PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Moreira Souto M.A., Kommers G.D., Barros C.S.L., Piazer J.V.M., Rech R.R., Riet-Correa F. & Schild A.L. 2006. [Neoplasms of the upper digestive tract of cattle associated with spontaneous ingestion of bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum).] Neoplasias do trato alimentar superior de bovinos associadas ao consumo espontâneo de samambaia (Pteridium aquilinum). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):112-122. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com Thirty bovine with neoplasms of the upper digestive tract (UDT) associated with spontaneous ingestion of bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) were studied. They were from 27 farms, located in the municipalities of Jaguari (23) and Nova Esperança do Sul (4), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The total cattle population in those farms was 1,090 and large amounts of bracken fern were found in the pastures. Twenty-six of the affected cattle were cows and four were castrated males, 3-13 years of age; most of them were 7-8 years old (46,6%). Clinical signs observed in the affected animals were progressive weight loss, absence of ruminal movements, cough, dysphagia, regurgitation, halitosis, diarrhea, and bloat. Less frequent signs were selective appetite, dyspnea, and salivation. Two bovine died and 28 were submitted to euthanasia in advanced stage of disease and necropsied. The main gross and microscopic alterations were found in identical areas of the UDT. They consisted of papillomas, transforming papillomas, and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Metastases of SCCs to regional lymph nodes and other organs, such as liver and lungs, were also observed (18/30). Twenty-nine bovine had papillomas of various sizes in several areas of the UDT. The digestive papillomatosis ranged from mild (45%), to moderate (38%), to severe (17%). Three developing phases were observed microscopically in the examined papillomas: an early growing phase, a developing phase, and a regressing phase. In 16 cases, there was malignant transformation of papillomas into SCCs. The SCCs were solitary (12/30) or multiple (18/30) and were histologically well, moderately, or poorly differentiated. Grouping the distribution of SCCs of larger extension in the UDT into cranial region (base of the tongue, pharynx/oropharynx, and epiglottis), medial region (esophagus), and caudal region (cardia and rumen), the distribution was cranial in 39%, middle in 16%, and caudal in 45% of the cases. By the same grouping criteria, but considering the total number of times SCCs of varied extensions were diagnosed in the cranial, middle, and caudal regions, the percentages changed to 34%, 26%, and 40%, respectively. The epidemiological and histomorphological evidences found in this study are in agreement with the observations that point out the co-carcinogenesis between bovine papillomavirus type 4 infection and chemicals of bracken fern in the pathogenesis of the SCCs in the UDT of cattle. However, the presence of pre-neoplastic changes and SCCs in situ or in early stages of development, independently of the presence of papillomas, clearly indicates the possibility of development of SCCs from normal epithelium, probably due to the direct action of the chemical carcinogens contained in bracken fern.

• Poisonous plants Pteridium aquilinum plant poisoning bovine papillomavirus type 4 squamous cell carcinoma diseases of cattle pathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Moreira Souto M.A., Kommers G.D., Barros C.S.L., Piazer J.V.M., Rech R.R., Riet-Correa F. & Schild A.L. 2006. [Neoplasms of the upper digestive tract of cattle associated with spontaneous ingestion of bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum).] Neoplasias do trato alimentar superior de bovinos associadas ao consumo espontâneo de samambaia (Pteridium aquilinum). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):112-122. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com Thirty bovine with neoplasms of the upper digestive tract (UDT) associated with spontaneous ingestion of bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) were studied. They were from 27 farms, located in the municipalities of Jaguari (23) and Nova Esperança do Sul (4), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The total cattle population in those farms was 1,090 and large amounts of bracken fern were found in the pastures. Twenty-six of the affected cattle were cows and four were castrated males, 3-13 years of age; most of them were 7-8 years old (46,6%). Clinical signs observed in the affected animals were progressive weight loss, absence of ruminal movements, cough, dysphagia, regurgitation, halitosis, diarrhea, and bloat. Less frequent signs were selective appetite, dyspnea, and salivation. Two bovine died and 28 were submitted to euthanasia in advanced stage of disease and necropsied. The main gross and microscopic alterations were found in identical areas of the UDT. They consisted of papillomas, transforming papillomas, and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Metastases of SCCs to regional lymph nodes and other organs, such as liver and lungs, were also observed (18/30). Twenty-nine bovine had papillomas of various sizes in several areas of the UDT. The digestive papillomatosis ranged from mild (45%), to moderate (38%), to severe (17%). Three developing phases were observed microscopically in the examined papillomas: an early growing phase, a developing phase, and a regressing phase. In 16 cases, there was malignant transformation of papillomas into SCCs. The SCCs were solitary (12/30) or multiple (18/30) and were histologically well, moderately, or poorly differentiated. Grouping the distribution of SCCs of larger extension in the UDT into cranial region (base of the tongue, pharynx/oropharynx, and epiglottis), medial region (esophagus), and caudal region (cardia and rumen), the distribution was cranial in 39%, middle in 16%, and caudal in 45% of the cases. By the same grouping criteria, but considering the total number of times SCCs of varied extensions were diagnosed in the cranial, middle, and caudal regions, the percentages changed to 34%, 26%, and 40%, respectively. The epidemiological and histomorphological evidences found in this study are in agreement with the observations that point out the co-carcinogenesis between bovine papillomavirus type 4 infection and chemicals of bracken fern in the pathogenesis of the SCCs in the UDT of cattle. However, the presence of pre-neoplastic changes and SCCs in situ or in early stages of development, independently of the presence of papillomas, clearly indicates the possibility of development of SCCs from normal epithelium, probably due to the direct action of the chemical carcinogens contained in bracken fern.

Abstract in English:

Méndez M.C., Elias F., Riet-Correa F., Gimeno E.J. & Portiansky E. 2006. [Experimental poisoning by fruits of Melia azedarach (Meliaceae) in pigs.] Intoxicação experimental com frutos de Melia azedarach (Meliaceae) em suínos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):26-30. Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil. E-mail: nane@ufpel.tche.br Mature ground fruits of Melia azedarach were administered mixed with the food to 8 pigs at single doses of 5-20g/kg. Transient diarrhea was the only sign observed in the 2 pigs that ingested 5g/kg. Clinical signs observed in the pigs that ingested 10, 15 and 20 g/kg were incoordination, muscular tremors, difficulty to stand or to get up, sternal decubitus and hypothermia. The 2 pigs that ingested 20g/kg died. The gross lesions were congestion and necrosis of the small intestine and the stomach mucosa. The microscopic alterations were characterised by necrosis of the lymphatic tissues and skeletal muscles, congestion and necrosis of the stomach and small intestine, and moderate degenerative alterations of liver and kidneys. The serum levels of AST and CPK increased after the ingestion of the toxic fruits. High values of CPK were observed in the succumbing animals due to the muscle necrosis.These results demonstrate that the ingestion of high doses of Melia azedarach fruits by pigs may induce clinical signs of poisoning and cause lesions in several organs and even death.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Melia azedarach Meliaceae swine.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Méndez M.C., Elias F., Riet-Correa F., Gimeno E.J. & Portiansky E. 2006. [Experimental poisoning by fruits of Melia azedarach (Meliaceae) in pigs.] Intoxicação experimental com frutos de Melia azedarach (Meliaceae) em suínos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):26-30. Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil. E-mail: nane@ufpel.tche.br Mature ground fruits of Melia azedarach were administered mixed with the food to 8 pigs at single doses of 5-20g/kg. Transient diarrhea was the only sign observed in the 2 pigs that ingested 5g/kg. Clinical signs observed in the pigs that ingested 10, 15 and 20 g/kg were incoordination, muscular tremors, difficulty to stand or to get up, sternal decubitus and hypothermia. The 2 pigs that ingested 20g/kg died. The gross lesions were congestion and necrosis of the small intestine and the stomach mucosa. The microscopic alterations were characterised by necrosis of the lymphatic tissues and skeletal muscles, congestion and necrosis of the stomach and small intestine, and moderate degenerative alterations of liver and kidneys. The serum levels of AST and CPK increased after the ingestion of the toxic fruits. High values of CPK were observed in the succumbing animals due to the muscle necrosis.These results demonstrate that the ingestion of high doses of Melia azedarach fruits by pigs may induce clinical signs of poisoning and cause lesions in several organs and even death.

Abstract in English:

Batista J.S., Riet-Correa F., Barbosa R.C. & Guerra J.L. 2006. [Experimental infection by Trypanosoma vivax in sheep.] Infecção experimental por Trypanosoma vivax em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):31-37. Hospital Veterinário, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.cnpq.br This paper has the objective to report clinical signs, hematologic changes, and macroscopic and microscopic alterations in sheep infected experimentally with Trypanosoma vivax, isolated from an outbreak in cattle in the semiarid region of the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Four Santa Inês sheep were inoculated intravenously with 1ml of blood containing 1.85x105 trypomastigotes. Other 4 sheep were used as control. The presence of trypanosomes in the blood and the temperature were recorded daily during the first 30 days and fortnightly from day 31 to day 90 after infection. Also fortnightly, the sheep were weighed and blood samples were obtained for hematological analysis. One inoculated sheep died 75 days after inoculation. The other 3 inoculated and the 4 control sheep were killed 90 days after the beginning of the experiment. T. vivax was observed constantly in the blood of the inoculated sheep from 4-15 days after inoculation. From day 16 to day 30 the parasitemia was lower and irregular. No trypanosomes were observed in the blood after 30 days of infection. A positive linear correlation [Y=0.027x + 38.515, R2=0.944 (P<0.05)] was found between the number of trypanosomes in the blood and body temperature. Significant differences were observed in body weight between inoculated and non-inoculated sheep from day 30 to day 90 after the experiment. From day 30 to day 90 after inoculation trypanosomes were absent or only in low numbers in the blood, and the animals showed anemia and leucopenia. Gross alterations were pale carcasses, enlarged lymph nodes and spleen, and augmented liquid in the peritoneal and pericardiac cavities. Multifocal lymphocytic myocarditis was observed histologically. It is concluded that the isolate is pathogenic to sheep. It is suggested that the semiarid region, where the outbreak occurred, is non-endemic (marginal) for trypanosomosis, and that the disease may occur if the parasite is introduced through vectors.

• Experimental infection Trypanosoma vivax sheep semiarid.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Batista J.S., Riet-Correa F., Barbosa R.C. & Guerra J.L. 2006. [Experimental infection by Trypanosoma vivax in sheep.] Infecção experimental por Trypanosoma vivax em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):31-37. Hospital Veterinário, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.cnpq.br This paper has the objective to report clinical signs, hematologic changes, and macroscopic and microscopic alterations in sheep infected experimentally with Trypanosoma vivax, isolated from an outbreak in cattle in the semiarid region of the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Four Santa Inês sheep were inoculated intravenously with 1ml of blood containing 1.85x105 trypomastigotes. Other 4 sheep were used as control. The presence of trypanosomes in the blood and the temperature were recorded daily during the first 30 days and fortnightly from day 31 to day 90 after infection. Also fortnightly, the sheep were weighed and blood samples were obtained for hematological analysis. One inoculated sheep died 75 days after inoculation. The other 3 inoculated and the 4 control sheep were killed 90 days after the beginning of the experiment. T. vivax was observed constantly in the blood of the inoculated sheep from 4-15 days after inoculation. From day 16 to day 30 the parasitemia was lower and irregular. No trypanosomes were observed in the blood after 30 days of infection. A positive linear correlation [Y=0.027x + 38.515, R2=0.944 (P<0.05)] was found between the number of trypanosomes in the blood and body temperature. Significant differences were observed in body weight between inoculated and non-inoculated sheep from day 30 to day 90 after the experiment. From day 30 to day 90 after inoculation trypanosomes were absent or only in low numbers in the blood, and the animals showed anemia and leucopenia. Gross alterations were pale carcasses, enlarged lymph nodes and spleen, and augmented liquid in the peritoneal and pericardiac cavities. Multifocal lymphocytic myocarditis was observed histologically. It is concluded that the isolate is pathogenic to sheep. It is suggested that the semiarid region, where the outbreak occurred, is non-endemic (marginal) for trypanosomosis, and that the disease may occur if the parasite is introduced through vectors.

Abstract in English:

Riet-Correa G., Duarte M.D., Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Cerqueira V.D., Brito M.F. & Riet-Correa F. 2006. [Meningoencephalitis and polioencephalomalacia caused by Bovine herpesvirus-5 in the state of Pará, northern Brazil.] Meningoencefalite e polioencefalomalacia causadas por Herpesvírus bovino-5 no Estado do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):44-46. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Universidade Federal do Pará, Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68740-080, Brazil. E-mail: griet@ufpa.br Four outbreaks of meningoencephalitis in 1 to 2 years old cattle caused by Bovine herpesvirus-5 are reported in four municipalities in the state of Pará, northern Brazil. In three outbreaks only one animal was affected, in another 3 cattle were affected. Main clinical signs were incoordination, dullness, blindness, recumbence, and opisthotonus. Death occurred after a clinical manifestation period of 3-4 days. Softening and yellowish areas were observed grossly in the cerebral cortex. The histology revealed poliencephalomalacia in the cerebral cortex, thalamus and basal nuclei, and non suppurative encephalitis and meningitis, and eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in astrocytes. The diagnosis was based on the typical microscopic lesions.

• Meningoencephalitis polioencephalomalacia bovine herpesvirus-5 cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Riet-Correa G., Duarte M.D., Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Cerqueira V.D., Brito M.F. & Riet-Correa F. 2006. [Meningoencephalitis and polioencephalomalacia caused by Bovine herpesvirus-5 in the state of Pará, northern Brazil.] Meningoencefalite e polioencefalomalacia causadas por Herpesvírus bovino-5 no Estado do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):44-46. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Universidade Federal do Pará, Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68740-080, Brazil. E-mail: griet@ufpa.br Four outbreaks of meningoencephalitis in 1 to 2 years old cattle caused by Bovine herpesvirus-5 are reported in four municipalities in the state of Pará, northern Brazil. In three outbreaks only one animal was affected, in another 3 cattle were affected. Main clinical signs were incoordination, dullness, blindness, recumbence, and opisthotonus. Death occurred after a clinical manifestation period of 3-4 days. Softening and yellowish areas were observed grossly in the cerebral cortex. The histology revealed poliencephalomalacia in the cerebral cortex, thalamus and basal nuclei, and non suppurative encephalitis and meningitis, and eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in astrocytes. The diagnosis was based on the typical microscopic lesions.

Abstract in English:

Santurio J.M., Leal A.T., Leal A.B.M., Alves S.H., Lübeck I., Griebeler J. & Copetti M.V. 2006. [Indirect ELISA for the serodiagnostic of pythiosis.] Teste de ELISA indireto para o diagnóstico sorológico de pitiose. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):47-50. Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, prédio 20, sala 4139, Lapemi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: santurio@smail.ufsm.br Pythiosis is a granulomatous disease caused by the oomycete Pythium insidiosum that affects humans and animals, especially horses. Deaths are very often the consequence of incorrect or late diagnosis when animals no longer respond to treatment. This study aimed standardization of the ELISA assay for the serodiagnostic of pythiosis in horses and rabbits, in order to minimize errors and delays in the diagnosis of the disease. Sera of 72 healthy and 44 of by pythiosis affected horses were used for development and evaluation of the test. The ELISA for equine diagnostic showed 97.72% sensitivity, 90.27% specificity, 86% positive predictive value, 98.4% negative predictive value, and 93.1% efficiency. The rabbit test was standardized with 48 sera of healthy rabbits and 24 sera of rabbits immunized with P. insidiosum antigens. The results were 91.66 % sensitivity, 95.83% specificity, 91.66% positive predictive value, 95.83% negative predictive value, and 94.44% efficiency. It can be concluded that ELISA is a reliable test for diagnostic and serological monitoring of pythiosis.

• Pythium insidiosum pythiosis ELISA horses rabbits.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Santurio J.M., Leal A.T., Leal A.B.M., Alves S.H., Lübeck I., Griebeler J. & Copetti M.V. 2006. [Indirect ELISA for the serodiagnostic of pythiosis.] Teste de ELISA indireto para o diagnóstico sorológico de pitiose. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):47-50. Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, prédio 20, sala 4139, Lapemi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: santurio@smail.ufsm.br Pythiosis is a granulomatous disease caused by the oomycete Pythium insidiosum that affects humans and animals, especially horses. Deaths are very often the consequence of incorrect or late diagnosis when animals no longer respond to treatment. This study aimed standardization of the ELISA assay for the serodiagnostic of pythiosis in horses and rabbits, in order to minimize errors and delays in the diagnosis of the disease. Sera of 72 healthy and 44 of by pythiosis affected horses were used for development and evaluation of the test. The ELISA for equine diagnostic showed 97.72% sensitivity, 90.27% specificity, 86% positive predictive value, 98.4% negative predictive value, and 93.1% efficiency. The rabbit test was standardized with 48 sera of healthy rabbits and 24 sera of rabbits immunized with P. insidiosum antigens. The results were 91.66 % sensitivity, 95.83% specificity, 91.66% positive predictive value, 95.83% negative predictive value, and 94.44% efficiency. It can be concluded that ELISA is a reliable test for diagnostic and serological monitoring of pythiosis.

Abstract in English:

Veschi J.L.A., Dutra I.S., Miyakawa M.E.F., Perri S.H.V. & Uzal F.A. 2006. Immunophrophylactic strategies against enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens type D in goats. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):51-54. Departamento de Produção e Saúde Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: isdutra@fmva.unesp.br The serological response to an experimental vaccine against Clostridium perfringens type D enterotoxemia was evaluated in four groups of goats. Group 1 received colostrum from unvaccinated cows and no vaccine. Groups 2, 3 and 4 received colostrum from vaccinated cows. In addition, Groups 3 and 4 received a vaccine dose at 80 days of age, and Group 4 received a second vaccine dose at 120 days of age. Serum antibody levels were determined by ELISA in cows before and after calving, and in goats at 3, 80, 120 and 160 days of age. No significant difference in serum antibody levels was observed between vaccinated and unvaccinated cows, or between the four groups of goats evaluated at 3 days of life. Groups 3 and 4 presented mean antibody titers of 0.6 and 1.1 IU/ml, respectively, 40 days after first vaccination. The vaccine response of Group 4 was 1.8 IU/ml 40 days after the booster dose and was higher than that observed for Group 3 (0.2 IU/ml). Thus, in the proposed regimen the use of heterologous colostrum did not induce passive immunization in goat kids. However, first vaccination and a booster dose after 40 days triggered satisfactory antibody levels.

• Clostridium perfringens type D goat enterotoxemia immunoprophylactic strategies colostrum vaccine.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Veschi J.L.A., Dutra I.S., Miyakawa M.E.F., Perri S.H.V. & Uzal F.A. 2006. Immunophrophylactic strategies against enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens type D in goats. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):51-54. Departamento de Produção e Saúde Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: isdutra@fmva.unesp.br The serological response to an experimental vaccine against Clostridium perfringens type D enterotoxemia was evaluated in four groups of goats. Group 1 received colostrum from unvaccinated cows and no vaccine. Groups 2, 3 and 4 received colostrum from vaccinated cows. In addition, Groups 3 and 4 received a vaccine dose at 80 days of age, and Group 4 received a second vaccine dose at 120 days of age. Serum antibody levels were determined by ELISA in cows before and after calving, and in goats at 3, 80, 120 and 160 days of age. No significant difference in serum antibody levels was observed between vaccinated and unvaccinated cows, or between the four groups of goats evaluated at 3 days of life. Groups 3 and 4 presented mean antibody titers of 0.6 and 1.1 IU/ml, respectively, 40 days after first vaccination. The vaccine response of Group 4 was 1.8 IU/ml 40 days after the booster dose and was higher than that observed for Group 3 (0.2 IU/ml). Thus, in the proposed regimen the use of heterologous colostrum did not induce passive immunization in goat kids. However, first vaccination and a booster dose after 40 days triggered satisfactory antibody levels.

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:

Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Duarte M.D., Peixoto P.V. & Tokarnia C.H. 2005. [Experimental and natural poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) in buffaloes and other ruminants.] Intoxicações experimental e natural por Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) em búfalos e outros ruminantes. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):231-234. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Ipomoea asarifolia R. et Schult. is a plant responsible for occasional outbreaks of poisoning in cattle, sheep and goats. Its oral administration to cattle and buffalos showed that the buffalo is as susceptible as cattle. One to 4 daily doses of 10-20g/kg caused similar symptoms in both species, as incoordination, muscular twiching and swaying of the head and anterior part of the body (pendular movement). In buffaloes the signs of incoordination were observed to a smaller extent. There is no report yet on natural poisoning by I. asarifolia in buffaloes, possibly because cases are not being noticed.

• Poisonous plants Ipomoea asarifolia Convolvulaceae plant poisoning buffaloes bovines sheep goats.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Duarte M.D., Peixoto P.V. & Tokarnia C.H. 2005. [Experimental and natural poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) in buffaloes and other ruminants.] Intoxicações experimental e natural por Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) em búfalos e outros ruminantes. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):231-234. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Ipomoea asarifolia R. et Schult. is a plant responsible for occasional outbreaks of poisoning in cattle, sheep and goats. Its oral administration to cattle and buffalos showed that the buffalo is as susceptible as cattle. One to 4 daily doses of 10-20g/kg caused similar symptoms in both species, as incoordination, muscular twiching and swaying of the head and anterior part of the body (pendular movement). In buffaloes the signs of incoordination were observed to a smaller extent. There is no report yet on natural poisoning by I. asarifolia in buffaloes, possibly because cases are not being noticed.

Abstract in English:

Zlotowski P., Nakazato L., Dutra V., Barros S.S., Gimeno E.J., Göcks M., Colodel E.M. & Driemeier D. 2005. [Inherited glycogenosis in Brahman cattle in Brazil.] Glicogenose hereditária em bovinos Brahman no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):210-214. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Bairro Agronomia, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000. Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br An inherited disease of cattle, characterized by lysosomal storage of glycogen in several tissues, is reported. The disease was diagnosed in a Brahman herd in the municipality of Porto Lucena, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Affected calves, after one month of age, showed progressive difficulty to follow their mother, retarded growth, muscular weakness and tremors, lethargy and poor body condition. All affected calves were sired by the same bull. Necropsy was performed on three affected calves. The only gross lesion detected was paleness of the skeletal muscles of the trunk and limbs. Cytoplasmic vacuoles, the main histological lesion, were particularly evident in skeletal muscles, myocardium and Purkinje fibers, in neurons of the brain and spinal cord. Large amounts of periodic acid Schiff (PAS) positive granules were also observed in these most severely affected tissues. Pretreatment with diastase completely abolished the PAS reactivity. The 1057?TA, a lethal mutation in the gene of the acid alpha-glucosidase, which causes generalized glycogenosis in Brahman cattle, was detected by PCR in paraffin embedded tissues of affected animals on which post-mortem examination was performed. Clinical, histological and molecular findings were similar to previous descriptions of generalized glycogenosis in Brahman cattle in Australia. No previous indexed reports about generalized glycogenosis of Brahman cattle in Brazil could be found.

• Glycogenosis inherited disease Brahman cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Zlotowski P., Nakazato L., Dutra V., Barros S.S., Gimeno E.J., Göcks M., Colodel E.M. & Driemeier D. 2005. [Inherited glycogenosis in Brahman cattle in Brazil.] Glicogenose hereditária em bovinos Brahman no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):210-214. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Bairro Agronomia, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000. Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br An inherited disease of cattle, characterized by lysosomal storage of glycogen in several tissues, is reported. The disease was diagnosed in a Brahman herd in the municipality of Porto Lucena, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Affected calves, after one month of age, showed progressive difficulty to follow their mother, retarded growth, muscular weakness and tremors, lethargy and poor body condition. All affected calves were sired by the same bull. Necropsy was performed on three affected calves. The only gross lesion detected was paleness of the skeletal muscles of the trunk and limbs. Cytoplasmic vacuoles, the main histological lesion, were particularly evident in skeletal muscles, myocardium and Purkinje fibers, in neurons of the brain and spinal cord. Large amounts of periodic acid Schiff (PAS) positive granules were also observed in these most severely affected tissues. Pretreatment with diastase completely abolished the PAS reactivity. The 1057?TA, a lethal mutation in the gene of the acid alpha-glucosidase, which causes generalized glycogenosis in Brahman cattle, was detected by PCR in paraffin embedded tissues of affected animals on which post-mortem examination was performed. Clinical, histological and molecular findings were similar to previous descriptions of generalized glycogenosis in Brahman cattle in Australia. No previous indexed reports about generalized glycogenosis of Brahman cattle in Brazil could be found.

Abstract in English:

Rodrigues A., Fighera R.A., Souza T.M., Schild A.L., Soares M.P., Milano J. & Barros C.S.L. 2005. [Outbreaks of trypanosomiasis in horses by Trypanosoma evansi in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects.] Surtos de tripanossomíase por Trypanosoma evansi em eqüinos no Rio Grande do Sul: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, hematológicos e patológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):239-249. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Cases of trypanosomiasis by Trypanosoma evansi were diagnosed in horses in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 2003 and 2004. In one stud farm (Farm A) with 125 horses, 52 died. Additionally, around 80 mares were sent to Farm A to be bred. Of those, 66 became ill and 56 died after being returned to their farms of origin. Twenty one horses clinically affected by the disease were observed. Clinical signs included loss of weight (despite voracious appetite), lethargy, incoordination and instability of hindlimbs, atrophy of the large muscles of the hindlimbs, muscle weakness and paleness of mucosae. Specimens of T. evansi were detected in the blood drawn from four affected horses. Normocytic normochromic anemia with PCVs ranging from 15 to 31%, leucocytosis due to lymphocytosis associated to large atypical lymphocytes was observed in several affected horses. High levels of antibodies against T. evansi were detected in the serum of six horses from Farm A. Eight horses presented encephalic neurological signs such as circling, ataxia, blindness, excitation, falls, listlessness, proprioception deficits and head tilt. One horse assumed a “dog-seating position”. Necropsy findings included muscle atrophy, enlargement and lymphoid hyperplasia of the spleen and lymphnodes, edema and softening of the white and grey matter of the brain. Histologically, an overwhelming necrotizing panencephalitis was observed in the seven horses with encephalic signs. This panencephalitis was characterized by marked edema, demyelination and necrosis and perivascular infiltrates of 6-10 layers of lymphocytes and plasm cells affecting both the white and gray matter. Several plasm cells in the inflammatory infiltrate contained numerous eosinophilic globules in their cytoplasm (Mott cells). Similar histological lesions were observed in the spinal cord of the horse with the “dog-seating position”. The brains of five horses with the encephalic signs were submitted to immunohistochemistry stain by the streptavidin-biotin technique. In all of those five brains moderate to abundant specimens of T. evansi in the perivascular spaces and neuropile were marked by the specific antibody. Epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects of equine trypanosomiasis caused by T. evansi are discussed.

• Trypanosomiasis Trypanosoma evansi infectious diseases encephalitis hematology pathology diseases of horses.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Rodrigues A., Fighera R.A., Souza T.M., Schild A.L., Soares M.P., Milano J. & Barros C.S.L. 2005. [Outbreaks of trypanosomiasis in horses by Trypanosoma evansi in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects.] Surtos de tripanossomíase por Trypanosoma evansi em eqüinos no Rio Grande do Sul: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, hematológicos e patológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):239-249. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Cases of trypanosomiasis by Trypanosoma evansi were diagnosed in horses in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 2003 and 2004. In one stud farm (Farm A) with 125 horses, 52 died. Additionally, around 80 mares were sent to Farm A to be bred. Of those, 66 became ill and 56 died after being returned to their farms of origin. Twenty one horses clinically affected by the disease were observed. Clinical signs included loss of weight (despite voracious appetite), lethargy, incoordination and instability of hindlimbs, atrophy of the large muscles of the hindlimbs, muscle weakness and paleness of mucosae. Specimens of T. evansi were detected in the blood drawn from four affected horses. Normocytic normochromic anemia with PCVs ranging from 15 to 31%, leucocytosis due to lymphocytosis associated to large atypical lymphocytes was observed in several affected horses. High levels of antibodies against T. evansi were detected in the serum of six horses from Farm A. Eight horses presented encephalic neurological signs such as circling, ataxia, blindness, excitation, falls, listlessness, proprioception deficits and head tilt. One horse assumed a “dog-seating position”. Necropsy findings included muscle atrophy, enlargement and lymphoid hyperplasia of the spleen and lymphnodes, edema and softening of the white and grey matter of the brain. Histologically, an overwhelming necrotizing panencephalitis was observed in the seven horses with encephalic signs. This panencephalitis was characterized by marked edema, demyelination and necrosis and perivascular infiltrates of 6-10 layers of lymphocytes and plasm cells affecting both the white and gray matter. Several plasm cells in the inflammatory infiltrate contained numerous eosinophilic globules in their cytoplasm (Mott cells). Similar histological lesions were observed in the spinal cord of the horse with the “dog-seating position”. The brains of five horses with the encephalic signs were submitted to immunohistochemistry stain by the streptavidin-biotin technique. In all of those five brains moderate to abundant specimens of T. evansi in the perivascular spaces and neuropile were marked by the specific antibody. Epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects of equine trypanosomiasis caused by T. evansi are discussed.