PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Eigenheer-Moreira J.F., Fernandes F.T., Queiroz F.J.R, Pinho T.G.& Ferreira A.M.R. 2007. [Comparative study of repeat breeds and healthy mares through endometrial histology and plasmatic progesterone concentrations.] Estudo comparativo de éguas repetidoras ou não de cio através da avaliação histológica do endométrio e das concentrações plasmáticas de progesterona. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(12):506-512. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Clínica e Reprodução Animal, Rua Vital Brazil Filho 64, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil. E-mail: joana.vet@gmail.com.br The study aimed to compare endometrial histology and plasmatic progesterone (P4) concentration of repeat breeds and healthy mares. The hypothesis was that there is a correlation between infertility and endometrial histology and P4 concentration in both groups. A total of 36 Campolina and Mangalarga Marchador mares in reproductive age (3-23 years) were used, 11 of them were healthy mares (Control group, 7 embryo recipient and 4 embryo donors), and 25 repeat breeders (10 embryo recipient and 15 embryo donors), classified as based on their reproductive history. Endometrial and blood samples were collected for respectively histological and plasma progesterone concentration evaluation. The endometrial samples obtained after biopsy were fixed in Bouin’s fluid, processed, included in paraffin, and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) for histopathological examination. Plasmatic progesterone concentrations were evaluated by enzyme immunoessay (ELISA). There was no correlation between progesterone concentration and fertility. But there was a positive correlation between age and fertility, as older mares had major tendency of subfertility than younger ones. There was also a correlation between biopsy categories and fertility, as more histological alterations were found, higher were the chances for the mares to be subfertile. However not all mares classified as Category I and II maintained pregnancy until parturition. Other factors could influence pregnancy maintenance. In the same way, not all mares in Category III were infertile. The endometrial biopsy was shown to be an easy and cheap diagnostic technique with minimal discomfort to the animals and, together with other data, to be a very important component in the investigation of mare fertility.

• Mare subfertility endometrial biopsy histopathology progesterone

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Eigenheer-Moreira J.F., Fernandes F.T., Queiroz F.J.R, Pinho T.G.& Ferreira A.M.R. 2007. [Comparative study of repeat breeds and healthy mares through endometrial histology and plasmatic progesterone concentrations.] Estudo comparativo de éguas repetidoras ou não de cio através da avaliação histológica do endométrio e das concentrações plasmáticas de progesterona. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(12):506-512. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Clínica e Reprodução Animal, Rua Vital Brazil Filho 64, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil. E-mail: joana.vet@gmail.com.br The study aimed to compare endometrial histology and plasmatic progesterone (P4) concentration of repeat breeds and healthy mares. The hypothesis was that there is a correlation between infertility and endometrial histology and P4 concentration in both groups. A total of 36 Campolina and Mangalarga Marchador mares in reproductive age (3-23 years) were used, 11 of them were healthy mares (Control group, 7 embryo recipient and 4 embryo donors), and 25 repeat breeders (10 embryo recipient and 15 embryo donors), classified as based on their reproductive history. Endometrial and blood samples were collected for respectively histological and plasma progesterone concentration evaluation. The endometrial samples obtained after biopsy were fixed in Bouin’s fluid, processed, included in paraffin, and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) for histopathological examination. Plasmatic progesterone concentrations were evaluated by enzyme immunoessay (ELISA). There was no correlation between progesterone concentration and fertility. But there was a positive correlation between age and fertility, as older mares had major tendency of subfertility than younger ones. There was also a correlation between biopsy categories and fertility, as more histological alterations were found, higher were the chances for the mares to be subfertile. However not all mares classified as Category I and II maintained pregnancy until parturition. Other factors could influence pregnancy maintenance. In the same way, not all mares in Category III were infertile. The endometrial biopsy was shown to be an easy and cheap diagnostic technique with minimal discomfort to the animals and, together with other data, to be a very important component in the investigation of mare fertility.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Lara V.M., Sueli Akemi Taniwaki S.A. & João Pessoa Araújo Jr J.P. 2007. [Phylogenetic characterization of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) isolates from the state of São Paulo.] Caracterização filogenética de amostras do vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) do Estado de São Paulo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(11):467-470. Departamento de Micro-biologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo 18618-000, Brazil. E-mail: jpessoa@ibb.unesp.br Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus associated with immunologic disorders in domestic cats. Due to the high genetic variability of FIV, five subtypes (A to E) have been identified and diversity within each subtype is also frequent. The study of the genetic diversity can aid the understanding the pathogenesis and epidemiology of the disease. Therefore, the present work aimed to analyze phylogenetically FIV isolates of domestic cats from the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The sequencing of 658 bp of the gag gene from 23 samples was performed and the results were analyzed using the Tamura-Nei nucleotidic substitution method. The phylogenetic analysis showed that all viruses belong to subtype B, and clearly three subgroups were present within this subtype. Additionally, these results suggest a common ancestor between the FIV strains derived from Japan and one Brazilian virus. In conclusion, this work presents the first information about the genetic diversity of FIV in the state of São Paulo. Additional studies are necessary to characterize the real scenario of the distribution of FIV subtypes in the population of Brazilian cats.

• Cat subtype FIV phylogeny genotyping

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Lara V.M., Sueli Akemi Taniwaki S.A. & João Pessoa Araújo Jr J.P. 2007. [Phylogenetic characterization of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) isolates from the state of São Paulo.] Caracterização filogenética de amostras do vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) do Estado de São Paulo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(11):467-470. Departamento de Micro-biologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo 18618-000, Brazil. E-mail: jpessoa@ibb.unesp.br Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus associated with immunologic disorders in domestic cats. Due to the high genetic variability of FIV, five subtypes (A to E) have been identified and diversity within each subtype is also frequent. The study of the genetic diversity can aid the understanding the pathogenesis and epidemiology of the disease. Therefore, the present work aimed to analyze phylogenetically FIV isolates of domestic cats from the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The sequencing of 658 bp of the gag gene from 23 samples was performed and the results were analyzed using the Tamura-Nei nucleotidic substitution method. The phylogenetic analysis showed that all viruses belong to subtype B, and clearly three subgroups were present within this subtype. Additionally, these results suggest a common ancestor between the FIV strains derived from Japan and one Brazilian virus. In conclusion, this work presents the first information about the genetic diversity of FIV in the state of São Paulo. Additional studies are necessary to characterize the real scenario of the distribution of FIV subtypes in the population of Brazilian cats.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Squarzoni R., Morales M., Safatle A.M.V. & Barros P.S.M. 2007. [Ultrasonographic evaluation of the eyes’ posterior segment of diabetic and non-diabetic dogs with cataracts.] Avaliação ultra-sonográfica do segmento posterior de olhos de cães diabéticos e não diabéticos portadores de catarata. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(11):455-461. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: renatasq@usp.br Cataracts jeopardize the light penetration into the eye and may restrain direct exam of eye structures. It is necessary to identify very early any eye disease that could cause the failure of cataract surgery. The ocular ultrasonography or echography is a safe, non invasive, inexpensive and easy procedure that complements ocular examination. Two hundred and twenty five eyes of 123 dogs were evaluated using a 10 Mhz linear transducer ultrasound. The dogs were divided into three groups, as there is Group 1: 36 healthy control dogs; Group 2: 52 non diabetic dogs with cataracts; and Group 3: 35 diabetic dogs with cataracts; all of them were patients of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Sao Paulo. The ultrasonographic findings were in Group 1: vitreous degeneration in 43%, posterior vitreous detachment in 7.7%, asteroid hyalosis in 4.6% of the eyes; in Group 2: vitreous degeneration in 58.9%, posterior vitreous detachment in 8.4%, asteroid hyalosis in 2.1%, inflammatory or haemorrhagic process in 2.1%, retinal detachment in 4.3% of the eyes; and in Group 3: vitreous degeneration in 50.7%, posterior vitreous detachment in 13.8%, asteroid hyalosis in 12.3%, inflammatory or haemorrhagic process in 3.1%, retinal detachment in 3.1% of the eyes. It could be concluded that (1) diabetic dogs, mainly the ones with diabetes for more than 2 years, have greater chances to develop asteroid hyalosis; (2) there were no significant differences in retinal detachment frequencies for the diabetic and non diabetic dogs; and (3) the ocular ultrasonography is a safe, effective and important exam for the pre-operatory evaluation of dogs with cataracts.

• Ocular ultrasound ocular echography Diabetes mellitus cataracts retinal detachment

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Squarzoni R., Morales M., Safatle A.M.V. & Barros P.S.M. 2007. [Ultrasonographic evaluation of the eyes’ posterior segment of diabetic and non-diabetic dogs with cataracts.] Avaliação ultra-sonográfica do segmento posterior de olhos de cães diabéticos e não diabéticos portadores de catarata. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(11):455-461. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: renatasq@usp.br Cataracts jeopardize the light penetration into the eye and may restrain direct exam of eye structures. It is necessary to identify very early any eye disease that could cause the failure of cataract surgery. The ocular ultrasonography or echography is a safe, non invasive, inexpensive and easy procedure that complements ocular examination. Two hundred and twenty five eyes of 123 dogs were evaluated using a 10 Mhz linear transducer ultrasound. The dogs were divided into three groups, as there is Group 1: 36 healthy control dogs; Group 2: 52 non diabetic dogs with cataracts; and Group 3: 35 diabetic dogs with cataracts; all of them were patients of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Sao Paulo. The ultrasonographic findings were in Group 1: vitreous degeneration in 43%, posterior vitreous detachment in 7.7%, asteroid hyalosis in 4.6% of the eyes; in Group 2: vitreous degeneration in 58.9%, posterior vitreous detachment in 8.4%, asteroid hyalosis in 2.1%, inflammatory or haemorrhagic process in 2.1%, retinal detachment in 4.3% of the eyes; and in Group 3: vitreous degeneration in 50.7%, posterior vitreous detachment in 13.8%, asteroid hyalosis in 12.3%, inflammatory or haemorrhagic process in 3.1%, retinal detachment in 3.1% of the eyes. It could be concluded that (1) diabetic dogs, mainly the ones with diabetes for more than 2 years, have greater chances to develop asteroid hyalosis; (2) there were no significant differences in retinal detachment frequencies for the diabetic and non diabetic dogs; and (3) the ocular ultrasonography is a safe, effective and important exam for the pre-operatory evaluation of dogs with cataracts.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Simões E.A., Jatene F.B., Bernardo W.M., Stopiglia A.J., Monteiro R, Fantoni D.T., Abduch C.D., Yasbek K.V.B., Irino E.T., Unruh S.M., Kahvegian M. & Soares A.L.H. 2007. [Viability of the right pneumonectomy in dogs: a parametric, hemogasometric and radiological evaluation.] Viabilidade da pneumonectomia direita em cães: uma avaliação paramétrica, hemogasométrica e radiográfica. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(11):447-454. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: edas@uol.com.br In dogs, the evidence of viability of the right pneumonectomy, as well as the study of complications resulting from surgical procedure, are very important regarding the few specific studies made on the pneumonectomy in this animal species. The objective of this project was to carry out an experimental study to evaluate the viability of the right pneumonectomy in dogs through parametric, hemogasometric and radiographic evaluation. Ten adult healthy mongrel dogs, males and females, weighing 13-32 kg, were used. The dogs were submitted to selective intubation and right thoracotomy at the 5th intercostal space, where the pneumonectomy was performed. A radiografic evaluation was made on days 7, 30 and 60 after the surgery, as well as parametric and hemogasometric evaluations were done (before anesthetic induction, 1 hour after extubation, 48 hours and on days 7, 30 and 60 after the surgical procedure), considered important to evaluate possible complications due to the anesthetic and surgical techniques, as well as complications resulting from these procedures. The results were analyzed statistically. Besides the parametric and hemogasometric alterations, all dogs showed compensation for the gaseous exchanges after removing 57% of the pulmonary volume. Regarding the radiographic evaluation, it could be observed that the expansion of the remaining lung caused heart and lung displacement into the right hemithorax. It can be concluded that the right pneumonectomy is completely feasible in dogs, allowing a parametric, hemogasometric and radiographic satisfactory evaluation in all the animals.

• Pneumonectomy lung surgery dogs

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Simões E.A., Jatene F.B., Bernardo W.M., Stopiglia A.J., Monteiro R, Fantoni D.T., Abduch C.D., Yasbek K.V.B., Irino E.T., Unruh S.M., Kahvegian M. & Soares A.L.H. 2007. [Viability of the right pneumonectomy in dogs: a parametric, hemogasometric and radiological evaluation.] Viabilidade da pneumonectomia direita em cães: uma avaliação paramétrica, hemogasométrica e radiográfica. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(11):447-454. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: edas@uol.com.br In dogs, the evidence of viability of the right pneumonectomy, as well as the study of complications resulting from surgical procedure, are very important regarding the few specific studies made on the pneumonectomy in this animal species. The objective of this project was to carry out an experimental study to evaluate the viability of the right pneumonectomy in dogs through parametric, hemogasometric and radiographic evaluation. Ten adult healthy mongrel dogs, males and females, weighing 13-32 kg, were used. The dogs were submitted to selective intubation and right thoracotomy at the 5th intercostal space, where the pneumonectomy was performed. A radiografic evaluation was made on days 7, 30 and 60 after the surgery, as well as parametric and hemogasometric evaluations were done (before anesthetic induction, 1 hour after extubation, 48 hours and on days 7, 30 and 60 after the surgical procedure), considered important to evaluate possible complications due to the anesthetic and surgical techniques, as well as complications resulting from these procedures. The results were analyzed statistically. Besides the parametric and hemogasometric alterations, all dogs showed compensation for the gaseous exchanges after removing 57% of the pulmonary volume. Regarding the radiographic evaluation, it could be observed that the expansion of the remaining lung caused heart and lung displacement into the right hemithorax. It can be concluded that the right pneumonectomy is completely feasible in dogs, allowing a parametric, hemogasometric and radiographic satisfactory evaluation in all the animals.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pescador C.A., Corbellini L.G., Oliveira E.C., M. Bandarra P.M., Leal J.S., Pedroso P.M.O. & Driemeier D. 2007. [Ovine abortion associated with Sarcocystis sp. infection.] Aborto ovino associado com infecção por Sarcocystis sp. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):393-397. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Protozoal infection has worldwide distribution and may cause abortion, premature parturition or fetal death in almost all domestic animals. In July 2004, eight Corriedale sheep showed abortion and stillbirth in the third trimester of gestation. Of these reproductive losses, one stillborn male was submitted to the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology for necropsy investigation. The direct immunofluorescence test for Leptospira sp. was negative. No significant bacteria was isolated from lung and liver by aerobic and microaerobic cultures. Macroscopic lesions were not found in any fetal tissue. The histological lesions were observed mainly in the brain and heart and consisted primarily of severe multifocal nonsupurative encephalitis and nonsuppurative myocarditis. Schizonts of a protozoan parasite consistent with Sarcocystis sp. were found in the endothelial cells and vascular endothelium in several organs. Many schizonts with merozoites arranged in a rosette-like pattern were observed in brain and kidney tissues. In sections stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), the limiting membrane of some schizonts appeared to be weakly PAS-positive. Merozoites and nuclei were PAS-negative. Protozoa did not react immunohistochemically to the antibody anti-Toxoplasma gondii; however, cross-reactivity was observed with Neospora caninum antibody. These findings were consistent with the diagnosis of Sarcocystis sp.

• Sarcocystis sp. abortion stillbirth sheep

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pescador C.A., Corbellini L.G., Oliveira E.C., M. Bandarra P.M., Leal J.S., Pedroso P.M.O. & Driemeier D. 2007. [Ovine abortion associated with Sarcocystis sp. infection.] Aborto ovino associado com infecção por Sarcocystis sp. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):393-397. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Protozoal infection has worldwide distribution and may cause abortion, premature parturition or fetal death in almost all domestic animals. In July 2004, eight Corriedale sheep showed abortion and stillbirth in the third trimester of gestation. Of these reproductive losses, one stillborn male was submitted to the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology for necropsy investigation. The direct immunofluorescence test for Leptospira sp. was negative. No significant bacteria was isolated from lung and liver by aerobic and microaerobic cultures. Macroscopic lesions were not found in any fetal tissue. The histological lesions were observed mainly in the brain and heart and consisted primarily of severe multifocal nonsupurative encephalitis and nonsuppurative myocarditis. Schizonts of a protozoan parasite consistent with Sarcocystis sp. were found in the endothelial cells and vascular endothelium in several organs. Many schizonts with merozoites arranged in a rosette-like pattern were observed in brain and kidney tissues. In sections stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), the limiting membrane of some schizonts appeared to be weakly PAS-positive. Merozoites and nuclei were PAS-negative. Protozoa did not react immunohistochemically to the antibody anti-Toxoplasma gondii; however, cross-reactivity was observed with Neospora caninum antibody. These findings were consistent with the diagnosis of Sarcocystis sp.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva M.S., Brum M.C.S., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2007. [Identification and differentiation of herpesvirus types 1 and 5 isolated from clinical samples in central-southern Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay (1987-2006).] Identificação e diferenciação de herpesvírus bovino tipos 1 e 5 isolados de amostras clínicas no Centro-Sul do Brasil, Argentina e Uruguai (1987-2006). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):403-408. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Bovine herpesviruses types 1 and 5 (BoHV-1; BoHV-5) are genetically and antigenically closely related such they can not be distinguished by routine diagnostic tests. As BoHV-1 has been historically associated with respiratory and genital disease, herpesviruses isolated from these clinical syndromes have been tentatively – and sometimes definitively - diagnosed as BoHV-1. Likewise, cases of herpetic neurological infection in cattle have been generally attributed to BoHV-5. This study reports the identification of 40 herpesvirus isolates from different clinical specimens and syndromes in central-southern Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay (1987-2006) by the use of a PCR able to differentiate between BoHV-1 and BoHV-5. BoHV-1 isolates (n=16) were identified in cases of respiratory disease (n=3), vulvovaginitis and/or balanoposthitis (n=3), in semen of healthy bulls (n=5) and in cases of neurological disease (n=5). Viruses identified as BoHV-5 (n=24) were isolated predominantly from cases of neurological disease (n=21), but also from semen of healthy bulls (n=2) and from a spleen of a calf with systemic disease (n=1). These results show that both BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 are not strictly associated with their respective diseases; yet are frequently involved in clinical conditions otherwise attributed to the other virus. These findings also reinforce the need of correctly identifying the herpesvirus isolates as to better understand their pathogenesis and epidemiology.

• Bovine herpesvirus BoHV-1 BoHV-5 differential diagnosis epidemiology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva M.S., Brum M.C.S., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2007. [Identification and differentiation of herpesvirus types 1 and 5 isolated from clinical samples in central-southern Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay (1987-2006).] Identificação e diferenciação de herpesvírus bovino tipos 1 e 5 isolados de amostras clínicas no Centro-Sul do Brasil, Argentina e Uruguai (1987-2006). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):403-408. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Bovine herpesviruses types 1 and 5 (BoHV-1; BoHV-5) are genetically and antigenically closely related such they can not be distinguished by routine diagnostic tests. As BoHV-1 has been historically associated with respiratory and genital disease, herpesviruses isolated from these clinical syndromes have been tentatively – and sometimes definitively - diagnosed as BoHV-1. Likewise, cases of herpetic neurological infection in cattle have been generally attributed to BoHV-5. This study reports the identification of 40 herpesvirus isolates from different clinical specimens and syndromes in central-southern Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay (1987-2006) by the use of a PCR able to differentiate between BoHV-1 and BoHV-5. BoHV-1 isolates (n=16) were identified in cases of respiratory disease (n=3), vulvovaginitis and/or balanoposthitis (n=3), in semen of healthy bulls (n=5) and in cases of neurological disease (n=5). Viruses identified as BoHV-5 (n=24) were isolated predominantly from cases of neurological disease (n=21), but also from semen of healthy bulls (n=2) and from a spleen of a calf with systemic disease (n=1). These results show that both BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 are not strictly associated with their respective diseases; yet are frequently involved in clinical conditions otherwise attributed to the other virus. These findings also reinforce the need of correctly identifying the herpesvirus isolates as to better understand their pathogenesis and epidemiology.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Antoniassi N.A.B., Ferreira E.V., Santos C.E.P., Campos J.L.E., Nakazato L. & Colodel E.M. 2007. [Spontaneous Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convolvulaceae) poisoning of cattle in the Brazilian Pantanal.] Intoxicação espontânea por Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convol-vulaceae) em bovinos no Pantanal Matogrossense. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):415-418. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT 78068-900, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@ufmt.br A spontaneous Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (canudo, algodoeiro) poisoning of cattle in the county of Poconé, Brazilian Pantanal, is reported. The investigation began after 12 cattle had died from a flock of 500 animals maintained in an extensive area intensely infested by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa with scarce availability of other fodder plants. The deaths occurred from June to September of 2006. Clinical signs were loss of weight and neurological deficits with hypermetry and incoordination. No significant gross lesions were observed at postmortem examination of one bovine. Histological changes comprised widespread cytoplasmic vacuolation of neurons, cells of the thyroid, kidney and pancreas. Cattle with similar clinical picture, that had been removed from the area invaded by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa and placed into areas with native and Brachiaria sp. pasture, recovered clinically within 15 days.

• Poisonous plants Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa plant poisoning storage diseases cattle

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Antoniassi N.A.B., Ferreira E.V., Santos C.E.P., Campos J.L.E., Nakazato L. & Colodel E.M. 2007. [Spontaneous Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convolvulaceae) poisoning of cattle in the Brazilian Pantanal.] Intoxicação espontânea por Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convol-vulaceae) em bovinos no Pantanal Matogrossense. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):415-418. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT 78068-900, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@ufmt.br A spontaneous Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (canudo, algodoeiro) poisoning of cattle in the county of Poconé, Brazilian Pantanal, is reported. The investigation began after 12 cattle had died from a flock of 500 animals maintained in an extensive area intensely infested by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa with scarce availability of other fodder plants. The deaths occurred from June to September of 2006. Clinical signs were loss of weight and neurological deficits with hypermetry and incoordination. No significant gross lesions were observed at postmortem examination of one bovine. Histological changes comprised widespread cytoplasmic vacuolation of neurons, cells of the thyroid, kidney and pancreas. Cattle with similar clinical picture, that had been removed from the area invaded by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa and placed into areas with native and Brachiaria sp. pasture, recovered clinically within 15 days.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Lucioli J., Furlan F.H., Mezaroba S., Traverso S. D. & Gava A. 2007. [Spontaneous and experimental poisoning by Eupatorium tremulum (Asteraceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação espon-tânea e experimental por Eupatorium tremulum (Asteraceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasi-leira 27(10):442-445. Departamento de Clínica e Patologia, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Univer-sidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2ag@cav.udesc.br The spontaneous and experimental poisoning by Eupatorium tremulum in cattle is described. Spontaneous cases were diagnosed in a herd of 19 cattle in the municipality of Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Three of the animals were found dead after having been transferred to a pasture with abundant quantities of E. tremulum. On two of them postmortem examination was performed and several internal organs were sampled for histological examination. Green leaves of E. tremulum were force-fed orally to 5 calves in single doses of 23-32g/kg body weight. Three calves showed clinical signs and two died. The main clinical signs included anorexia, apathy, absence of rumen movements, diarrhea and a flabby abdominal wall. Gross changes were restricted to the fore stomachs and were identical to those observed in the cases of natural poisoning. Rumen and reticulum were slightly reddish from outside; the corneal layer of their internal lining was loosely attached to a markedly red mucosa. The histological examination of rumen and reticulum from spontaneous and experimental cases revealed necrosis and vesicle formation in the epithelium; in some segments of the ruminal mucosa there was detachment of the epithelial covering and infiltration by neuthophils. Poisoning by E. tremulum has clinical course, gross lesions and histopathology very similar to those observed in poisoning caused by ingestion of the plants Baccharidastrum triplinervium, Baccharis coridifolia and Baccharis megapotamica var. weirii. The diagnosis of the spontaneous cases here described was confirmed by epidemiological data and the experimental reproduction of characteristic gross lesions and histopathology.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Eupatorium tremulum Asteraceae diseases of cattle digestive tract

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Lucioli J., Furlan F.H., Mezaroba S., Traverso S. D. & Gava A. 2007. [Spontaneous and experimental poisoning by Eupatorium tremulum (Asteraceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação espon-tânea e experimental por Eupatorium tremulum (Asteraceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasi-leira 27(10):442-445. Departamento de Clínica e Patologia, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Univer-sidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2ag@cav.udesc.br The spontaneous and experimental poisoning by Eupatorium tremulum in cattle is described. Spontaneous cases were diagnosed in a herd of 19 cattle in the municipality of Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Three of the animals were found dead after having been transferred to a pasture with abundant quantities of E. tremulum. On two of them postmortem examination was performed and several internal organs were sampled for histological examination. Green leaves of E. tremulum were force-fed orally to 5 calves in single doses of 23-32g/kg body weight. Three calves showed clinical signs and two died. The main clinical signs included anorexia, apathy, absence of rumen movements, diarrhea and a flabby abdominal wall. Gross changes were restricted to the fore stomachs and were identical to those observed in the cases of natural poisoning. Rumen and reticulum were slightly reddish from outside; the corneal layer of their internal lining was loosely attached to a markedly red mucosa. The histological examination of rumen and reticulum from spontaneous and experimental cases revealed necrosis and vesicle formation in the epithelium; in some segments of the ruminal mucosa there was detachment of the epithelial covering and infiltration by neuthophils. Poisoning by E. tremulum has clinical course, gross lesions and histopathology very similar to those observed in poisoning caused by ingestion of the plants Baccharidastrum triplinervium, Baccharis coridifolia and Baccharis megapotamica var. weirii. The diagnosis of the spontaneous cases here described was confirmed by epidemiological data and the experimental reproduction of characteristic gross lesions and histopathology.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- La Paz M.N., Fonseca V.U., Campos D.B., Artoni L.P., Sousa L.M.M.C. & Papa P.C. 2007. [In vitro progesterone production from bovine corpus luteum throughout gestation.] Produção de progesterona in vitro pelas células do corpo lúteo bovino ao longo da gestação. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(9):370376. Setor de Anatomia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques Paiva, 87, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: ppapa@usp.br The aim was to test the hypothesis that cultivated bovine luteal cells from three different thirds of pregnancy behave the same way as in vivo luteal cells relative to P4 production. Corpus luteum samples from days 90 (n=3), 150 (n=3) and 210 (n=3) of pregnancy were obtained at a local slaughterhouse. Under aseptic conditions cells were mechanically dispersed and cultivated in a 96 wells-plate. After 24 hours of culture, cells were washed and the precursor pregnenolone was added. Experiments were conducted eight times for each studied time period (24, 48 and 96 h) and three times for each gestational age. Culture medium and cells were collected after 24, 48 and 96 hours of precursor addition and kept frozen at -20oC until processing. Progesterone was measured by RIA and protein content by Lowry’s method. Results were statistically analyzed and considered different when p <0.05. A higher P4 production was observed on day 90 of gestation (35.277±0.075), then this production was decreased at day 150 (28.820±0.231) and increased again at day 210 (32.777±0.099). After 24 hours of culture, luteal cells P4 production reached maximum values in the group of 90 days (2.912±0.047) when compared to 150 (2.669±0.137) and 210 days (2.741±0.088). At 48 and 96 hours of culture, bovine luteal cells from day 90 of gestation produced more P4 than cells from day 210 (2.934±0.029 and 2.976±0.121 respectively x 2.760±0.059 and 2.695±0.149, respectively; p<0.05), which in turn, produced more P4 than cells from day 150 (2.334±0.084 for 48 h and 2.205±0.136 for 96 h). Luteal cells from day 150 of gestation presented a decreasing P4 production throughout the 96 hours of culture. These differences could be explained by differential gene expression of enzymes and/or factors belonging to the esteroidogenic cascade in accordance to the gestational period. The established luteal cell culture model could be used for further functional studies once P4 secretion pattern in vitro resembled what occurs in vivo.

• Corpus luteum gestation progesterone cell culture

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- La Paz M.N., Fonseca V.U., Campos D.B., Artoni L.P., Sousa L.M.M.C. & Papa P.C. 2007. [In vitro progesterone production from bovine corpus luteum throughout gestation.] Produção de progesterona in vitro pelas células do corpo lúteo bovino ao longo da gestação. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(9):370376. Setor de Anatomia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques Paiva, 87, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: ppapa@usp.br The aim was to test the hypothesis that cultivated bovine luteal cells from three different thirds of pregnancy behave the same way as in vivo luteal cells relative to P4 production. Corpus luteum samples from days 90 (n=3), 150 (n=3) and 210 (n=3) of pregnancy were obtained at a local slaughterhouse. Under aseptic conditions cells were mechanically dispersed and cultivated in a 96 wells-plate. After 24 hours of culture, cells were washed and the precursor pregnenolone was added. Experiments were conducted eight times for each studied time period (24, 48 and 96 h) and three times for each gestational age. Culture medium and cells were collected after 24, 48 and 96 hours of precursor addition and kept frozen at -20oC until processing. Progesterone was measured by RIA and protein content by Lowry’s method. Results were statistically analyzed and considered different when p <0.05. A higher P4 production was observed on day 90 of gestation (35.277±0.075), then this production was decreased at day 150 (28.820±0.231) and increased again at day 210 (32.777±0.099). After 24 hours of culture, luteal cells P4 production reached maximum values in the group of 90 days (2.912±0.047) when compared to 150 (2.669±0.137) and 210 days (2.741±0.088). At 48 and 96 hours of culture, bovine luteal cells from day 90 of gestation produced more P4 than cells from day 210 (2.934±0.029 and 2.976±0.121 respectively x 2.760±0.059 and 2.695±0.149, respectively; p<0.05), which in turn, produced more P4 than cells from day 150 (2.334±0.084 for 48 h and 2.205±0.136 for 96 h). Luteal cells from day 150 of gestation presented a decreasing P4 production throughout the 96 hours of culture. These differences could be explained by differential gene expression of enzymes and/or factors belonging to the esteroidogenic cascade in accordance to the gestational period. The established luteal cell culture model could be used for further functional studies once P4 secretion pattern in vitro resembled what occurs in vivo.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Alves F.R., Costa F.B., Arouche M.M.S., Barros A.C.E., Miglino M.A., Vulcano L.C. & Guerra P.C. 2007. [Ultrasonographic evaluation of the urinary system, liver and uterus of Cebus apella monkey.] Avaliação ultra-sonográfica do sistema urinário, fígado e útero do macaco-prego, Cebus apella. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(9):377-382. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: flaviovet@usp.br The Brown Capuchin, Cebus apella, has a wide distribution in the northern and southern Brazilian Amazon region and in the Cerrado (savanna). These monkeys are usually submitted to predatory chase, increasing the need for preservation of this wild animal species. An ultrasonographic examination of 10 Brown Capuchins was made in order to describe the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of their abdominal cavity. The urinary bladder revealed its wall thickness with an average of 0.2cm, the topographic situation of which allowed close relation with the wall of uterus and descendent colon. Using caudal abdominal scan, images of aorta, caudal vena cava and right iliac vein were obtained. Liver was accessible for examination by sagittal and cross-section ultrasound, allowing visualization of gallbladder and hepatic vessels. Renal scan allowed accuracy to evidence the echogenicity differences between pelvis, renal sinus, as well as the cortical-medullary relationship. The mean length of the kidneys was 6.24±0.31cm, and no significant differences were observed between left and right kidney length (Student’s t-test and ANOVA). The renal volume obtained was 2.37±0.18cm3. Correlation Coefficients of Pearson between right and left renal length and between right and left renal volume were r = 0.74 and 0.51. Mean thickness for cortical and medullar regions was 0.75±0.11 and 0.39±0.06cm, respectively. Correlation Coefficient of corticomedullar relation between right and left renal was r = 0.19. Examination by ultrasound was considered an efficient, non-invasive, fast and repeatable technique which provides useful data for clinicians and surgeons engaged in wild animal medicine.

• Cebus apella Brown Capuchin ultrasound wild animals Amazon

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Alves F.R., Costa F.B., Arouche M.M.S., Barros A.C.E., Miglino M.A., Vulcano L.C. & Guerra P.C. 2007. [Ultrasonographic evaluation of the urinary system, liver and uterus of Cebus apella monkey.] Avaliação ultra-sonográfica do sistema urinário, fígado e útero do macaco-prego, Cebus apella. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(9):377-382. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: flaviovet@usp.br The Brown Capuchin, Cebus apella, has a wide distribution in the northern and southern Brazilian Amazon region and in the Cerrado (savanna). These monkeys are usually submitted to predatory chase, increasing the need for preservation of this wild animal species. An ultrasonographic examination of 10 Brown Capuchins was made in order to describe the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of their abdominal cavity. The urinary bladder revealed its wall thickness with an average of 0.2cm, the topographic situation of which allowed close relation with the wall of uterus and descendent colon. Using caudal abdominal scan, images of aorta, caudal vena cava and right iliac vein were obtained. Liver was accessible for examination by sagittal and cross-section ultrasound, allowing visualization of gallbladder and hepatic vessels. Renal scan allowed accuracy to evidence the echogenicity differences between pelvis, renal sinus, as well as the cortical-medullary relationship. The mean length of the kidneys was 6.24±0.31cm, and no significant differences were observed between left and right kidney length (Student’s t-test and ANOVA). The renal volume obtained was 2.37±0.18cm3. Correlation Coefficients of Pearson between right and left renal length and between right and left renal volume were r = 0.74 and 0.51. Mean thickness for cortical and medullar regions was 0.75±0.11 and 0.39±0.06cm, respectively. Correlation Coefficient of corticomedullar relation between right and left renal was r = 0.19. Examination by ultrasound was considered an efficient, non-invasive, fast and repeatable technique which provides useful data for clinicians and surgeons engaged in wild animal medicine.