PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Suárez V.H. & Busetti M.R. 2009. Health management practices and disease prevalence in dairy sheep systems in Argentina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11):931-937. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria de Anguil, INTA, CC 11, 6326 Anguil, La Pampa, Argentina. E-mail: vsuarez@anguil.inta.gov.ar A cross-sectional survey of 19 dairy sheep farms in Argentina was carried out with the purpose to know farm management, health practices, and occurrence and mortality of diseases. The survey comprised 40% of all sheep milking farms in Argentina. A questionnaire was conducted by way of personal interviews with sheep owners during farm visits. The proportions of farms reporting routine vaccination for clostridial diseases, contagious ecthyma, pneumonia and mineral and vitamin parenteral administration were 63%, 47.3%, 16.6% and 42.1% respectively. Regular treatment against lice was used in 37.5% of the farms, and 89.5% o the farmers treated against gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). The mean number of GIN drenches per farm was 2.26±1.78 annually. In 68.4% of the milking flocks the California Mastitis Test was regularly done and 55.6% of the farmer managers had sampled their flocks once a year for Brucella ovis antibodies. During the pre-mating period respectively 68.4% and 50% of farmers clinically examined their rams and ewe for general health and teeth condition. The udders of ewes were frequently inspected at the start of each milking period. The most important parasite problems noticed were GIN (reported by 57.9% of farmers), lice (57.9%) and scabies (10.5%) and the most frequent infectious diseases were ecthyma (73.7%), pneumonia and other respiratory problems (57.9%), clinical mastitis (55.6%), clostridial diseases (36.9%) and foot lameness (35.2%). Photosensitivity (47.4%) and ruminal acidosis (42.1%) were reported as other frequent toxic or metabolic disorders. Owners mentioned that the mean lifespan or milk productive time per ewe was 4.5±1.4 years. Perinatal lamb mortality was 8.5% and the total flock mortality rates, above the first 24 h of life was 6.9%. The high rates of lamb mortality during the pre-weaning (10.3%) and post-weaning (5.9%) periods indicate that this problem, as well as the most prevalent diseases, should be the subject of further studies.

• Nematódeos gastrintestinais piolhos sarna ectima contagioso mastite clostridioses laminite fotossensibilização acidose ruminal

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Suárez V.H. & Busetti M.R. 2009. Health management practices and disease prevalence in dairy sheep systems in Argentina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11):931-937. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria de Anguil, INTA, CC 11, 6326 Anguil, La Pampa, Argentina. E-mail: vsuarez@anguil.inta.gov.ar Foi realizado um levantamento longitudinal em 19 fazendas de ovinos leiteiros na Argentina com o objetivo de conhecer práticas de manejo, medidas sanitárias e ocorrência e freqüência das enfermidades. O levantamento incluiu 40% de todas as fazendas do país que produzem leite ovino. Um questionário foi utilizado com entrevistas pessoais com os ovinocultores durante visita às fazendas. A percentagem de fazendas que relataram vacinação rotineira contra clostridioses, ectima contagioso, pneumonia e administração parenteral de minerais e vitaminas foi 63%, 47,3%, 16,6% e 42,1%, respectivamente. Parte dos produtores (37,5%) realizava tratamento regularmente contra piolhos e 89,5% contra nematódeos gastrintestinais. O número médio de tratamentos anti-helmínticos anuais, por fazenda, era de 2,26+1,78. Em 68,4% dos rebanhos leiteiros o Califórnia Mastite Teste (CMT) era regularmente realizado e 55,6% dos produtores colhiam amostras de seus rebanhos uma vez por ano para diagnóstico de Brucella ovis. Durante o período de pré-acasalamento 68,4% e 50% dos produtores examinavam clinicamente seus carneiros e a condição geral e de dentes de suas ovelhas. O úbere das ovelhas era geralmente inspecionado no início da ordenha. Os principais problemas parasitários eram nematódeos gastrintestinais (mencionado por 57,9% dos produtores), piolhos (57,9%) e sarna (10,5%) e as doenças infecciosas mais frequentes foram ectima contagioso (73,7%), pneumonia e outros problemas respiratórios (57,9%), mastite clínica (55,6%), clostridioses (36,9%) e laminite (35,2%). Fotossensibilização (47,4%) e acidose ruminal (42,1%) foram relatadas como as principais desordens tóxicas ou metabólicas. Na visão dos produtores, a expectativa de vida produtiva ou o tempo de produção de leite por ovelha era de 4,5+1,4 anos. A mortalidade perinatal foi de 8,5% e a taxa de mortalidade total do rebanho, depois das primeiras 24 horas de vida, foi de 6,9%. As altas taxas de mortalidade de cordeiros durante os períodos de pré-desmame (10,3%) e pós-desmame (5,9%) indicam que isto, assim como as doenças mais prevalentes, deve ser tema de mais estudos.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Lemos R.A.A., Nogueira A.P.A., Togni M., Tessele B. & Barros C.S.L. 2009. [Polioencephalomalacia in ruminants.] Polioencefalomalacia em ruminantes. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):681-694. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) of ruminants is a complex disease. The term indicates a morphological diagnosis where severe neuronal necrosis results in softening of cerebral grey matter. Initially though as a single disease caused by thiamine deficiency, PEM is currently believe to have several causes and different pathogenic mechanisms or a single pathogenic organism triggered by different agents are responsible for the disease. In this paper the possible causes and pathogenesis of PEM in ruminants are critically reviewed and discussed. Also are reviewed the epidemiology, clinical signs, gross and histological findings, methods of diagnosis, treatment and control.

• Polioencefalomalacia polioencephalomalacia

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Lemos R.A.A., Nogueira A.P.A., Togni M., Tessele B. & Barros C.S.L. 2009. [Polioencephalomalacia in ruminants.] Polioencefalomalacia em ruminantes. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):681-694. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Polioencefalomalacia (PEM) de ruminantes é uma doença complexa. O termo indica um diagnóstico morfológico em que necrose neuronal grave resulta em amolecimento da substância cinzenta do cérebro. Interpretada no início como uma doença única, causada por deficiência de tiamina, acredita-se hoje que várias causas e diferentes mecanismos patogênicos, ou um único mecanismo patogênico disparado por diferentes agentes, sejam responsáveis pelo aparecimento da doença. Neste artigo, as possíveis causas e a patogênese de PEM em ruminantes são criticamente revisadas e discutidas. Também são revisadas a epidemiologia, os sinais clínicos, os achados macro e microscópicos e os métodos de diagnóstico, tratamento e controle.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Araújo M.R., Costa M.C. & Ecco R. 2009. [Occurrence of pneumonia associated to infection by Mannheimia haemolytica in sheep of Minas Gerais.] Ocorrência de pneumonia associada à infecção por Mannheimia haemolytica em ovinos de Minas Gerais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):719-724. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Caixa Postal 567, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: ecco@vet.ufmg.br This paper describes an outbreak of pneumonia in a sheep herd in the central region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Clinically, the animals presented apathy, exhibited respiratory difficulty during 2 to 3 days or sudden death. The animals were not medicated and found dead. Grossly, the pulmonary findings were similar in all sheep. The pulmonary cranial lobes and the ventral portion of caudal lobes were consolidated and purulent exsudate streamed out of the airways. In the parenchyma of the cranial lobes there were white slightly prominent multifocal to coalescent areas with 0.2 to 0.5cm in diameter intercalated with dark red areas. Consolidated lesions occupied 70 to 80% of the lungs. Fibrinous pleuritis was observed in sheep 1, 2 and 3. Microscopically, the findings were fibrinopurulent bronchopneumonia with intense hyperemia, areas with intra-alveolar hemorrhage and thickening of interlobular septa with numerous neutrophils, cellular rests and scattering fibrin. Multifocal areas with liquefaction necrosis containing numerous bacterial colonies were observed in sheep 1, 2 and 3. In the cranial lobes of these sheep, there were areas with degenerated neutrophils forming clusters of basophilic cells with alongated nuclei (“oat cells”) associated with bacterial colonies. The histological findings were characteristic of pneumonia caused by Mannheimia (M.) haemolytica. Samples of the cranial lobes were sent for bacterial culture, and M. haemolytica was isolated and identified in all animals. This is the first report correlating pathological findings and the isolation of M. haemolytica as cause of bronchopneumonia in sheep in the country.

• Mannheimia haemolytica bronchopneumonia broncopneumonia

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Araújo M.R., Costa M.C. & Ecco R. 2009. [Occurrence of pneumonia associated to infection by Mannheimia haemolytica in sheep of Minas Gerais.] Ocorrência de pneumonia associada à infecção por Mannheimia haemolytica em ovinos de Minas Gerais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):719-724. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Caixa Postal 567, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: ecco@vet.ufmg.br O trabalho descreve um surto de pneumonia em ovinos em uma propriedade na região central de Minas Gerais. Clinicamente os animais apresentavam apatia, mostravam dificuldade respiratória durante dois ou três dias ou morriam subitamente. À necropsia as alterações pulmonares eram similares em todos os ovinos. Havia consolidação dos lobos craniais e da parte ventral dos lobos caudais e ao corte fluía exsudato mucopurulento da traquéia e dos brônquios. No parênquima dos lobos craniais havia áreas brancas multifocais a coalescentes com 0,2-0,5cm de diâmetro, levemente proeminentes e intercaladas por áreas vermelho-escuras. Pleurite fibrinosa foi observada nos Ovinos 1, 2 e 3. As lesões de consolidação ocupavam cerca de 70-80% da extensão pulmonar. Microscopicamente, as alterações eram de broncopneumonia fibrinopurulenta com intensa hiperemia, áreas com hemorragia intra-alveolar e espessamento dos septos interlobulares por inúmeros neutrófilos, restos celulares e intensa exsudação de fibrina. Áreas multifocais com necrose de liquefação contendo numerosas colônias bacterianas foram observadas no Ovino 3. Nos lobos craniais dos Ovinos 1, 2 e 3, haviam áreas com neutrófilos degenerados formando aglomerados de células alongadas com formato de “grãos de aveia” associados a colônias bacterianas. As alterações histológicas foram características de pneumonia causada por Mannheimia (M.) haemolytica. Amostras dos lobos craniais de todos os ovinos foram encaminhadas para cultivo bacteriológico e M. haemolytica foi isolada e identificada em todos os animais. Este é o primeiro relato correlacionando os achados patológicos e o isolamento de M. haemolytica como causa de broncopneumonia em ovinos no Brasil.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- França T.N., Nogueira V.A., Yamasaki E.M., Caldas S.A., Tokarnia C.H. & Peixoto P.V. 2009. [Accidental monensin poisoning in sheep in Rio de Janeiro State.] Intoxicação acidental por monensina em ovinos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):743-746. Departamento de Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: ticianafranca@terra.com.br An outbreak of monensin poisoning in sheep in the State of Rio de Janeiro is described. From 180 animals, eight died after they had been fed with ration containing the ionophore. The poisoning had a variable course and was clinically characterized by apathy, heart arrhythmia, myoglobinuria, incoordenation, incapacity of getting up, and sternal decubitus; one sheep aborted. The macroscopic lesions consisted of pale areas in the myocardium, hydroperitoneum, hydrothorax, and pulmonary edema. Histopathological examination revealed degenerative-necrotic alterations in heart and skeletal muscles. In the myocardium lesions were more severe and were characterized by multifocal necrosis with substitution of the myofibres by fibrous tissue and interstitial mononuclear infiltration. Proliferation of satellite cells and mononuclear inflammatory reaction in skeletal muscles were also verified. It seems that the exaggerated addition of sodic monensin, eventually associated with improper homogenization of monensin in the ration, was responsible for the excessive ingestion of monensin by some animals.

• Monensin miopathy monensina miopatia

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- França T.N., Nogueira V.A., Yamasaki E.M., Caldas S.A., Tokarnia C.H. & Peixoto P.V. 2009. [Accidental monensin poisoning in sheep in Rio de Janeiro State.] Intoxicação acidental por monensina em ovinos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):743-746. Departamento de Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: ticianafranca@terra.com.br Descreve-se um surto de intoxicação por monensina em ovinos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, no qual de 180 animais, oito morreram após serem alimentados com ração contendo o ionóforo. A enfermidade, de evolução variável, caracterizou-se clinicamente por apatia, arritmia cardíaca, mioglobinúria, incoordenação, incapacidade de se levantar, decúbito esternal; uma ovelha abortou. As lesões macroscópicas consistiram de áreas pálidas no miocárdio, hidroperitônio, hidrotórax e edema pulmonar. O exame histopatológico evidenciou alterações degenerativo-necróticas no coração e na musculatura esquelética. No miocárdio, as lesões eram mais marcadas e caracterizavam-se por necrose multifocal com substituição das miofibras por tecido conjuntivo fibroso e inflamação intersticial mononuclear. Adicionalmente, verificaram-se proliferação de células satélite e reação inflamatória mononuclear em músculos esqueléticos. Ao que tudo indica, a adição excessiva de monensina sódica, talvez associada à homogeneização inadequada da droga ao alimento, tenha determinado a ingestão de grande quantidade de monensina por parte dos animais.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Nogueira A.P.A., Souza R.I.C., Cardinal S.G., Lemos R.A.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2009. [Experimentally amprolium-induced polioencephalomalacia in sheep.] Polioencefalomalacia experimental induzida por amprólio em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):747-752. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br In order to establish an experimental model for the study of the etiology, pathology, and pathogenesis of polioencephalomalacia in ruminants, the condition was induced in five sheep by oral administration of amprolium at daily doses of 500 and 1,000mg per kg of body weight respectively for 28-59 days and for 13-39 days. All sheep died or were euthanized in extremis after illness of 3-7 days. Clinical signs included depression, incoordination, midriasis, grinding of the teeth, blindness, and laying down with opisthotonus and paddling movements. Drooling and a sawhorse stance were observed in one sheep and myoclonus in another one. Main gross lesions were restricted to the central nervous system and included swelling of the brain with flattening of telencephalic gyri, and hemorrhages in the parietal and occipital lobes of the telencephalon, in the submeningeal areas of the spinal cord and in the mesencephalon. Histologically, there was segmental laminar neuronal necrosis (red neurons) associated with edema, swelling of endothelial cells, hemorrhages and infiltration by foamy macrophages (gitter cells). These changes were more marked in the frontal, parietal and occipital telecephalic lobes and there was sharp demarcation between the lesions and the adjacent normal neuropile. Additionally, similar, but less marked lesions were seen in the mesencephalon, thalamus and hippocampus. Considering the consistent reproducible aspects of polioencephalomalacia in sheep using amprolium, this may be an useful model for the study of the disease.

• Amprolium polioencephalomalacia amprólio polioencefalomalacia

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Nogueira A.P.A., Souza R.I.C., Cardinal S.G., Lemos R.A.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2009. [Experimentally amprolium-induced polioencephalomalacia in sheep.] Polioencefalomalacia experimental induzida por amprólio em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):747-752. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Para estabelecer um modelo experimental para o estudo da etiologia, patologia e patogênese da polioencefalomalacia em ruminantes, a condição foi induzida em cinco ovinos pela administração oral de amprólio nas doses diárias de 500 e 1.000mg/kg de peso animal, respectivamente por 28-59 dias e 13-39 dias. Todos os ovinos morreram ou foram eutanasiados in extremis após um curso clínico de 3-7 dias. Os sinais clínicos incluíam depressão, incoordenação, midríase, bruxismo, cegueira e decúbito com opistótono e movimentos de pedalagem. Salivação excessiva e posição de cavalete foi observada em um ovino e mioclonias em um outro. Os principais achados de necropsia restringiam-se ao sistema nervoso central e incluíam tumefação do encéfalo com achatamento dos giros telencefálicos e hemorragias nos lobos parietal e occipital do telencéfalo; as hemorragias ocorriam também nas áreas submeníngeas da medula espinhal e do mesencéfalo. Histologicamente, havia necrose segmentar laminar de neurônios (neurônios vermelhos) associada a edema, tumefação de células endoteliais, hemorragias e infiltração por macrófagos espumosos (células gitter). Essas alterações eram mais marcadas nos lobos frontal, parietal e occipital do telencéfalo e havia uma demarcação abrupta entre as lesões e o neurópilo normal adjacente. Adicionalmente, lesões semelhantes, mas menos acentuadas, eram observadas no mesencéfalo, tálamo e hipocampo. Levando em consideração a reproducibilidade regular dos aspectos da polioencefalomalacia em ovinos pela administração de amprólio, esse modelo pode ser útil para o estudo da doença.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Néspoli P.B, Gheller V.A., Mahecha G.A.B., Godoy de Araújo D.K., Gilberto L. Macedo G.L.J. & Bordin A.I. 2009. [Morphologic aspects of hepatic ultrasonography in sheep.] Aspectos morfológicos da ultra-sonografia hepática de ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):333-338. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa s/n, Coxipó, Cuiabá, MT 78060-900, Brazil. E-mail: nespoli@ufmt.br The ultrasonography (US) is a complementary technique of choice for the diagnostic of hepatic diseases in many domestics’ species. In sheep however there are few reports about ultrasonography in hepatic diseases and there is not precise definition about the anatomic standards of normal liver limits in ultrasonographic examination. In this study 58 Santa Inês sheep breed were used and divided in 3 groups: n1=8 males, n2=10 not pregnant females and n3=40 pregnant females. The animals were scanned from the 12º to 8º intercostal spaces (EI) to observe the localization of the vena cava caudal (VC), gallbladder (VB) and to measure the liver thickness above the VC and vena portae VP under the 11º and 10º EI. The liver was examined on satisfactory way from the 12º till the 8º EI. Both the VC and the VP where observed from the 12º to 9º EI, however the VC could not be observed in 11 animals, 10 of them were over 50 kg. Between the two female groups the VC and VP where observed most frequently from the 11º to 10º EI and in all males examined from the 12º to 10º EI. The location of the gallbladder varies between the 10º to the 8º EI, with bigger incidence between the 9º and the 8º EI in pregnant and no pregnant females groups and underneath the 9º EI on the male group. Comparatively, the ecogenicity of the liver parenchyma was more intense than kidney cortex. There was a significant correlation between liver’s weight and hepatic thikness above the vena portae on the 11º and 10º EI on the pregnant females group. The US supplied to important information about the topography and echogenicity of the liver and showed to be a useful tool to esteem the liver’s weight.

• Sheep ultrasonography liver Vena cava caudalis Vena portae gall bladder

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Néspoli P.B, Gheller V.A., Mahecha G.A.B., Godoy de Araújo D.K., Gilberto L. Macedo G.L.J. & Bordin A.I. 2009. [Morphologic aspects of hepatic ultrasonography in sheep.] Aspectos morfológicos da ultra-sonografia hepática de ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):333-338. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa s/n, Coxipó, Cuiabá, MT 78060-900, Brazil. E-mail: nespoli@ufmt.br The ultrasonography (US) is a complementary technique of choice for the diagnostic of hepatic diseases in many domestics’ species. In sheep however there are few reports about ultrasonography in hepatic diseases and there is not precise definition about the anatomic standards of normal liver limits in ultrasonographic examination. In this study 58 Santa Inês sheep breed were used and divided in 3 groups: n1=8 males, n2=10 not pregnant females and n3=40 pregnant females. The animals were scanned from the 12º to 8º intercostal spaces (EI) to observe the localization of the vena cava caudal (VC), gallbladder (VB) and to measure the liver thickness above the VC and vena portae VP under the 11º and 10º EI. The liver was examined on satisfactory way from the 12º till the 8º EI. Both the VC and the VP where observed from the 12º to 9º EI, however the VC could not be observed in 11 animals, 10 of them were over 50 kg. Between the two female groups the VC and VP where observed most frequently from the 11º to 10º EI and in all males examined from the 12º to 10º EI. The location of the gallbladder varies between the 10º to the 8º EI, with bigger incidence between the 9º and the 8º EI in pregnant and no pregnant females groups and underneath the 9º EI on the male group. Comparatively, the ecogenicity of the liver parenchyma was more intense than kidney cortex. There was a significant correlation between liver’s weight and hepatic thikness above the vena portae on the 11º and 10º EI on the pregnant females group. The US supplied to important information about the topography and echogenicity of the liver and showed to be a useful tool to esteem the liver’s weight.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Bezerra Jr P.S., Santos A.S., Bandarra P.M., Pedroso P.M.O., Pavarini, S.P., Spanamberg A., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Experimental poisoning by Aspergillus clavatus in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Aspergillus clavatus em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):205-210. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br This paper describes the experimental reproduction of a neurological condition in sheep by the administration of a beer by-product contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus. Samples of this by-product, in which pure cultures of A. clavatus grew, originated from two farms where outbreaks of A. clavatus poisoning in cattle had occurred. The onset of symptomatology was 2 to 6 days after dosage with the contaminated beer by-product or pure A. clavatus culture. The clinical course lasted from one and a half to 12 days. Clinical signs were predominantly of locomotor and respiratory nature and included muscle tremors, hyperesthesia, and progressive tachypnea, rigidity of the pelvic limbs, posterior weakness, and recumbency. One sheep also showed occasional knuckling of fetlocks of the hind limbs. Gait abnormalities and tremors were more pronounced after exercise. In 6 of 7 sheep, appetite and dypsia were maintained until close to death or euthanasia. The main histological findings consisted of chromatolytic neuronal degeneration and necrosis in selected nuclei of the brain stem, the ventral horn of the spinal cord and the spinal, trigeminal, stellate and celiac ganglions. Three sheep also presented slight degenerative and necrotic changes in muscles of the pelvic and thoracic limbs.

• Aspergillus clavatus sheep beer by-product poisoning neuronal chromatolysis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Bezerra Jr P.S., Santos A.S., Bandarra P.M., Pedroso P.M.O., Pavarini, S.P., Spanamberg A., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Experimental poisoning by Aspergillus clavatus in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Aspergillus clavatus em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):205-210. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br This paper describes the experimental reproduction of a neurological condition in sheep by the administration of a beer by-product contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus. Samples of this by-product, in which pure cultures of A. clavatus grew, originated from two farms where outbreaks of A. clavatus poisoning in cattle had occurred. The onset of symptomatology was 2 to 6 days after dosage with the contaminated beer by-product or pure A. clavatus culture. The clinical course lasted from one and a half to 12 days. Clinical signs were predominantly of locomotor and respiratory nature and included muscle tremors, hyperesthesia, and progressive tachypnea, rigidity of the pelvic limbs, posterior weakness, and recumbency. One sheep also showed occasional knuckling of fetlocks of the hind limbs. Gait abnormalities and tremors were more pronounced after exercise. In 6 of 7 sheep, appetite and dypsia were maintained until close to death or euthanasia. The main histological findings consisted of chromatolytic neuronal degeneration and necrosis in selected nuclei of the brain stem, the ventral horn of the spinal cord and the spinal, trigeminal, stellate and celiac ganglions. Three sheep also presented slight degenerative and necrotic changes in muscles of the pelvic and thoracic limbs.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Batista M.C.S, Castro R.S., Rego E.W., Carvalho A.A., Silva S.M.S., Carvalho C.D.D. & Riet-Correa F. 2009. [Hematology and blood biochemistry in sheep with conidiobolomycosis in northeastern Brazil.] Hemograma, proteinograma, ionograma e dosagens bioquímicas e enzimáticas de ovinos acometidos de conidiobolomicose no Nordeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):17-24 Departamento de Morfofisiologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Piauí, Campus Universitário Ministro Petrônio Portella, s/n, Bairro Ininga, Teresina, PI 64049-450, Brazil. Email: cbatista@ufpi.br Hematologic values, serum levels of albumin, globulins, total proteins, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chloride, urea nitrogen, creatinine, total, direct and indirect bilirrubin, and serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkalin phosphatase (AF) and gama-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were determined in 56 hair sheep with conidiobolomycosis and 371 healthy hair sheep from the same flocks. Sheep with conidiobolomycosis had nonregenerative, normocytic and normochromic anemia, leucocytosis with neutrophilia and increased nutrophil:lymphocyte rate, moderate monocytosis, moderate thrombocytosis, hypoproteinemia (hypoglobulinemia), hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia and increased values of phosphorus. Serum activities of AST and GGT were increased and serum activity of FA decreased. Serum values of urea and creatinine were within normal values. Hypoglycemia and hyperbilirrubinemia were also observed. These results can be used for experimental studies with the disease, for treatments trials, and to detect early cases of the disease without clinical signs. Otherwise the hematologic and blood biochemistry values of healthy sheep can be used as reference values for hair sheep in the semi-arid region of Brazil.

• Serum biochemistry hematology liver function renal function conidiobolomycosis healthy hair sheep

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Batista M.C.S, Castro R.S., Rego E.W., Carvalho A.A., Silva S.M.S., Carvalho C.D.D. & Riet-Correa F. 2009. [Hematology and blood biochemistry in sheep with conidiobolomycosis in northeastern Brazil.] Hemograma, proteinograma, ionograma e dosagens bioquímicas e enzimáticas de ovinos acometidos de conidiobolomicose no Nordeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):17-24 Departamento de Morfofisiologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Piauí, Campus Universitário Ministro Petrônio Portella, s/n, Bairro Ininga, Teresina, PI 64049-450, Brazil. Email: cbatista@ufpi.br Hematologic values, serum levels of albumin, globulins, total proteins, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chloride, urea nitrogen, creatinine, total, direct and indirect bilirrubin, and serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkalin phosphatase (AF) and gama-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were determined in 56 hair sheep with conidiobolomycosis and 371 healthy hair sheep from the same flocks. Sheep with conidiobolomycosis had nonregenerative, normocytic and normochromic anemia, leucocytosis with neutrophilia and increased nutrophil:lymphocyte rate, moderate monocytosis, moderate thrombocytosis, hypoproteinemia (hypoglobulinemia), hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia and increased values of phosphorus. Serum activities of AST and GGT were increased and serum activity of FA decreased. Serum values of urea and creatinine were within normal values. Hypoglycemia and hyperbilirrubinemia were also observed. These results can be used for experimental studies with the disease, for treatments trials, and to detect early cases of the disease without clinical signs. Otherwise the hematologic and blood biochemistry values of healthy sheep can be used as reference values for hair sheep in the semi-arid region of Brazil.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Furlan F.H., Lucioli J., Borelli V., Fonteque J.H., Stolf L., Traverso S.D. & Gava A. 2009. [Poisoning by closantel in sheep and goats in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil.] Intoxicação por closantel em ovinos e caprinos no Estado de Santa Catarina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):89-93. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2ag@cav.udesc.br Two outbreaks of closantel overdosage in sheep and goat flocks are described. In the first outbreak 12 sheep were affected, 5 of them showed blindness, three sheep died (Sheep 1-3) and two were euthanized 6 months after the onset of clinical manifestation (Sheep 4 and 5). In the second outbreak 26 goats were affected, from which six survived despite blindness and one was euthanized. Clinically the animals showed depression, ataxia, motor incoordination, decreased or absent pupil reflexes. In some animals this clinical picture developed to bilateral blindness, with no reaction to threat and bilateral irresponsive midriasis. In the ophthalmic examination retinal vessel atrophy and hyperreflexia were observed. The histological examination showed myelin edema leading to status spongiosus in the central nervous system and compressive neuropathy of the optic nerve, associated with retinal degeneration and/or atrophy. This report aims to describe the epidemiologic, clinic and pathologic aspects of closantel overdosage in sheep and goats.

• Closantel sheep goats status spongiosus retinal degeneration

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Furlan F.H., Lucioli J., Borelli V., Fonteque J.H., Stolf L., Traverso S.D. & Gava A. 2009. [Poisoning by closantel in sheep and goats in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil.] Intoxicação por closantel em ovinos e caprinos no Estado de Santa Catarina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):89-93. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2ag@cav.udesc.br Two outbreaks of closantel overdosage in sheep and goat flocks are described. In the first outbreak 12 sheep were affected, 5 of them showed blindness, three sheep died (Sheep 1-3) and two were euthanized 6 months after the onset of clinical manifestation (Sheep 4 and 5). In the second outbreak 26 goats were affected, from which six survived despite blindness and one was euthanized. Clinically the animals showed depression, ataxia, motor incoordination, decreased or absent pupil reflexes. In some animals this clinical picture developed to bilateral blindness, with no reaction to threat and bilateral irresponsive midriasis. In the ophthalmic examination retinal vessel atrophy and hyperreflexia were observed. The histological examination showed myelin edema leading to status spongiosus in the central nervous system and compressive neuropathy of the optic nerve, associated with retinal degeneration and/or atrophy. This report aims to describe the epidemiologic, clinic and pathologic aspects of closantel overdosage in sheep and goats.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT. Riet-Correa F., Haraguchi M., Dantas A.F., Burakovas R.G., Yokosuka A., Mimaki Y., Medeiros R.M.T. & Matos P.F. 2009. Sheep poisoning by Panicum dichotomiflorum in northeastern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):94-98. Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidades Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Different species of Panicum, including P. dichotomiflorum, have been reported as a cause of photosensitization in sheep, horses, cattle and goats. An outbreak of hepatogenous photosensitization occurred in 3 flocks of hair sheep in the Brazilian semiarid region. Eighty one out of 365 sheep were affected and 39 died. The main affected animals were nursing lambs and sheep younger than one year old. Donkeys, goats and cattle grazing in the same pasture were not affected. Clinical signs were edema of the head, followed by dermatitis, mainly in the face, ears, and croup, ocular discharge, corneal opacity with blindness, and redness of the coronary band and hoof. At necropsy of one affected lamb the liver was yellowish. Upon histologic examination scattered necrotic hepatocytes were observed in the liver and focal areas of necrosis of myocytes appeared in the heart. Samples of P. dicotomiflorum were analyzed by TLC and those containing saponins were isolated by HPLC using RP-C18 column and eluted with a mixture of MeOH and H2O. The isolated compounds were submitted to 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Reactions were positive to furostanol saponins with the same Rf of the standard protodioscin (0.21) and methylprotodioscin (0.32). The spectroscopic results indicated a mixture of (25R)- and (25S)-protodioscin isomers in a proportion of 3:1, and methylprotodioscin.

• Lithogenic steroidal saponins Panicum dichotomiflorum photosensitization protodioscin

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT. Riet-Correa F., Haraguchi M., Dantas A.F., Burakovas R.G., Yokosuka A., Mimaki Y., Medeiros R.M.T. & Matos P.F. 2009. Sheep poisoning by Panicum dichotomiflorum in northeastern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):94-98. Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidades Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Different species of Panicum, including P. dichotomiflorum, have been reported as a cause of photosensitization in sheep, horses, cattle and goats. An outbreak of hepatogenous photosensitization occurred in 3 flocks of hair sheep in the Brazilian semiarid region. Eighty one out of 365 sheep were affected and 39 died. The main affected animals were nursing lambs and sheep younger than one year old. Donkeys, goats and cattle grazing in the same pasture were not affected. Clinical signs were edema of the head, followed by dermatitis, mainly in the face, ears, and croup, ocular discharge, corneal opacity with blindness, and redness of the coronary band and hoof. At necropsy of one affected lamb the liver was yellowish. Upon histologic examination scattered necrotic hepatocytes were observed in the liver and focal areas of necrosis of myocytes appeared in the heart. Samples of P. dicotomiflorum were analyzed by TLC and those containing saponins were isolated by HPLC using RP-C18 column and eluted with a mixture of MeOH and H2O. The isolated compounds were submitted to 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Reactions were positive to furostanol saponins with the same Rf of the standard protodioscin (0.21) and methylprotodioscin (0.32). The spectroscopic results indicated a mixture of (25R)- and (25S)-protodioscin isomers in a proportion of 3:1, and methylprotodioscin.