PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

Amorim S.L., Medeiros R.M.T. & Riet-Correa F. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Manihot glaziovii (Euphorbiaceae) in goats.] Intoxicação experimental por Manihot glaziovii (Euphorbiaceae) em caprinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):179-187. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, UFCG, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: rmtmed@cstr.ufcg.edu.br Samples of fresh, dried and partially dried leaves of Manihot glaziovii Muell. Arg. were administered orally to Moxotó goats in single doses up to 12g/kg body weight (bw). The cyanide content of the plant samples was determined by the picrosodic paper test. The plant was collected from January to June 2004. When the goats with clinical signs were in lateral recumbency, they were treated intravenously with 50ml/100kg/bw of a 20% aqueous solution of sodium tiosulfate. Three experiments were performed. In Experiment 1, the plant was given immediately after collection to six goats; two ingested the plant after been ground and four ingested the plant without having been ground. In Experiment 2, the plant was maintained in the shade, in open air or inside plastic bags. The plastic bags were changed daily. The plant kept in plastic bags was given to 18 goats, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours after collection. The plant kept in the open air was given to 13 goats, 4, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours and 9, 10, 23 and 30 days after collection. In Experiment 3, the previously ground plant kept in the open air or inside plastic bags was administered 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after collection. Seventeen goats received the plant kept in plastic bags, and 16 goats the plant left in the open air. In Experiments 2 and 3, two or three goats were used for each period after collection, and the plant was given until the loss of its toxicity. Forty goats were used as controls for evaluation of the cardiac and respiratory frequencies. In Experiment 1, the ground and not ground plant had similar toxicity. In Experiment 2, the plant kept in the open air maintained its toxicity during the whole experiment (30 days), and the plant kept inside the plastic bags was toxic until 96 hours after collection. In Experiment 3, the ground plant, left in the open air or kept inside plastic bags, was toxic for 72 hours after collection. In all experiments clinical signs were characteristic of cyanide poisoning. All poisoned goats were treated successfully. In conclusion, Manihot glaziovii, which is used as forage in northeastern Brazil, should be ground and left for at least 96 hours in the open air before feeding to animals. The plant for preparing hay should be previously ground, and the hay should be given to animals also only 96 hours after its preparation.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Manihot glaziovii Euphorbiaceae cyanogenic plants hydrocyanic acid goats.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Amorim S.L., Medeiros R.M.T. & Riet-Correa F. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Manihot glaziovii (Euphorbiaceae) in goats.] Intoxicação experimental por Manihot glaziovii (Euphorbiaceae) em caprinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):179-187. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, UFCG, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: rmtmed@cstr.ufcg.edu.br Samples of fresh, dried and partially dried leaves of Manihot glaziovii Muell. Arg. were administered orally to Moxotó goats in single doses up to 12g/kg body weight (bw). The cyanide content of the plant samples was determined by the picrosodic paper test. The plant was collected from January to June 2004. When the goats with clinical signs were in lateral recumbency, they were treated intravenously with 50ml/100kg/bw of a 20% aqueous solution of sodium tiosulfate. Three experiments were performed. In Experiment 1, the plant was given immediately after collection to six goats; two ingested the plant after been ground and four ingested the plant without having been ground. In Experiment 2, the plant was maintained in the shade, in open air or inside plastic bags. The plastic bags were changed daily. The plant kept in plastic bags was given to 18 goats, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours after collection. The plant kept in the open air was given to 13 goats, 4, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours and 9, 10, 23 and 30 days after collection. In Experiment 3, the previously ground plant kept in the open air or inside plastic bags was administered 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after collection. Seventeen goats received the plant kept in plastic bags, and 16 goats the plant left in the open air. In Experiments 2 and 3, two or three goats were used for each period after collection, and the plant was given until the loss of its toxicity. Forty goats were used as controls for evaluation of the cardiac and respiratory frequencies. In Experiment 1, the ground and not ground plant had similar toxicity. In Experiment 2, the plant kept in the open air maintained its toxicity during the whole experiment (30 days), and the plant kept inside the plastic bags was toxic until 96 hours after collection. In Experiment 3, the ground plant, left in the open air or kept inside plastic bags, was toxic for 72 hours after collection. In all experiments clinical signs were characteristic of cyanide poisoning. All poisoned goats were treated successfully. In conclusion, Manihot glaziovii, which is used as forage in northeastern Brazil, should be ground and left for at least 96 hours in the open air before feeding to animals. The plant for preparing hay should be previously ground, and the hay should be given to animals also only 96 hours after its preparation.

Abstract in English:

Amorim S.L., Oliveira A.C.P., Riet-Correa F., Simões S.V.D., Medeiros R.M.T. & Clementino I.J. 2005. [Nutritional muscular dystrophy in sheep in Paraíba.] Distrofia muscular nutricional em ovinos na Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):120-124. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, UFCG, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br An outbreak of nutritional muscular dystrophy is reported in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil affecting 3-4 months old Dorper sheep. The animals, weighing 30-40 kg, were fed ad libitum with milk, concentrated ration, Tifton hay, and a mineral mixture. Six out of 70 lambs were affected and died in the first 48 hours after the onset of the outbreak. Clinical signs were fever of 40-41ºC, incoordination followed by paralysis and recumbence, depression, prostration with decreased pupillary and corneal reflexes, decreased tonus of the tongue and maxilla, salivation, submaxillar edema, and increased cardiac and respiratory rates. Death occurred after a clinical manifestation period of 6-12 hours. At necropsy of three animals, skeletal muscles were pale, the liver was yellowish and enlarged, the parotid, submaxillary, retropharyngeal, prescapular and mediastinal lymph nodes were enlarged with red surface, and red areas were observed on the lung surface. On histology, segmental muscular necrosis was observed in all skeletal muscles examined. The liver had centrilobular fatty degeneration, and congestion was observed in the lung and lymph nodes. From 48-96 hours after the begin of the outbreak, another 3 animals were affected. They were treated with Vitamin A, E and D complex; two of them died and one survived. On the same farm, a flock of 20 Santa Inês sheep of the same age as the affected animals, fed with the same food, but no milk, and another 900 sheep of different ages were not affected. The over nutrition of sheep with fast growing rates, and the stress caused by two days of water restriction to improve milk consumption had been predisposing factors for the occurrence of the disease. It is also possible that some of the minerals supplemented interfered with selenium availability.

• Nutritional muscular dystrophy muscular segmental necrosis selenium and vitamine E deficiency sheep.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Amorim S.L., Oliveira A.C.P., Riet-Correa F., Simões S.V.D., Medeiros R.M.T. & Clementino I.J. 2005. [Nutritional muscular dystrophy in sheep in Paraíba.] Distrofia muscular nutricional em ovinos na Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):120-124. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, UFCG, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br An outbreak of nutritional muscular dystrophy is reported in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil affecting 3-4 months old Dorper sheep. The animals, weighing 30-40 kg, were fed ad libitum with milk, concentrated ration, Tifton hay, and a mineral mixture. Six out of 70 lambs were affected and died in the first 48 hours after the onset of the outbreak. Clinical signs were fever of 40-41ºC, incoordination followed by paralysis and recumbence, depression, prostration with decreased pupillary and corneal reflexes, decreased tonus of the tongue and maxilla, salivation, submaxillar edema, and increased cardiac and respiratory rates. Death occurred after a clinical manifestation period of 6-12 hours. At necropsy of three animals, skeletal muscles were pale, the liver was yellowish and enlarged, the parotid, submaxillary, retropharyngeal, prescapular and mediastinal lymph nodes were enlarged with red surface, and red areas were observed on the lung surface. On histology, segmental muscular necrosis was observed in all skeletal muscles examined. The liver had centrilobular fatty degeneration, and congestion was observed in the lung and lymph nodes. From 48-96 hours after the begin of the outbreak, another 3 animals were affected. They were treated with Vitamin A, E and D complex; two of them died and one survived. On the same farm, a flock of 20 Santa Inês sheep of the same age as the affected animals, fed with the same food, but no milk, and another 900 sheep of different ages were not affected. The over nutrition of sheep with fast growing rates, and the stress caused by two days of water restriction to improve milk consumption had been predisposing factors for the occurrence of the disease. It is also possible that some of the minerals supplemented interfered with selenium availability.

Abstract in English:

Riet-Correa G., Terra F.F., Schild A.L., Riet-Correa F. & Barros S.S. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):91-96. Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Campus de Castanhal, UFPA, Castanhal, PA 68740-080, Brazil. E-mail: griet@ufpa.br Cardiac fibrosis was observed in a calf showing dullness, weakening and respiratory insufficiency in a farm in the state of São Paulo, where cardiac insufficiency, abortion and nervous signs in cattle were associated with the ingestion of Tetrapterys multiglandulosa. The objectives of this paper were to determine the susceptibility of sheep to the intoxication by T. multiglandulosa, to describe the clinical and pathological characteristics of the intoxication, and to evaluate the possibility of using sheep as an experimental species for toxicological studies with this plant. In a previous experiment to determine the toxicity of T. multiglandulosa to be used in sheep, the green plant was given to a steer at the dose of 22g per kg body weight (g/kg/bw), daily, during 9 days. After 9 days the steer showed nervous signs, and on the 12thday was euthanatized. No gross lesions were observed at necropsy. Status spongiosus was observed on the deeper layers of the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter. Six male sheep were divided in three groups of two sheep each. Group 1 (Sheep 1 and 2) received daily doses of 6 g/kg/bw of the dry plant, during 30 days; Group 2 (Sheep 3 and 4) received daily doses of 3 g/kg/bw, during 60 days; and Group 3 was the control group. Sheep 1 was euthanatized 30 days after the start of the ingestion. Only cardiac arrhythmia was observed clinically, and no lesions were observed at necropsy. Sheep 2, 3 and 4 had also cardiac arrhythmia from day 9, 12 and 18, respectively. From day 52 they started to show depression, reluctance to move and incoordination. Clinical signs got gradually worst and the sheep were euthanatized on days 60, 70 and 80, when clinical signs were marked, and the animals will die at any moment. Hydrothorax, hydropericardium, ascites, nutmeg appearance of the liver and hard whitish myocardium, mainly in the interventricular septum and left ventricle, were observed at necropsy. Histologically, the heart of Sheep 2, 3 and 4 had areas of fibrosis associated with mononuclear cell infiltration. No lesions were found in the heart of Sheep 1. The 4 treated sheep had status spongiosus in different areas of the cerebrum and brain stem, mainly of the deep layers of the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter. Status spongiosus were also observed in the cerebellar white matter and cervical medulla. In the later the vacuolization was moderate in the white matter and mild in the grey matter. Status spongiosus were mild in Sheep 1 and moderate to severe in Sheep 2, 3 and 4. On electron microscopy it was observed that the status spongiosus is due to an intramyelinic edema. No gross or histologic lesions were observed on the two control sheep, which were euthanized on day 80 after the start of the experiment.

• etrapterys multiglandulosa Malpighiaceae cardiac fibrosis status spongiosus nervous system sheep.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Riet-Correa G., Terra F.F., Schild A.L., Riet-Correa F. & Barros S.S. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):91-96. Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Campus de Castanhal, UFPA, Castanhal, PA 68740-080, Brazil. E-mail: griet@ufpa.br Cardiac fibrosis was observed in a calf showing dullness, weakening and respiratory insufficiency in a farm in the state of São Paulo, where cardiac insufficiency, abortion and nervous signs in cattle were associated with the ingestion of Tetrapterys multiglandulosa. The objectives of this paper were to determine the susceptibility of sheep to the intoxication by T. multiglandulosa, to describe the clinical and pathological characteristics of the intoxication, and to evaluate the possibility of using sheep as an experimental species for toxicological studies with this plant. In a previous experiment to determine the toxicity of T. multiglandulosa to be used in sheep, the green plant was given to a steer at the dose of 22g per kg body weight (g/kg/bw), daily, during 9 days. After 9 days the steer showed nervous signs, and on the 12thday was euthanatized. No gross lesions were observed at necropsy. Status spongiosus was observed on the deeper layers of the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter. Six male sheep were divided in three groups of two sheep each. Group 1 (Sheep 1 and 2) received daily doses of 6 g/kg/bw of the dry plant, during 30 days; Group 2 (Sheep 3 and 4) received daily doses of 3 g/kg/bw, during 60 days; and Group 3 was the control group. Sheep 1 was euthanatized 30 days after the start of the ingestion. Only cardiac arrhythmia was observed clinically, and no lesions were observed at necropsy. Sheep 2, 3 and 4 had also cardiac arrhythmia from day 9, 12 and 18, respectively. From day 52 they started to show depression, reluctance to move and incoordination. Clinical signs got gradually worst and the sheep were euthanatized on days 60, 70 and 80, when clinical signs were marked, and the animals will die at any moment. Hydrothorax, hydropericardium, ascites, nutmeg appearance of the liver and hard whitish myocardium, mainly in the interventricular septum and left ventricle, were observed at necropsy. Histologically, the heart of Sheep 2, 3 and 4 had areas of fibrosis associated with mononuclear cell infiltration. No lesions were found in the heart of Sheep 1. The 4 treated sheep had status spongiosus in different areas of the cerebrum and brain stem, mainly of the deep layers of the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter. Status spongiosus were also observed in the cerebellar white matter and cervical medulla. In the later the vacuolization was moderate in the white matter and mild in the grey matter. Status spongiosus were mild in Sheep 1 and moderate to severe in Sheep 2, 3 and 4. On electron microscopy it was observed that the status spongiosus is due to an intramyelinic edema. No gross or histologic lesions were observed on the two control sheep, which were euthanized on day 80 after the start of the experiment.

Abstract in English:

Miranda Neto E.G., Afonso J.A.B., Mendonça C.L. & Almeida M.Z.P.R.B. 2005. [Clinical study and characteristics of the ruminal fluid of goats in experimentally induced lactic acidosis.] Estudo clínico e características do suco ruminal de caprinos com acidose láctica induzida experimentalmente. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):73-78. Clinica de Bovinos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Cx. Postal 152, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: eldinemneto@hotmail.com The objective was to study the effects of ruminal lactic acidosis in goats, induced experimentally, on the clinical manifestations, the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the ruminal fluid. Ten 1 to 2 year old male goats, cross bred (SRD), with 25 kg body weight, in good health condition and housed in a stall, were rumen-fistulated. After establishing normal pattern for the variables studied, the acidosis was induced with the administration of 15g sucrose/kg body weight. Clinical and laboratorial observations were accomplished at intervals of 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 hours, after the induction (PI). Already 4 hours PI the animals showed clinical signs of apathy, anorexia, increased heart frequency, ruminal atony, abdominal distention and diarrhea. The characteristics of the ruminal fluid suffered alterations, as reduction of the pH (below 5.0), and its color became a milky aspect, acid smell and aqueous consistency. The time of sedimentation activity (TAS) was reduced and the dynamics of the fauna and flora were committed, with the prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria. At the end of the observation period the analyzed variables were not yet fully re-established in some animals.

• Ruminal lactic acidosis goats ruminants.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Miranda Neto E.G., Afonso J.A.B., Mendonça C.L. & Almeida M.Z.P.R.B. 2005. [Clinical study and characteristics of the ruminal fluid of goats in experimentally induced lactic acidosis.] Estudo clínico e características do suco ruminal de caprinos com acidose láctica induzida experimentalmente. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):73-78. Clinica de Bovinos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Cx. Postal 152, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: eldinemneto@hotmail.com The objective was to study the effects of ruminal lactic acidosis in goats, induced experimentally, on the clinical manifestations, the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the ruminal fluid. Ten 1 to 2 year old male goats, cross bred (SRD), with 25 kg body weight, in good health condition and housed in a stall, were rumen-fistulated. After establishing normal pattern for the variables studied, the acidosis was induced with the administration of 15g sucrose/kg body weight. Clinical and laboratorial observations were accomplished at intervals of 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 hours, after the induction (PI). Already 4 hours PI the animals showed clinical signs of apathy, anorexia, increased heart frequency, ruminal atony, abdominal distention and diarrhea. The characteristics of the ruminal fluid suffered alterations, as reduction of the pH (below 5.0), and its color became a milky aspect, acid smell and aqueous consistency. The time of sedimentation activity (TAS) was reduced and the dynamics of the fauna and flora were committed, with the prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria. At the end of the observation period the analyzed variables were not yet fully re-established in some animals.

Abstract in English:

Aguirre J.I., Gomar M.S., Igal, S., Quiroga M.A., Portiansky E.L & Gimeno E.J. 2005. Bone changes caused by experimental Solanum malacoxylon poisoning in rabbits. [Alterações ósseas causadas na intoxicação experimental por Solanum malacoxylon em coelhos.] Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):34-38. Institute of Pathology “Prof. Dr. Bernardo Epstein”, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, P.O.Box 296, (1900) La Plata, Argentina. E-mail: ejgimeno@fcv.unlp.edu.ar The aim of this study was to describe the bone changes observed after a daily oral administration of the calcinogenic plant Solanum malacoxylon (syn. S. glaucophyllum) (Sm) during 9 days. The Sm-poisoned rabbits had an increase of bone resorption in the endosteal surface of the cortical zone and also in the surface covered by osteoblasts of the primary and secondary spongiosa of the trabecular bone compartment. Moreover, the epiphyseal growth plates in long bones appeared narrower than in the control rabbits, with reduction of the proliferative and hyperthrophic chondrocyte zones. The electron microscopic study revealed a significant decrease of proteoglycans in the hyperthrophic chondrocyte zone evidenced by a significant reduction of rutenium red positive granules in the poisoned rabbit. Altogether, these data suggest that cell differentiation may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Sm-induced bone lesions.

• Solanum malacoxylon S. glaucophyllum calcinogenic plant rabbit bone tissue growth plate.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Aguirre J.I., Gomar M.S., Igal, S., Quiroga M.A., Portiansky E.L & Gimeno E.J. 2005. Bone changes caused by experimental Solanum malacoxylon poisoning in rabbits. [Alterações ósseas causadas na intoxicação experimental por Solanum malacoxylon em coelhos.] Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):34-38. Institute of Pathology “Prof. Dr. Bernardo Epstein”, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, P.O.Box 296, (1900) La Plata, Argentina. E-mail: ejgimeno@fcv.unlp.edu.ar The aim of this study was to describe the bone changes observed after a daily oral administration of the calcinogenic plant Solanum malacoxylon (syn. S. glaucophyllum) (Sm) during 9 days. The Sm-poisoned rabbits had an increase of bone resorption in the endosteal surface of the cortical zone and also in the surface covered by osteoblasts of the primary and secondary spongiosa of the trabecular bone compartment. Moreover, the epiphyseal growth plates in long bones appeared narrower than in the control rabbits, with reduction of the proliferative and hyperthrophic chondrocyte zones. The electron microscopic study revealed a significant decrease of proteoglycans in the hyperthrophic chondrocyte zone evidenced by a significant reduction of rutenium red positive granules in the poisoned rabbit. Altogether, these data suggest that cell differentiation may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Sm-induced bone lesions.

Abstract in English:

Assis R.A., Lobato F.C.F., Serakides R., Santos R.L., Dias G.R.C., Nascimento R.A.P., Abreu V.L.V, Parreiras P.M. & Uzal F.A. 2005. Immunohistochemical detection of Clostridia species in paraffin-embedded tissues of experimentally inoculated guinea pigs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):4-8. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos 6627, Cx. Postal 567, Belo Horizonte, MG 30123-970, Brazil. E-mail: assisra@rwnet.com.br Blackleg is caused by Clostridium chauvoei, whereas malignant oedema is caused by C. chauvoei, C. septicum, C. sordellii, C. perfringens type A, and/or C. novyi type A. Anti-C. chauvoei, anti-C. septicum, anti-C. sordellii and anti-C. novyi type A polyclonal antibodies were produced in rabbits and purified in a column of DEAE-cellulose. Aliquots of the antisera were conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate and the remaining was used for the streptavidin biotin peroxidase technique (SBPT). SBPT was standardized to detect C. chauvoei, C. septicum, C. sordellii and C. novyi type A in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of guinea pigs. SBPT was compared to a fluorescent antibody technique (FAT). Sections and smears of muscle from inoculation area (MIA), heart, liver, spleen and kidney, were obtained for both SBPT and FAT. Cross-reactions between the different Clostridial species were not observed. C. chauvoei and C. septicum were detected in all specimens from the animals inoculated with these microorganisms, while only sections of muscle obtained from all the animals inoculated with C. sordellii and C. novyi type A were positive. The same results observed by the SBPT, were obtained on tissue smears of these microorganisms stained by the FAT. The results indicate that SBPT is suitable for detection of C. chauvoei, C. septicum, C. sordellii and C. novyi type A in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of guinea pigs.

• Blackleg malignant oedema Clostridia guinea pigs fluorescent antibody technique streptavidin biotin peroxidase technique.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Assis R.A., Lobato F.C.F., Serakides R., Santos R.L., Dias G.R.C., Nascimento R.A.P., Abreu V.L.V, Parreiras P.M. & Uzal F.A. 2005. Immunohistochemical detection of Clostridia species in paraffin-embedded tissues of experimentally inoculated guinea pigs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):4-8. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos 6627, Cx. Postal 567, Belo Horizonte, MG 30123-970, Brazil. E-mail: assisra@rwnet.com.br Blackleg is caused by Clostridium chauvoei, whereas malignant oedema is caused by C. chauvoei, C. septicum, C. sordellii, C. perfringens type A, and/or C. novyi type A. Anti-C. chauvoei, anti-C. septicum, anti-C. sordellii and anti-C. novyi type A polyclonal antibodies were produced in rabbits and purified in a column of DEAE-cellulose. Aliquots of the antisera were conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate and the remaining was used for the streptavidin biotin peroxidase technique (SBPT). SBPT was standardized to detect C. chauvoei, C. septicum, C. sordellii and C. novyi type A in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of guinea pigs. SBPT was compared to a fluorescent antibody technique (FAT). Sections and smears of muscle from inoculation area (MIA), heart, liver, spleen and kidney, were obtained for both SBPT and FAT. Cross-reactions between the different Clostridial species were not observed. C. chauvoei and C. septicum were detected in all specimens from the animals inoculated with these microorganisms, while only sections of muscle obtained from all the animals inoculated with C. sordellii and C. novyi type A were positive. The same results observed by the SBPT, were obtained on tissue smears of these microorganisms stained by the FAT. The results indicate that SBPT is suitable for detection of C. chauvoei, C. septicum, C. sordellii and C. novyi type A in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of guinea pigs.

Abstract in English:

Seitz A.L., Colodel E.M., Barros S.S. & Driemeier D. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):15-20. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: alseitz@terra.com.br. Seven sheep received dry crushed Sida carpinifolia L.f. One of them died at 18 and other at 53 days of the experiment. Four others were euthanatized and necropsied at 30, 45, 75 and 100 days. For one sheep the supply of S. carpinifolia was interrupted on the 80th day of the experiment, and 70 days later the animal was euthanized and necropsied. The minimal amount of the dry plant consumed was 11 g/kg and the maximum was 30 g/kg. The progression of clinical findings was similar in six animals with slight diarrhea at 20 days of experiment. Neurological signs were observed at 25 days and included ataxia with dysmetria, muscle tremors of the head, atypical postural reactions, frequent falls, sluggish of movements, difficulty in grazing and swallowing. These signs were enhanced when the animals were forced to walk. Four of the animals presented progressive emaciation. The sheep whose supply of the plant was interrupted recovered gradually, and 11 days after the animal returned to normal. During necropsy, only enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were observed. The histological alterations were more significant in the central nervous system, with multiple and severe cytoplasmic distention and vacuolation which affects specially Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, neurons of cerebral cortex, thalamus, midbrain and the ventral horn of spinal cord. Axonal spheroids in the brain, more frequently in the granular layer of cerebellum were also observed. The cytoplasmic vacuolation was also found in pancreatic acinar cells, renal tubules, thyroid follicular epithelium, hepatocytes and macrophages of lymphoid organs. The ultrastructural lesions observed were cytoplasmic vacuolation, some surrounded by membranes in Purkinje cells of cerebellum and thyroid follicular cells. The sheep, which had S. carpinifolia withdrawn from its diet for 70 days, had no significant histological alterations.

• Toxic plants plant poisoning Sida carpinifolia Malvaceae lysosomal storage disease swainsonine electronic microscopy.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Seitz A.L., Colodel E.M., Barros S.S. & Driemeier D. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):15-20. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: alseitz@terra.com.br. Seven sheep received dry crushed Sida carpinifolia L.f. One of them died at 18 and other at 53 days of the experiment. Four others were euthanatized and necropsied at 30, 45, 75 and 100 days. For one sheep the supply of S. carpinifolia was interrupted on the 80th day of the experiment, and 70 days later the animal was euthanized and necropsied. The minimal amount of the dry plant consumed was 11 g/kg and the maximum was 30 g/kg. The progression of clinical findings was similar in six animals with slight diarrhea at 20 days of experiment. Neurological signs were observed at 25 days and included ataxia with dysmetria, muscle tremors of the head, atypical postural reactions, frequent falls, sluggish of movements, difficulty in grazing and swallowing. These signs were enhanced when the animals were forced to walk. Four of the animals presented progressive emaciation. The sheep whose supply of the plant was interrupted recovered gradually, and 11 days after the animal returned to normal. During necropsy, only enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were observed. The histological alterations were more significant in the central nervous system, with multiple and severe cytoplasmic distention and vacuolation which affects specially Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, neurons of cerebral cortex, thalamus, midbrain and the ventral horn of spinal cord. Axonal spheroids in the brain, more frequently in the granular layer of cerebellum were also observed. The cytoplasmic vacuolation was also found in pancreatic acinar cells, renal tubules, thyroid follicular epithelium, hepatocytes and macrophages of lymphoid organs. The ultrastructural lesions observed were cytoplasmic vacuolation, some surrounded by membranes in Purkinje cells of cerebellum and thyroid follicular cells. The sheep, which had S. carpinifolia withdrawn from its diet for 70 days, had no significant histological alterations.

Abstract in English:

García y Santos M.C., Schild A.L., Barros S.S., Riet-Correa F., Elias F. & Ramos A.T. 2004. [Perinatal lesions in cattle experimentally poisoned by Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae).] Lesões perinatais em bovinos na intoxicação experimental por Ateleia glazio-viana (Leg.Papilionoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):178-184. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFPel, Cx.Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Leaves of Ateleia glaziovian Baill., dried in a 100o C oven for 16-20 hours, were given to seven crossbred cows, always as bolus. Two of them received 9 g/kg at 4 months of pregnancy. Three cows in the 8th month of pregnancy received daily doses of 1-2 g/kg of the leaves, until a total amount of 10, 21 and 28 g/kg/bw was reached. Two 8-month-pregnant cows were fed 15.5 and 18 g/kg of the dried leaves. Two 4-month-pregnant cows were fed 35 g/kg of green leaves of A. glazioviana. The cow treated with 21 g/kg of the dry plant material showed clinical signs of poisoning and delivered a stillborn calf. No clinical signs were observed in the other cows. The calves from cows that received 9, 15.5 and 28 g/kg of the dried leaves showed weakness and suckling difficulties, and were killed. Whitish areas and thickening of the right ventricle wall of the heart were observed in the stillborn calf. Thickening of the wall of the right ventricle was also observed in the calf delivered by the cow treated with 28g/kg of dry plant. The other calves had no gross lesions. The histological changes in all necropsied calves were characterized by tumefaction and vacuolization of muscle fibers and proliferation of fibrous tissue, similar as occurred in spontaneous cases of fibrosis of the heart muscle in cattle poisoned by A. glazioviana. PAS stained slides revealed positive granules in the cardiomyocytes more evident than those of the control calf. The stillborn calf had mild spongiosis of the white matter of the cerebellum, thalamus and rostral colliculi. The ultrastructural pathology revealed cardiac fibers with large glycogen storage within myofibril bundles, which showed loss of bundles and disappearance of whole sarcomers. Mild glycogen storage was observed in a control calf.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Ateleia glazioviana Leguminosae Papilionoideae abortion cardiac fibrosis glycogenosis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

García y Santos M.C., Schild A.L., Barros S.S., Riet-Correa F., Elias F. & Ramos A.T. 2004. [Perinatal lesions in cattle experimentally poisoned by Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae).] Lesões perinatais em bovinos na intoxicação experimental por Ateleia glazio-viana (Leg.Papilionoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):178-184. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFPel, Cx.Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Leaves of Ateleia glaziovian Baill., dried in a 100o C oven for 16-20 hours, were given to seven crossbred cows, always as bolus. Two of them received 9 g/kg at 4 months of pregnancy. Three cows in the 8th month of pregnancy received daily doses of 1-2 g/kg of the leaves, until a total amount of 10, 21 and 28 g/kg/bw was reached. Two 8-month-pregnant cows were fed 15.5 and 18 g/kg of the dried leaves. Two 4-month-pregnant cows were fed 35 g/kg of green leaves of A. glazioviana. The cow treated with 21 g/kg of the dry plant material showed clinical signs of poisoning and delivered a stillborn calf. No clinical signs were observed in the other cows. The calves from cows that received 9, 15.5 and 28 g/kg of the dried leaves showed weakness and suckling difficulties, and were killed. Whitish areas and thickening of the right ventricle wall of the heart were observed in the stillborn calf. Thickening of the wall of the right ventricle was also observed in the calf delivered by the cow treated with 28g/kg of dry plant. The other calves had no gross lesions. The histological changes in all necropsied calves were characterized by tumefaction and vacuolization of muscle fibers and proliferation of fibrous tissue, similar as occurred in spontaneous cases of fibrosis of the heart muscle in cattle poisoned by A. glazioviana. PAS stained slides revealed positive granules in the cardiomyocytes more evident than those of the control calf. The stillborn calf had mild spongiosis of the white matter of the cerebellum, thalamus and rostral colliculi. The ultrastructural pathology revealed cardiac fibers with large glycogen storage within myofibril bundles, which showed loss of bundles and disappearance of whole sarcomers. Mild glycogen storage was observed in a control calf.

Abstract in English:

Minho A.P., Navarro I.T., Freire R.L., Vidotto O., Gennari S.M., Marana E.M. & Garcia J.L. 2004. Evaluation of the indirect fluorescent antibody test and modified agglutination test for detection of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in experimentally infected pigs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):199-202. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86050-970, Brazil. E-mail: italmar@uel.br The study determined the sensitivity and specificity of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and modified agglutination test (MAT) for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody detection by analyzing sera from 46 experimentally infected pigs. Values for sensitivity were 95.7% (confidence interval 95%: 84.0-99.2%) and for specificity 97.8% (confidence interval 95%: 87.0-99.9%) in both tests. There was an optimum agreement of results between IFAT and MAT evidenced by a Kappa test of 0.86. These results validate these tests for the detection of T. gondii infection in pigs. IFAT and MAT despite methodologies with different characteristics and readings have similar accuracy in pig serum samples.

• Toxoplasma gondii swine antibodies serology indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) modified agglutination test (MAT).

Abstract in Portuguese:

Minho A.P., Navarro I.T., Freire R.L., Vidotto O., Gennari S.M., Marana E.M. & Garcia J.L. 2004. Evaluation of the indirect fluorescent antibody test and modified agglutination test for detection of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in experimentally infected pigs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):199-202. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86050-970, Brazil. E-mail: italmar@uel.br The study determined the sensitivity and specificity of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and modified agglutination test (MAT) for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody detection by analyzing sera from 46 experimentally infected pigs. Values for sensitivity were 95.7% (confidence interval 95%: 84.0-99.2%) and for specificity 97.8% (confidence interval 95%: 87.0-99.9%) in both tests. There was an optimum agreement of results between IFAT and MAT evidenced by a Kappa test of 0.86. These results validate these tests for the detection of T. gondii infection in pigs. IFAT and MAT despite methodologies with different characteristics and readings have similar accuracy in pig serum samples.

Abstract in English:

Traverso S.D., Correa A.M.R., Schmitz M., Colodel E.M. & Driemeier D. 2004 [Experimental poisoning by Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação experi-mental por Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):211-216. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veteriná-ria, UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br Leaves of Trema micrantha were orally given to 13 cattle. Ten animals received green leaves in a single dose, two animals received green leaves in fractionated doses, and one received the dried leaves in a single dose. Eight animals showed clinical signs and six of them died. Clinical signs were observed 16 hours after administration and included apathy, anorexia, drooling, progressive weakness, coma and death. Neurological signs as pressing the head against obstacles and head shaking were observed in four animals . Death occurred between 67 and 153 hours after the end of plant ingestion. The main gross lesions were observed in the liver, and included friable consistency, pronounced lobular pattern and areas of haemorrhages. The liver of one bovine was homogeneously dark reddened. Petechial hemorrhages in serosal membranes and edema in the gall bladder were frequently seen. Pale kidneys with red spots in the cortex were observed in one animal. Microscopically, the most striking lesion in the liver was massive coagulative necrosis, associated with centrolobular haemorrhages, observed in four animals. In the liver of one bovine centrolobular necrosis was observed . Tubular renal necrosis was noted in two animals. Additional microscopic lesions were found in the central nervous system of five bovines, especially in the frontal cortex, and included perineuronal and perivascular edema with basophilia and retraction of the neurons. T T. micrantha caused clinical signs with 50g/kg and death with doses of 54g/kg or higher. The fractionated administration of the green leaves as well as the dried leaves did not cause poisoning.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Trema micrantha Ulmaceae cattle liver necrosis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Traverso S.D., Correa A.M.R., Schmitz M., Colodel E.M. & Driemeier D. 2004 [Experimental poisoning by Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação experi-mental por Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):211-216. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veteriná-ria, UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br Leaves of Trema micrantha were orally given to 13 cattle. Ten animals received green leaves in a single dose, two animals received green leaves in fractionated doses, and one received the dried leaves in a single dose. Eight animals showed clinical signs and six of them died. Clinical signs were observed 16 hours after administration and included apathy, anorexia, drooling, progressive weakness, coma and death. Neurological signs as pressing the head against obstacles and head shaking were observed in four animals . Death occurred between 67 and 153 hours after the end of plant ingestion. The main gross lesions were observed in the liver, and included friable consistency, pronounced lobular pattern and areas of haemorrhages. The liver of one bovine was homogeneously dark reddened. Petechial hemorrhages in serosal membranes and edema in the gall bladder were frequently seen. Pale kidneys with red spots in the cortex were observed in one animal. Microscopically, the most striking lesion in the liver was massive coagulative necrosis, associated with centrolobular haemorrhages, observed in four animals. In the liver of one bovine centrolobular necrosis was observed . Tubular renal necrosis was noted in two animals. Additional microscopic lesions were found in the central nervous system of five bovines, especially in the frontal cortex, and included perineuronal and perivascular edema with basophilia and retraction of the neurons. T T. micrantha caused clinical signs with 50g/kg and death with doses of 54g/kg or higher. The fractionated administration of the green leaves as well as the dried leaves did not cause poisoning.