presence of bacteria, virus (Rotavirus and Coronavirus ) and protozoa (Eimeria spp.).

• Calves cows cryptosporidiosis Cryptosporidium spp

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Feitosa F.L.F., Shimamura M.G., Roberto T., Mendes L.C.N., Peiró J.R., Feres F,C., Bovino, F., Perri S.H.V. & Meireles M.V. 2008. [Importance of Cryptospori-dium spp. as a cause of diarrhea in calves.] Importância de Cryptosporidium spp. como causa de diarréia em bezerros. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):452-456. Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Araçatuba, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: leydsonf@fmva.unesp.br The aim of this research was to evaluate the shedding of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in fecal samples from 14 calves from one dairy farm, from birth until 60 days old and from cows until eight weeks after parturition. The higher percentage of oocysts excreted was observed in 7-day-old calves. In the post-partum period 43.7% of cows were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Further analyses were accomplished in 57 calves from another 32 milk farms, previously known as positive for Cryptosporidium, through oocysts fecal screening and clinical signs analyses until calves were 30 days old. Fecal samples from all animals that presented diarrhea were screened for the presence of bacteria, virus (Rotavirus and Coronavirus ) and protozoa (Eimeria spp.).

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Arenhart S., Silva L.F., Henzel A., Ferreira R., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2008. [Fetal protection against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in pregnant cows previously immunized with an experimental attenuated vaccine.] Proteção fetal contra o vírus da diarréia viral bovina (BVDV) em vacas prenhes previamente imunizadas com uma vacina experimental atenuada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):461-470. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br This paper reports the antibody response and fetal protection in pregnant cows conferred by an experimental vaccine containing two attenuated strains of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2). Cows (n=19) were vaccinated twice, with a 34-days-interval, with the experimental vaccine and together with non-vaccinated controls (n=18), were mated and challenged between days 60 and 90 of gestation by intranasal inoculation of four heterologous BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 isolates. The antibody response was evaluated by serum-neutralization tests performed at different intervals after vaccination (days 34, 78 and 138 post-vaccination [pv]). Fetal protection was monitored by ultrassonographic and clinical examination of the dams and fetuses during the rest of gestation; and through virological and serological examination of pre-colostral blood obtained from aborted and/or recently born fetuses/calves. At the day of challenge (day 138 pv), all vaccinated cows had neutralizing antibodies in high titers against BVDV-1 (1,280- ³10,240), and with one exception (titer 20), presented moderate to high titers to BVDV-2 (80-1,280). At the end of the monitoring, only three out of 18 control cows (16.6%) delivered healthy, virus-free calves. Fifteen non-vaccinated cows (83.3%) presented signs of fetal infection and/or had reproductive losses. Seven of these cows (38.8%) delivered virus-positive calves; five were healthy and survived (27.7%); two were premature or weak and lasted three and 15 days, respectively. The other eight cows (44.4%) aborted between day 30 post-challenge and the parturition; or delivered premature or stillbirth calves. In contrast, 17 out of 19 (89.4%) vaccinated cows delivery virus-free, healthy calves. One vaccinated cow aborted around day 130 post-challenge, yet this fetus could not be examined for the presence of virus. Another cow delivered a virus-positive calf (5.2%). In summary, the experimental vaccine induced adequate antibody titers in most animals and the immunological response induced by vaccination was able to prevent fetal infection and reproductive losses upon challenge with a pool of heterologous BVDV isolates. Hence, this experimental vaccine may be an attractive alternative for the prevention of reproductive losses associated with BVDV infection.

• Bovine viral diarrhea virus BVDV experimental vaccine fetal protection

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Arenhart S., Silva L.F., Henzel A., Ferreira R., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2008. [Fetal protection against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in pregnant cows previously immunized with an experimental attenuated vaccine.] Proteção fetal contra o vírus da diarréia viral bovina (BVDV) em vacas prenhes previamente imunizadas com uma vacina experimental atenuada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):461-470. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br This paper reports the antibody response and fetal protection in pregnant cows conferred by an experimental vaccine containing two attenuated strains of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2). Cows (n=19) were vaccinated twice, with a 34-days-interval, with the experimental vaccine and together with non-vaccinated controls (n=18), were mated and challenged between days 60 and 90 of gestation by intranasal inoculation of four heterologous BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 isolates. The antibody response was evaluated by serum-neutralization tests performed at different intervals after vaccination (days 34, 78 and 138 post-vaccination [pv]). Fetal protection was monitored by ultrassonographic and clinical examination of the dams and fetuses during the rest of gestation; and through virological and serological examination of pre-colostral blood obtained from aborted and/or recently born fetuses/calves. At the day of challenge (day 138 pv), all vaccinated cows had neutralizing antibodies in high titers against BVDV-1 (1,280- ³10,240), and with one exception (titer 20), presented moderate to high titers to BVDV-2 (80-1,280). At the end of the monitoring, only three out of 18 control cows (16.6%) delivered healthy, virus-free calves. Fifteen non-vaccinated cows (83.3%) presented signs of fetal infection and/or had reproductive losses. Seven of these cows (38.8%) delivered virus-positive calves; five were healthy and survived (27.7%); two were premature or weak and lasted three and 15 days, respectively. The other eight cows (44.4%) aborted between day 30 post-challenge and the parturition; or delivered premature or stillbirth calves. In contrast, 17 out of 19 (89.4%) vaccinated cows delivery virus-free, healthy calves. One vaccinated cow aborted around day 130 post-challenge, yet this fetus could not be examined for the presence of virus. Another cow delivered a virus-positive calf (5.2%). In summary, the experimental vaccine induced adequate antibody titers in most animals and the immunological response induced by vaccination was able to prevent fetal infection and reproductive losses upon challenge with a pool of heterologous BVDV isolates. Hence, this experimental vaccine may be an attractive alternative for the prevention of reproductive losses associated with BVDV infection.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Anjos B.L., Irigoyen L.F., Fighera R.A., Gomes A.D., Kommers G.D & Barros C.S.L. 2008. [Acute poisoning by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) in cattle in central Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação aguda por samambaia (Pteridium aquilinum) em bovinos na Região Central do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):501-507. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Cases of acute poisoning by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) in cattle from 10 small farms of seven municipalities of the Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, were reviewed. The study encompassed 6,256 necropsies of cattle considering a 43-year period and included 15 necropsies of cattle dying from acute bracken poisoning. Morbidity and mortality were 17.9% and lethality was virtually 100%. In 40% of the farms the disease occurred in small outbreaks affecting several cattle per farm and in 60% only one bovine was affected in each farm. Main clinical signs include fever (40-42°C), apathy, drooling, and hemorrhages; the latter were mainly from the gums, nostrils, and gastrointestinal tract. Multiple petechiae were observed in several mucosae and in the skin. Occasionally hematuria and blood in the milk were reported. The disease was invariably fatal after a course of approximately two days. Hematological changes included severe neutropenia, non-regenerative normocytic normochromic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Necropsy findings include hemorrhages o varying degrees in several organs and infarcts in the liver. Both hemorrhages and hepatic infarcts were confirmed histologically; clusters of bacterial rods and thrombosed vessels were associated with the infarcts. Marked bone marrow aplasia was a consistent finding in the four cases in which the marrow was evaluated.

• Diseases of cattle poisonous plants Pteridium aquilinum bracken fern hemorrhagic disorders pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Anjos B.L., Irigoyen L.F., Fighera R.A., Gomes A.D., Kommers G.D & Barros C.S.L. 2008. [Acute poisoning by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) in cattle in central Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação aguda por samambaia (Pteridium aquilinum) em bovinos na Região Central do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):501-507. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Cases of acute poisoning by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) in cattle from 10 small farms of seven municipalities of the Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, were reviewed. The study encompassed 6,256 necropsies of cattle considering a 43-year period and included 15 necropsies of cattle dying from acute bracken poisoning. Morbidity and mortality were 17.9% and lethality was virtually 100%. In 40% of the farms the disease occurred in small outbreaks affecting several cattle per farm and in 60% only one bovine was affected in each farm. Main clinical signs include fever (40-42°C), apathy, drooling, and hemorrhages; the latter were mainly from the gums, nostrils, and gastrointestinal tract. Multiple petechiae were observed in several mucosae and in the skin. Occasionally hematuria and blood in the milk were reported. The disease was invariably fatal after a course of approximately two days. Hematological changes included severe neutropenia, non-regenerative normocytic normochromic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Necropsy findings include hemorrhages o varying degrees in several organs and infarcts in the liver. Both hemorrhages and hepatic infarcts were confirmed histologically; clusters of bacterial rods and thrombosed vessels were associated with the infarcts. Marked bone marrow aplasia was a consistent finding in the four cases in which the marrow was evaluated.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Costa M.C., Flaiban K.K.M.C., Coneglian M.M., Feitosa F.L.F., Balarin M.R.S. & Lisbôa J.A.N. 2008. [Passive transfer of immunity in Nelore and Limousin calves and serum proteinogram in the first four months of life.] Transferência de imunidade passiva em bezerros das raças Nelore e Limousin e proteinograma sérico nos primeiros quatro meses de vida. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(9):410-416. Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: janlisboa@uel.br To study the passive transfer of immunity, 90 healthy calves, 45 Nelore and 45 Limousin, were grouped (n=15) according to their dam’s parity: first, second or third or more calvings. Blood samples were draw from each calf with 24 to 36 hours of life and 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. The total serum (TSP) and plasma (TPP) proteins, gamaglutamiltransferase activity (GGT), serum albumin, alpha, beta and gammaglobulin by electrophoresis in agarose gel and IgG estimated by the zinc sulphate turbidity test were determined. Two-way-ANOVA was used to compare the data in the first age. The age behaviour was analysed through repeated measures ANOVA. Correlations were established between the variables. The passive transfer of immunity was successful in both breeds and the parity of the dam had no effect on the calves’ serum gammaglobulin concentration. The levels of gammaglobulins were higher at the end of the first day of life, and decreased until 60 days. From there on, the increase due to the active production of antibodies was precocious in taurine calves and slower in Zebu calves. At the end of the first day of life, the gammaglobulin was correlated with IgG (r=0,859), TPP (r=0,807), TSP (r=0,811) and GGT (r=0,399). The variation of serum proteins followed the normal pattern throughout the first four months of life, with little differences between taurine and Zebu calves.

• Calves Zebu taurine serum proteins immunoglobulins

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Costa M.C., Flaiban K.K.M.C., Coneglian M.M., Feitosa F.L.F., Balarin M.R.S. & Lisbôa J.A.N. 2008. [Passive transfer of immunity in Nelore and Limousin calves and serum proteinogram in the first four months of life.] Transferência de imunidade passiva em bezerros das raças Nelore e Limousin e proteinograma sérico nos primeiros quatro meses de vida. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(9):410-416. Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: janlisboa@uel.br To study the passive transfer of immunity, 90 healthy calves, 45 Nelore and 45 Limousin, were grouped (n=15) according to their dam’s parity: first, second or third or more calvings. Blood samples were draw from each calf with 24 to 36 hours of life and 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. The total serum (TSP) and plasma (TPP) proteins, gamaglutamiltransferase activity (GGT), serum albumin, alpha, beta and gammaglobulin by electrophoresis in agarose gel and IgG estimated by the zinc sulphate turbidity test were determined. Two-way-ANOVA was used to compare the data in the first age. The age behaviour was analysed through repeated measures ANOVA. Correlations were established between the variables. The passive transfer of immunity was successful in both breeds and the parity of the dam had no effect on the calves’ serum gammaglobulin concentration. The levels of gammaglobulins were higher at the end of the first day of life, and decreased until 60 days. From there on, the increase due to the active production of antibodies was precocious in taurine calves and slower in Zebu calves. At the end of the first day of life, the gammaglobulin was correlated with IgG (r=0,859), TPP (r=0,807), TSP (r=0,811) and GGT (r=0,399). The variation of serum proteins followed the normal pattern throughout the first four months of life, with little differences between taurine and Zebu calves.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Fighera R.A., Souza T.M., Silva M.C., Brum J.S., Graça D.L., Kommers G.D., Irigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2008. [Causes of death and reasons for euthanasia in dogs from the midland region of the Midwest of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil (1965-2004).] Causas de morte e razões para eutanásia de cães da Mesorregião do Centro Ocidental Rio-Grandense (1965-2004). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(4):223-230. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: anemiaveterinaria@yahoo.com.br The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of diseases culminating with death or motivating euthanasia of dogs from the midland region of the Midwest of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The necropsy files of the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV) of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) were accessed and necropsy protocols of dogs necropsied between January 1965 and December 2004 were reviewed. During this period 4,844 reports of canine necropsies were filed at the LPV-UFSM. The case distribution in relation to the disease categories diagnosed was as follows: infectious and parasitic diseases (1,693 [35.0%]); neoplasms (378 [7.8%]); disorders caused by physical agents (369 [7.6%]); degenerative diseases (342 [7.1%]); poisonings and toxinfections (112 [2.3%]); euthanasia due to convenience (101 [2.1%]); metabolic and endocrinological diseases (97 [2.0%]); iatrogenic disorders (83 [1.7%]); developmental disorders (25 [0.5%]); immune mediate diseases (10 [0.2%]); and nutritional disorders (6 [0.1%]). Other disorders, including multifactorial or idiopathic diseases contributed 80 (1.6%) cases. In 1,548 (32.0%) out of the 4,844 cases it was not possible to establish either cause of death or reason for euthanasia. Infectious and parasitic diseases (mainly canine distemper, parvoviral enteritis and intestinal parasitism), neoplasia (mainly mammary neoplasms and lymphoma), disorders caused by physical agents (mainly accidents caused by automotive vehicles) and degenerative diseases (mainly chronic renal failure, cirrhosis, and congestive heart failure) were the main disease categories causing death or motivating euthanasia in dogs of this midland region. However, when cases were evaluated in relation with the age of the dog, the disease prevalence differed. The main causes of death in puppies were infectious and parasitic disease (mainly parvoviral enteritis, canine distemper, and intestinal parasitism). In adult dogs the most important causes of death were canine distemper, neoplasia and trauma. In age dogs, approximately half of the deaths could be attributed to neoplasia and degenerative disease.

• Diseases of dogs causes of death reasons for euthanasia

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Fighera R.A., Souza T.M., Silva M.C., Brum J.S., Graça D.L., Kommers G.D., Irigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2008. [Causes of death and reasons for euthanasia in dogs from the midland region of the Midwest of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil (1965-2004).] Causas de morte e razões para eutanásia de cães da Mesorregião do Centro Ocidental Rio-Grandense (1965-2004). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(4):223-230. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: anemiaveterinaria@yahoo.com.br The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of diseases culminating with death or motivating euthanasia of dogs from the midland region of the Midwest of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The necropsy files of the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV) of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) were accessed and necropsy protocols of dogs necropsied between January 1965 and December 2004 were reviewed. During this period 4,844 reports of canine necropsies were filed at the LPV-UFSM. The case distribution in relation to the disease categories diagnosed was as follows: infectious and parasitic diseases (1,693 [35.0%]); neoplasms (378 [7.8%]); disorders caused by physical agents (369 [7.6%]); degenerative diseases (342 [7.1%]); poisonings and toxinfections (112 [2.3%]); euthanasia due to convenience (101 [2.1%]); metabolic and endocrinological diseases (97 [2.0%]); iatrogenic disorders (83 [1.7%]); developmental disorders (25 [0.5%]); immune mediate diseases (10 [0.2%]); and nutritional disorders (6 [0.1%]). Other disorders, including multifactorial or idiopathic diseases contributed 80 (1.6%) cases. In 1,548 (32.0%) out of the 4,844 cases it was not possible to establish either cause of death or reason for euthanasia. Infectious and parasitic diseases (mainly canine distemper, parvoviral enteritis and intestinal parasitism), neoplasia (mainly mammary neoplasms and lymphoma), disorders caused by physical agents (mainly accidents caused by automotive vehicles) and degenerative diseases (mainly chronic renal failure, cirrhosis, and congestive heart failure) were the main disease categories causing death or motivating euthanasia in dogs of this midland region. However, when cases were evaluated in relation with the age of the dog, the disease prevalence differed. The main causes of death in puppies were infectious and parasitic disease (mainly parvoviral enteritis, canine distemper, and intestinal parasitism). In adult dogs the most important causes of death were canine distemper, neoplasia and trauma. In age dogs, approximately half of the deaths could be attributed to neoplasia and degenerative disease.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva M.C., Fighera R.A., Brum J.S., Graça D.L., Kommers G.D., Irigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Hepatic cirrhosis in dogs: 80 cases (1965-2003).] Cirrose hepática em cães: 80 casos (1965-2003). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(11):471-480. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br A retrospective study in 80 cases of canine hepatic cirrhosis was carried out at the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Considering those cases in which the sex and age of the dogs were informed in the necropsy reports, males comprised 53.8% of the cases and 46.2% were females; while 50.0% of these dogs were aged, 48.6% were adults and 1.4% were puppies. The main observed clinical signs include ascites (39/80 [48.8%]), icterus (19/80 [23.8%]), anorexia (13/80 [16.2%]), neurological disturbances (12/80 [15.0%]), dyspnea (12/80 [15.0%]) and subcutaneous edema (10/80 [12.5%]). In 63 dogs for which there was a description of gross morphology in the necropsy reports, 76.2% had macronodular and 23.8% had micronodular cirrhosis. In 14 cases in which the histopathology of the liver was reviewed different degrees of fibrosis were observed: mild in 57.2%, moderate in 21.4%, or marked in 21.4%; in these cases there were no correlation with the degree of fibrosis and other associated histological changes such as lipidosis, biliary ducts hyperplasia, inflammation, bilestasis, hemosiderosis and random hepatocellular necrosis. Extra hepatic changes included ascites (39/63 [61.9%]), icterus (19/63 [30.2%]), status spongiosus (15/63 [23.8%]), hydrothorax (12/63 [19.0%]), subcutaneous edema (10/63 [15.9%]), portosystemic shunts (11/63 [17.5%]), gastric our duodenal ulceration (11/63 [17.5%]) and cholemic nephrosis (4/63 [6.3%]).

• Diseases of dogs cirrhosis fibrosis nodular regeneration pathology diseases of the liver

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva M.C., Fighera R.A., Brum J.S., Graça D.L., Kommers G.D., Irigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Hepatic cirrhosis in dogs: 80 cases (1965-2003).] Cirrose hepática em cães: 80 casos (1965-2003). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(11):471-480. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br A retrospective study in 80 cases of canine hepatic cirrhosis was carried out at the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Considering those cases in which the sex and age of the dogs were informed in the necropsy reports, males comprised 53.8% of the cases and 46.2% were females; while 50.0% of these dogs were aged, 48.6% were adults and 1.4% were puppies. The main observed clinical signs include ascites (39/80 [48.8%]), icterus (19/80 [23.8%]), anorexia (13/80 [16.2%]), neurological disturbances (12/80 [15.0%]), dyspnea (12/80 [15.0%]) and subcutaneous edema (10/80 [12.5%]). In 63 dogs for which there was a description of gross morphology in the necropsy reports, 76.2% had macronodular and 23.8% had micronodular cirrhosis. In 14 cases in which the histopathology of the liver was reviewed different degrees of fibrosis were observed: mild in 57.2%, moderate in 21.4%, or marked in 21.4%; in these cases there were no correlation with the degree of fibrosis and other associated histological changes such as lipidosis, biliary ducts hyperplasia, inflammation, bilestasis, hemosiderosis and random hepatocellular necrosis. Extra hepatic changes included ascites (39/63 [61.9%]), icterus (19/63 [30.2%]), status spongiosus (15/63 [23.8%]), hydrothorax (12/63 [19.0%]), subcutaneous edema (10/63 [15.9%]), portosystemic shunts (11/63 [17.5%]), gastric our duodenal ulceration (11/63 [17.5%]) and cholemic nephrosis (4/63 [6.3%]).

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Inkelmann M.A., Rozza D.B., Fighera R.A., Kommers G.D., Graça D.L., Irigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Infectious canine hepatitis: 62 cases.] Hepatite infecciosa canina: 62 casos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(8):325-332. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Necropsy reports from 5,361 dogs necropsied over a 43-year period (1964-2006) were reviewed in search for cases of infectious canine hepatitis (ICH). Sixty two (1.2%) cases of the disease were found. Most of the 62 affected dogs (91.9%,) were 2-year-old or less. Clinical signs were recorded in the necropsy files of 45 ICH affected dogs and included anorexia (55.6%), apathy (35.6%), diarrhea (35.6%) (often with blood [43,8%]), neurological signs (33.3%), vomiting (26.7%), petechiae and echymosis in the mucous membranes and/or skin (24.4%), hypothermia (20.0%), abdominal pain (15.6%), icterus (13.3%), enlargement and congestion of the tonsils (11.1%), fever (11.1%) and ascites (6.7%). The clinical courses lasted from few hours to 15 days. The most frequent necropsy findings included hepatic changes (87.1%), edematous, congested and hemorrhagic lymph nodes (51.6%), bloodstained fluid, clear fluid or whole blood in the abdominal cavity (35.5%), and petechial or paint-brush hemorrhages over the pleural (27.4%) and gastrointestinal (24.2%) serosal surfaces. In 12.9% of the cases there was a granularity to the intestinal serosa. Hemorrhages in the leptomeninges and in the substance of the brain were observed in 9.7% of the cases. Hepatic gross changes included moderately enlarged and more friable livers with marked lobular pattern, congestion and multifocal pale or hemorrhagic foci of necrosis. Films and strands of fibrin covered the hepatic surface in 20.4% of the cases and in 27.8% of the cases the gall bladder was thickened by edema. Zonal or randomly distributed multifocal hepatic necrosis (93.5%) associated with intranuclear inclusion bodies were the most consistent microscopic findings. Intranuclear inclusion bodies were found in the liver in every case and their detection was the criterium for confirmation of the diagnosis. The most significant microscopic extra-hepatic lesions included hemorrhages and intranuclear inclusion bodies in endothelial and reticuloendothelial cells of the renal glomeruli (50.0%) lymph nodes (47.8%), brain (27.8%), tonsils (25.0%) and spleen (10.0%).

• Liver diseases viral diseases infectious diseases pathology diseases of dogs infectious canine hepatitis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Inkelmann M.A., Rozza D.B., Fighera R.A., Kommers G.D., Graça D.L., Irigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Infectious canine hepatitis: 62 cases.] Hepatite infecciosa canina: 62 casos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(8):325-332. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Necropsy reports from 5,361 dogs necropsied over a 43-year period (1964-2006) were reviewed in search for cases of infectious canine hepatitis (ICH). Sixty two (1.2%) cases of the disease were found. Most of the 62 affected dogs (91.9%,) were 2-year-old or less. Clinical signs were recorded in the necropsy files of 45 ICH affected dogs and included anorexia (55.6%), apathy (35.6%), diarrhea (35.6%) (often with blood [43,8%]), neurological signs (33.3%), vomiting (26.7%), petechiae and echymosis in the mucous membranes and/or skin (24.4%), hypothermia (20.0%), abdominal pain (15.6%), icterus (13.3%), enlargement and congestion of the tonsils (11.1%), fever (11.1%) and ascites (6.7%). The clinical courses lasted from few hours to 15 days. The most frequent necropsy findings included hepatic changes (87.1%), edematous, congested and hemorrhagic lymph nodes (51.6%), bloodstained fluid, clear fluid or whole blood in the abdominal cavity (35.5%), and petechial or paint-brush hemorrhages over the pleural (27.4%) and gastrointestinal (24.2%) serosal surfaces. In 12.9% of the cases there was a granularity to the intestinal serosa. Hemorrhages in the leptomeninges and in the substance of the brain were observed in 9.7% of the cases. Hepatic gross changes included moderately enlarged and more friable livers with marked lobular pattern, congestion and multifocal pale or hemorrhagic foci of necrosis. Films and strands of fibrin covered the hepatic surface in 20.4% of the cases and in 27.8% of the cases the gall bladder was thickened by edema. Zonal or randomly distributed multifocal hepatic necrosis (93.5%) associated with intranuclear inclusion bodies were the most consistent microscopic findings. Intranuclear inclusion bodies were found in the liver in every case and their detection was the criterium for confirmation of the diagnosis. The most significant microscopic extra-hepatic lesions included hemorrhages and intranuclear inclusion bodies in endothelial and reticuloendothelial cells of the renal glomeruli (50.0%) lymph nodes (47.8%), brain (27.8%), tonsils (25.0%) and spleen (10.0%).

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva M.C., Fighera R.A., Brum J.S., Graça D.L., Kommers G.D., Irigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Clinicopathological features in 620 neurological cases of canine distemper.] Aspectos clinicopatológicos de 620 casos neurológicos de cinomose em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(5):215-220. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br The files of 5,361 necropsies performed in dogs in the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria during 1965-2006 were reviewed in search of cases of canine distemper. Six hundred and eighty three cases (12.7%) of the disease were found, 620 of which had neurological signs. From those 620, the following data on each case were retrieved: age, clinical signs, histopathology and concomitance or not of another disease. Age groups were classified as puppies (up to 1 year of age), adults (from 1 to 9 years) and aged (from 10 years on). In 565 out of the 620 (91.1%) neurological cases of canine distemper, histopathological brain changes were observed and in 554 of those 565 the age was registered in the files with following age group distribution: 45.9% of puppies, 51.4% of adults, and 2.7% of aged dogs. Neurological clinical signs encompassed a large spectrum of motor, postural and behavioral disturbances which could occur together or individually. Most frequent clinical signs were myoclonus (38.4%), motor incoordination (25.0%), seizures (18.5%), and paraplegia (13.4%). In 98.4% of the 565 dogs with histopathological changes in the brain demyelination, non-suppurative encephalitis or a combination of these two were found. Intranuclear eosinophilic inclusion bodies were observed in different brain cells of 343 of the 565 dogs with histopathological changes. In 170 (49.6%) the cellular type bearing the inclusions was not mentioned in the file and in the remaining cases the inclusions were seen in astrocytes (94.8% of the cases), neurons (3.5%), oligodendrocytes (1.1%), and ependyma cells (0.6%). Taking in consideration the type of lesions and the age groups, cases with combined demyelination and non-suppurative encephalitis occurred in 40.0% of the puppies, 51.2% of the adult dogs and 72.7% of the aged dogs. Demyelination alone occurred in 48.4% of the puppies, 41.3% of the adults and in 35.7% of the aged dogs. Non-suppurative encephalitis alone occurred 11.6% of the puppies, 7.5% of the adults and in 7.1% of the aged dogs.

• Infectious diseases canine distemper neurology neuropathology pathology diseases of dogs

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva M.C., Fighera R.A., Brum J.S., Graça D.L., Kommers G.D., Irigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Clinicopathological features in 620 neurological cases of canine distemper.] Aspectos clinicopatológicos de 620 casos neurológicos de cinomose em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(5):215-220. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br The files of 5,361 necropsies performed in dogs in the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria during 1965-2006 were reviewed in search of cases of canine distemper. Six hundred and eighty three cases (12.7%) of the disease were found, 620 of which had neurological signs. From those 620, the following data on each case were retrieved: age, clinical signs, histopathology and concomitance or not of another disease. Age groups were classified as puppies (up to 1 year of age), adults (from 1 to 9 years) and aged (from 10 years on). In 565 out of the 620 (91.1%) neurological cases of canine distemper, histopathological brain changes were observed and in 554 of those 565 the age was registered in the files with following age group distribution: 45.9% of puppies, 51.4% of adults, and 2.7% of aged dogs. Neurological clinical signs encompassed a large spectrum of motor, postural and behavioral disturbances which could occur together or individually. Most frequent clinical signs were myoclonus (38.4%), motor incoordination (25.0%), seizures (18.5%), and paraplegia (13.4%). In 98.4% of the 565 dogs with histopathological changes in the brain demyelination, non-suppurative encephalitis or a combination of these two were found. Intranuclear eosinophilic inclusion bodies were observed in different brain cells of 343 of the 565 dogs with histopathological changes. In 170 (49.6%) the cellular type bearing the inclusions was not mentioned in the file and in the remaining cases the inclusions were seen in astrocytes (94.8% of the cases), neurons (3.5%), oligodendrocytes (1.1%), and ependyma cells (0.6%). Taking in consideration the type of lesions and the age groups, cases with combined demyelination and non-suppurative encephalitis occurred in 40.0% of the puppies, 51.2% of the adult dogs and 72.7% of the aged dogs. Demyelination alone occurred in 48.4% of the puppies, 41.3% of the adults and in 35.7% of the aged dogs. Non-suppurative encephalitis alone occurred 11.6% of the puppies, 7.5% of the adults and in 7.1% of the aged dogs.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Barros R.R., Irigoyen L.F., Kommers G.D., Rech R.R., Fighera R.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Poisoning by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação por Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):87-96. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Two oubreaks of poisoning by the mushroom Ramaria flavo-brunnescens are reported in cattle from two farms located in the municipalities of Santa Maria and São Gabriel, state of Rio Grande do Sul, during April-May 2005. Out of a total of 180 yearling calves that had access to a pasture with eucalyptus woods, 19 were affected and 10 died. The clinical courses were 8-15 days and clinical signs included depression, weight loss, dehydration, drooling, loosening and loss of the long hairs of the tip of the tail, smoothening of the dorsal surface of the tongue with occasional ulceration, loosening of the corneal encasement of horns, hard and ball-shaped feces covered with a film of mucous, hypopion, hyphema and corneal opacity. Two calves had leucocytosis due to mild regenerative left shift. Nine calves were necropsied. Necropsy findings confirmed the clinical observation and additionaly included fibrinonecrotic esophagitis, mainly in the distal third of the esophageal mucosa. Histopathological changes in the skin of the tail included orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis; hair folicles with irregular contours, thickening of the tricolemmal keratin layer with occasional formation of keratin plugs, and degeneration and necrosis of the outer root sheath. At the laminar region of the hooves, there was hyperplasia of the top of epidermal laminae with irregular keratinization and retention of nuclei; several epidermal laminae were shortened and fused. There was hemorrhage, fibrin and neutrophilic infiltrate in the dermal laminae. In the mucosa of the tongue there was thinning of the covering epithelium, atrophy and loss of filiform papillae, multifocal areas of dyskeratosis, and spongiosis of the basal cell layer. In some parts the epithelium was lost and the surface consisted of granulation tissue and mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate. The esophageal mucosae of six calves had varying degree of epithelial necrosis and inflammation. The loss of the covering epithelium revealed an underneath area of granulation tissue with heavy inflammatory infiltrate composed predominantly of neutrophils and macrophages. In six calves there were focal symmetric bilateral areas of malacia observed at the level of obex in the medulla oblongata and affecting the white matter and parts of the dorsal nucleus of the vagus and of the hypoglossal nucleus. The epidemiology, clinical signs, pathology, and pathogenesis of poisoning by R. flavo-brunnescens in cattle are discussed.

• Poisonous plants Ramaria flavo-brunnescens Clavariaceae plant poisoning mushroom poisoning keratinization defect focal symmetric encephalomalacia diseases of cattle pathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Barros R.R., Irigoyen L.F., Kommers G.D., Rech R.R., Fighera R.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Poisoning by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação por Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):87-96. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Two oubreaks of poisoning by the mushroom Ramaria flavo-brunnescens are reported in cattle from two farms located in the municipalities of Santa Maria and São Gabriel, state of Rio Grande do Sul, during April-May 2005. Out of a total of 180 yearling calves that had access to a pasture with eucalyptus woods, 19 were affected and 10 died. The clinical courses were 8-15 days and clinical signs included depression, weight loss, dehydration, drooling, loosening and loss of the long hairs of the tip of the tail, smoothening of the dorsal surface of the tongue with occasional ulceration, loosening of the corneal encasement of horns, hard and ball-shaped feces covered with a film of mucous, hypopion, hyphema and corneal opacity. Two calves had leucocytosis due to mild regenerative left shift. Nine calves were necropsied. Necropsy findings confirmed the clinical observation and additionaly included fibrinonecrotic esophagitis, mainly in the distal third of the esophageal mucosa. Histopathological changes in the skin of the tail included orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis; hair folicles with irregular contours, thickening of the tricolemmal keratin layer with occasional formation of keratin plugs, and degeneration and necrosis of the outer root sheath. At the laminar region of the hooves, there was hyperplasia of the top of epidermal laminae with irregular keratinization and retention of nuclei; several epidermal laminae were shortened and fused. There was hemorrhage, fibrin and neutrophilic infiltrate in the dermal laminae. In the mucosa of the tongue there was thinning of the covering epithelium, atrophy and loss of filiform papillae, multifocal areas of dyskeratosis, and spongiosis of the basal cell layer. In some parts the epithelium was lost and the surface consisted of granulation tissue and mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate. The esophageal mucosae of six calves had varying degree of epithelial necrosis and inflammation. The loss of the covering epithelium revealed an underneath area of granulation tissue with heavy inflammatory infiltrate composed predominantly of neutrophils and macrophages. In six calves there were focal symmetric bilateral areas of malacia observed at the level of obex in the medulla oblongata and affecting the white matter and parts of the dorsal nucleus of the vagus and of the hypoglossal nucleus. The epidemiology, clinical signs, pathology, and pathogenesis of poisoning by R. flavo-brunnescens in cattle are discussed.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Coimbra H.S., Fernandes C.G., Soares M.P., Meireles M.C.A., Radamés R. & Schuch L.F.D. 2006. [Equine monocytic Ehrlichiosis in Rio Grande do Sul: clinical, pathological and epidemiological aspects.] Ehrlichiose monocítica eqüina no Rio Grande do Sul: aspectos clínicos, anátomo-patológicos e epidemiológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):97-101. Laboratório de Doenças Infecciosas, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: bitoxu@ig.com.br A spontaneous outbreak of equine monocytic Ehrlichiosis (EME) is described. The disease occurred from November 2001 to February 2002 on a farm in the municipality of Arroio Grande, located at the western edge of the Mirim Lake, state of Rio Grande do Sul. Out of 50 horses 13 were affected and 6 died. The morbidity was 26% and the mortality 46.1%. The affected horses were 1-5 years old. The most important clinical sign was a profuse acute diarrhea. At necropsy of a horse that died with clinical signs of the disease, the main alterations were characterized by hemorrhagic areas of the mucosa of the large intestine with liquid contents, and congested and hemorrhagic areas alternating with normal areas as well as nodules with purulent secretion in the mucosa of the small intestine. The histological changes were characterized by moderate mononuclear infiltration of the mucosa, characterizing a lympho-histiocytic enteritis with predominance of macrophages. In the jejunum and ileum, related to the invagination of crypts and villi, a granulomatous enteritis was observed. To confirm the diagnosis of infection by Neorickettsia (Ehrlichia) risticii, blood samples of seven affected horses were taken and a polimerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed. Three tested blood samples were positive (42.8%) with observation of a band of 529pb characteristic of N. risticii.

• Neorickettsia (Ehrlichia) risticii equine monocytic Ehrlichiosis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Coimbra H.S., Fernandes C.G., Soares M.P., Meireles M.C.A., Radamés R. & Schuch L.F.D. 2006. [Equine monocytic Ehrlichiosis in Rio Grande do Sul: clinical, pathological and epidemiological aspects.] Ehrlichiose monocítica eqüina no Rio Grande do Sul: aspectos clínicos, anátomo-patológicos e epidemiológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):97-101. Laboratório de Doenças Infecciosas, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: bitoxu@ig.com.br A spontaneous outbreak of equine monocytic Ehrlichiosis (EME) is described. The disease occurred from November 2001 to February 2002 on a farm in the municipality of Arroio Grande, located at the western edge of the Mirim Lake, state of Rio Grande do Sul. Out of 50 horses 13 were affected and 6 died. The morbidity was 26% and the mortality 46.1%. The affected horses were 1-5 years old. The most important clinical sign was a profuse acute diarrhea. At necropsy of a horse that died with clinical signs of the disease, the main alterations were characterized by hemorrhagic areas of the mucosa of the large intestine with liquid contents, and congested and hemorrhagic areas alternating with normal areas as well as nodules with purulent secretion in the mucosa of the small intestine. The histological changes were characterized by moderate mononuclear infiltration of the mucosa, characterizing a lympho-histiocytic enteritis with predominance of macrophages. In the jejunum and ileum, related to the invagination of crypts and villi, a granulomatous enteritis was observed. To confirm the diagnosis of infection by Neorickettsia (Ehrlichia) risticii, blood samples of seven affected horses were taken and a polimerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed. Three tested blood samples were positive (42.8%) with observation of a band of 529pb characteristic of N. risticii.