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.- Guimarães J.P., Mari R.B., Miglino M.A., Hernandez-Blasquez F.J. & Watanabe I. 2007. [Mechanoreceptors of the palatine mucosa of ostrich (Struthio camelus): light microscope study.] Mecanoreceptores da mucosa palatina de avestruz (Struthio camelus): estudo ao microscópio de luz. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(12):491-494. Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Anatomia, 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: juvet@usp.br Herbst corpuscles of the palatine mucosa of ostrich were studied by light microscopy. The corpuscles are composed of an outer core, inner core and central nerve terminal. The outer core presents numerous lamellae, while the inner core shows compact structure of cytoplasm sheets. The corpuscles are elongate or oval in shape and are surrounded by bundles of collagen fibers. Each lamella is composed of a dense network of thick fibrils. The terminal axons are located along the axis and form a bulb terminal. The fibers of external core stained by Picrosirius and examined by polarized light microscopy revealed to be green in color like type I collagen fibers, and at the periphery is a large amount of collagen type III. The corpuscles are surrounded by flat cells and dense collagen fibers at the periphery.

• Mechanoreceptors palatine mucosa ostrich light microscope

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Guimarães J.P., Mari R.B., Miglino M.A., Hernandez-Blasquez F.J. & Watanabe I. 2007. [Mechanoreceptors of the palatine mucosa of ostrich (Struthio camelus): light microscope study.] Mecanoreceptores da mucosa palatina de avestruz (Struthio camelus): estudo ao microscópio de luz. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(12):491-494. Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Anatomia, 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: juvet@usp.br Herbst corpuscles of the palatine mucosa of ostrich were studied by light microscopy. The corpuscles are composed of an outer core, inner core and central nerve terminal. The outer core presents numerous lamellae, while the inner core shows compact structure of cytoplasm sheets. The corpuscles are elongate or oval in shape and are surrounded by bundles of collagen fibers. Each lamella is composed of a dense network of thick fibrils. The terminal axons are located along the axis and form a bulb terminal. The fibers of external core stained by Picrosirius and examined by polarized light microscopy revealed to be green in color like type I collagen fibers, and at the periphery is a large amount of collagen type III. The corpuscles are surrounded by flat cells and dense collagen fibers at the periphery.

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.- De Conti J.B., Schossler J.E.W., Alievi M.M., Bonfada A.T., Novosad D., Silva D. & Pachaly J.R. 2007. [Use of Type II external skeletal fixator for tibiotarsus osteosynthesis in White Plymouth Rock chickens: An experimental model for using in wild birds.] Uso de fixador esquelético externo Tipo II para osteossíntese de tibiotarso em galinhas da raça Plymouth Rock Branca: modelo experimental para uso em aves selvagens. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasi-leira 27(5):199-204. Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Estrada da Paca s/n, Zona Rural, Umuarama, PR 87502-000, Brazil. E-mail: julianodeconti@yahoo.com.br The efficiency of the Type II external skeletal fixator for the treatment of tibiotarsus fracture in eight adult White Plymouth Rock chickens was evaluated. The individuals were pre-medicated with morphine sulfate and anesthetized with halothane, and submitted to a diaphysary osteotomy in the left tibiotarsus, performed with an oscillatory saw. Four Kirschner wires were inserted through the bone cortices, being two proximally and two distally to the fracture. After the fracture reduction the ends of both proximal and distal wires were twisted in distal or proximal direction, respectively, being the wires connected by two bars of autopolymerizing acrylic resin, in the external lateral and medial faces of the limb. The return to full capability to use the member was observed in 20.00±7.09 days, and the bone healing occurred in 35.12±8.72 days. The results of this study showed that open reduction and use of Type II external skeletal fixator is an effective method for the treatment of tibiotarsus fractures in White Plymouth Rock chickens.

• Fracture birds tibiotarsus orthopedics external fixator Type II

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- De Conti J.B., Schossler J.E.W., Alievi M.M., Bonfada A.T., Novosad D., Silva D. & Pachaly J.R. 2007. [Use of Type II external skeletal fixator for tibiotarsus osteosynthesis in White Plymouth Rock chickens: An experimental model for using in wild birds.] Uso de fixador esquelético externo Tipo II para osteossíntese de tibiotarso em galinhas da raça Plymouth Rock Branca: modelo experimental para uso em aves selvagens. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasi-leira 27(5):199-204. Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Estrada da Paca s/n, Zona Rural, Umuarama, PR 87502-000, Brazil. E-mail: julianodeconti@yahoo.com.br The efficiency of the Type II external skeletal fixator for the treatment of tibiotarsus fracture in eight adult White Plymouth Rock chickens was evaluated. The individuals were pre-medicated with morphine sulfate and anesthetized with halothane, and submitted to a diaphysary osteotomy in the left tibiotarsus, performed with an oscillatory saw. Four Kirschner wires were inserted through the bone cortices, being two proximally and two distally to the fracture. After the fracture reduction the ends of both proximal and distal wires were twisted in distal or proximal direction, respectively, being the wires connected by two bars of autopolymerizing acrylic resin, in the external lateral and medial faces of the limb. The return to full capability to use the member was observed in 20.00±7.09 days, and the bone healing occurred in 35.12±8.72 days. The results of this study showed that open reduction and use of Type II external skeletal fixator is an effective method for the treatment of tibiotarsus fractures in White Plymouth Rock chickens.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Curci V.C.M., Dutra I.S., Döbereiner J. & Lucas Junior J. 2007. [The effect of composting cattle carcasses on botulinum spores and toxin content.] Pré-compostagem de cadáveres de bovinos acometidos pelo botulismo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):157-161. Unidade de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico do Agronegócio, APTA Regional Extremo Oeste, Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Av. Alcides Fagundes Chagas 122, Araçatuba, SP 15055-240, Brazil. E-mail: vlmcursi@aptaregional.sp.gov.br Five carcasses of cattle that died from botulism were composted in individual isolated beds with the purpose of monitoring the effect on spores of Clostridium botulinum and of botulinum toxin. The diagnosis of botulinum poisoning was based on clinical and pathological, epidemic and/or laboratorial characteristics. Of the five bovines with clinical signs of chronic botulism, three were affected by the type D toxin, one by the CD complex, and one was negative for toxin and spores of C. botulinum in the viscera using a mouse bioassay. The composting process was carried out in beds with carcasses cut up and mixed with sawdust as a carbon source. They were kept anaerobic under a plastic sheet for 50 days. The temperature of the beds was monitored during the period and oscillated from 40.5 to 52.4°C. After this time, soft tissue had complete decomposed with a significant loss of weight (26.5-44.5%). The remaining bones no longer contained spores or botulinum toxin in the 5 samples taken from each carcass. Only 2 of the 200 samples of homogenized remaining (40 for each carcass) contained spores of C. botulinum type C. All samples were negative for botulinum toxin using the mouse bioassay. Composting carcasses of cattle that died from botulism eliminated botulinum spores and toxin from the remains.

• Composting bovine carcasses botulism botulinum toxin C and D Clostridium botu-linum

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Curci V.C.M., Dutra I.S., Döbereiner J. & Lucas Junior J. 2007. [The effect of composting cattle carcasses on botulinum spores and toxin content.] Pré-compostagem de cadáveres de bovinos acometidos pelo botulismo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):157-161. Unidade de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico do Agronegócio, APTA Regional Extremo Oeste, Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Av. Alcides Fagundes Chagas 122, Araçatuba, SP 15055-240, Brazil. E-mail: vlmcursi@aptaregional.sp.gov.br Five carcasses of cattle that died from botulism were composted in individual isolated beds with the purpose of monitoring the effect on spores of Clostridium botulinum and of botulinum toxin. The diagnosis of botulinum poisoning was based on clinical and pathological, epidemic and/or laboratorial characteristics. Of the five bovines with clinical signs of chronic botulism, three were affected by the type D toxin, one by the CD complex, and one was negative for toxin and spores of C. botulinum in the viscera using a mouse bioassay. The composting process was carried out in beds with carcasses cut up and mixed with sawdust as a carbon source. They were kept anaerobic under a plastic sheet for 50 days. The temperature of the beds was monitored during the period and oscillated from 40.5 to 52.4°C. After this time, soft tissue had complete decomposed with a significant loss of weight (26.5-44.5%). The remaining bones no longer contained spores or botulinum toxin in the 5 samples taken from each carcass. Only 2 of the 200 samples of homogenized remaining (40 for each carcass) contained spores of C. botulinum type C. All samples were negative for botulinum toxin using the mouse bioassay. Composting carcasses of cattle that died from botulism eliminated botulinum spores and toxin from the remains.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Lucioli J., Furlan F.H., Mezaroba S., Bechtold S.L., Gava A. & Traverso S.D. 2007. [Acute sodium fluorsilicate poisoning in cattle in the state of Santa Catarina.] Intoxicação aguda por fluorsilicato de sódio em bovinos no Estado de Santa Catarina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):49-52. Laboratório de Patologia Animal, Departamento de Clínica e Patologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, UDESC, Avenida Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2sdt@cav.udesc.br An acute poisoning with sodium fluorsilicate in six cattle is reported, as well as the experimental reproduction by oral administration of the compound to two bovines. Clinical manifestations of the natural poisoning include muscle tremors, hypersalivation, groaning and rapid death. In the experimental poisoning lateral recumbency, dyspnea, tetanic spasms and paddling was also observed. The main necropsy findings were reddening, edema and ulceration of the ruminal and abomasal mucosa. Histopathological findings were necrosis of the epithelium of the forestomachs with polymorphonuclear infiltration of the submucosal and muscular layers. Tubular renal necrosis, liver portal necrosis and necrosis of the lymphoid tissues was also noted. The sodium fluorsilicate caused clinical signs at a dose of 300mg/kg, and death from 400mg/kg on.

• Sodium fluorsilicate poisoning cattle pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Lucioli J., Furlan F.H., Mezaroba S., Bechtold S.L., Gava A. & Traverso S.D. 2007. [Acute sodium fluorsilicate poisoning in cattle in the state of Santa Catarina.] Intoxicação aguda por fluorsilicato de sódio em bovinos no Estado de Santa Catarina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):49-52. Laboratório de Patologia Animal, Departamento de Clínica e Patologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, UDESC, Avenida Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2sdt@cav.udesc.br An acute poisoning with sodium fluorsilicate in six cattle is reported, as well as the experimental reproduction by oral administration of the compound to two bovines. Clinical manifestations of the natural poisoning include muscle tremors, hypersalivation, groaning and rapid death. In the experimental poisoning lateral recumbency, dyspnea, tetanic spasms and paddling was also observed. The main necropsy findings were reddening, edema and ulceration of the ruminal and abomasal mucosa. Histopathological findings were necrosis of the epithelium of the forestomachs with polymorphonuclear infiltration of the submucosal and muscular layers. Tubular renal necrosis, liver portal necrosis and necrosis of the lymphoid tissues was also noted. The sodium fluorsilicate caused clinical signs at a dose of 300mg/kg, and death from 400mg/kg on.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Carvalho N.M., Alonso L.A., Cunha T.G., Ravedutti J., Barros C.S.L. & Lemos R.A.A. 2006. [Poisoning of cattle by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação de bovinos por Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) em Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):139-146. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Avenida Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br Two outbreaks of poisoning by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in cattle and the experimental reproduction of the toxicosis in sheep are described. Both outbreaks occurred on the same farm in the municipality of Bataiporã, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The first outbreak occurred in July-October 2004 and involved a cattle population at risk of 290 pregnant cows, which were introduced into a 60 hectare pasture with a legal reservation area heavily infested by T. multiglandulosa. Of these, 230 cows (79.3%) aborted, had stillbirths or delivered weak calves that died few days after birth. Seven cows died, and one cow and a 10-day-old calf were necropsied. The second outbreak occurred in September-October 2005, 40 days after 285 2-year-old heifers were introduced into the same pasture infested by T. multiglandulosa and where the first outbreak had occurred in the previous year. Nine heifers got sick and died, and three of then were necropsied. Clinical signs of affected cattle, including a 10-day-old calf, were marked lethargy, loss of weight with distension of the abdomen (ascites), subcutaneous dependant edema, distended and pulsating jugular veins, dyspnea and cardiac arrhythmia. Necropsy findings included a round and dilated heart with whitish and firm areas in the myocardium, and changes related to cardiac failure such as cavitary edema, nutmeg liver, pulmonary edema, a large blood clot in the left ventricle. Histopathological changes included necrosis and fibrosis in the myocardium, chronic passive hepatic centrolobular congestion, pulmonary edema, and spongy degeneration in the white matter of the brain. Experimental sheep died 29 (Sheep 1) and 35 (Sheep 2) days after being fed average daily doses of T. multiglandulosa corresponding to 14g/kg (Sheep 1) and 7,5 g/kg (Sheep 2) per day. Clinical signs were observed from the 7th day (Sheep1) and the 4th day (Sheep 2) of the experiment and included tachycardia, arrhythmia, lethargy and head pressing. Necropsy and histopathologic findings in both experimental sheep were very similar to those observed in affected cattle of the two spontaneous outbreaks.

• Poisonous plants Tetrapterys multiglandulosa Malpighiaceae plant poisoning cardiomiopathy abortion diseases of cattle pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Carvalho N.M., Alonso L.A., Cunha T.G., Ravedutti J., Barros C.S.L. & Lemos R.A.A. 2006. [Poisoning of cattle by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação de bovinos por Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) em Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):139-146. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Avenida Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br Two outbreaks of poisoning by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in cattle and the experimental reproduction of the toxicosis in sheep are described. Both outbreaks occurred on the same farm in the municipality of Bataiporã, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The first outbreak occurred in July-October 2004 and involved a cattle population at risk of 290 pregnant cows, which were introduced into a 60 hectare pasture with a legal reservation area heavily infested by T. multiglandulosa. Of these, 230 cows (79.3%) aborted, had stillbirths or delivered weak calves that died few days after birth. Seven cows died, and one cow and a 10-day-old calf were necropsied. The second outbreak occurred in September-October 2005, 40 days after 285 2-year-old heifers were introduced into the same pasture infested by T. multiglandulosa and where the first outbreak had occurred in the previous year. Nine heifers got sick and died, and three of then were necropsied. Clinical signs of affected cattle, including a 10-day-old calf, were marked lethargy, loss of weight with distension of the abdomen (ascites), subcutaneous dependant edema, distended and pulsating jugular veins, dyspnea and cardiac arrhythmia. Necropsy findings included a round and dilated heart with whitish and firm areas in the myocardium, and changes related to cardiac failure such as cavitary edema, nutmeg liver, pulmonary edema, a large blood clot in the left ventricle. Histopathological changes included necrosis and fibrosis in the myocardium, chronic passive hepatic centrolobular congestion, pulmonary edema, and spongy degeneration in the white matter of the brain. Experimental sheep died 29 (Sheep 1) and 35 (Sheep 2) days after being fed average daily doses of T. multiglandulosa corresponding to 14g/kg (Sheep 1) and 7,5 g/kg (Sheep 2) per day. Clinical signs were observed from the 7th day (Sheep1) and the 4th day (Sheep 2) of the experiment and included tachycardia, arrhythmia, lethargy and head pressing. Necropsy and histopathologic findings in both experimental sheep were very similar to those observed in affected cattle of the two spontaneous outbreaks.

Abstract in English:

Simionatto S., Lima-Rosa C.A.V., Rubin L.L. & Canal C.W. 2005. [A nested-PCR protocol for detection of the chicken anemia virus.] Um protocolo de “nested-PCR” para detecção do virus da anemia das galinhas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):106-110. Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: claudio.canal@ufrgs.br This paper reports a nested polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR) protocol for detection of chicken anemia virus (CAV), the causal agent of infectious chicken anemia. For DNA extraction from clinical samples, a method based on guanidine thiocyanate was found more sensitive and practical than other extraction protocols tested. The pair of primers used in the initial PCR targeted a 664 bp fragment on the VP1 gene. The primers for the internal PCR targeted a fragment of 520 bp. The specificity of the primers was evaluated on samples of CAV controlled flocks. Thirty different viruses and bacteria isolated from chickens did not give rise to any amplification product in the assay. The sensitivity of the nested-PCR was determined on serial dilutions of a CAV vaccine. The nested-PCR was more sensitive than a one step PCR and was able to detect at least 0.16 TCID50 of the vaccine strain. In addition, the protocol employed here detected viral DNA from tissues, sera and litter from flocks with or without clinical signs of disease. It is concluded that the nested-PCR protocol described here is more sensitive, faster and less cumbersome than virus isolation in cell culture as a diagnostic technique for detection of CAV.

• Chicken anemia virus CAV molecular diagnosis nested-PCR.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Simionatto S., Lima-Rosa C.A.V., Rubin L.L. & Canal C.W. 2005. [A nested-PCR protocol for detection of the chicken anemia virus.] Um protocolo de “nested-PCR” para detecção do virus da anemia das galinhas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):106-110. Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: claudio.canal@ufrgs.br This paper reports a nested polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR) protocol for detection of chicken anemia virus (CAV), the causal agent of infectious chicken anemia. For DNA extraction from clinical samples, a method based on guanidine thiocyanate was found more sensitive and practical than other extraction protocols tested. The pair of primers used in the initial PCR targeted a 664 bp fragment on the VP1 gene. The primers for the internal PCR targeted a fragment of 520 bp. The specificity of the primers was evaluated on samples of CAV controlled flocks. Thirty different viruses and bacteria isolated from chickens did not give rise to any amplification product in the assay. The sensitivity of the nested-PCR was determined on serial dilutions of a CAV vaccine. The nested-PCR was more sensitive than a one step PCR and was able to detect at least 0.16 TCID50 of the vaccine strain. In addition, the protocol employed here detected viral DNA from tissues, sera and litter from flocks with or without clinical signs of disease. It is concluded that the nested-PCR protocol described here is more sensitive, faster and less cumbersome than virus isolation in cell culture as a diagnostic technique for detection of CAV.

Abstract in English:

Dutra I.S., Döbereiner J. & Souza A.M. 2005. [Botulism in beef and dairy cattle fed with poultry litter.] Botulismo em bovinos alimentados com cama de frango. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):115-119. Depto Apoio, Produção e Saúde Animal, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16065-080, Brazil. E-mail: isdutra@fmva.unesp.br Outbreaks of botulism caused by type C and D of the botulinum toxin are frequent in Brazil, and are associated with bone chewing and ingestion of contaminated food and water. This paper reports the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and laboratorial aspects of 7 outbreaks of botulism in beef and dairy cattle fed with poultry litter, which occurred in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, 1989-2000. Five outbreaks occurred in beef cattle herds, raised in confinement or under pasture conditions and supplemented with poultry litter, and 2 outbreaks occurred in dairy farms. From o total of 1,535 cattle supplemented regularily with poultry litter 455 animals (29.64%) died within 2 to 4 weeks. Morbidity and mortality varied from 3.47 to 100% in the 7 outbreaks. In one of the farms the lethality was 60.52%, and in others more than 88.43%, reaching 100% in three farms. Clinical signs were progressive paralysis, difficulties in moving, decubitus, normal alertness, decreased muscular tonus of tongue and tail, sialorrhoe and dyspnoe. At post-mortem examination of 30 cattle no noteable changes were observed. Spores of Clostridium botulinum were found in poultry litter samples collected on 7 farms. In liver, ruminal and intestinal fluid samples from 30 necropsied cattle botulinum toxin of type C (5) and D (9) or of the CD complex (1) were found in at least one of the samples collected from 15 animals, which confirms the clincial, pathological and epidemiological diagnosis of botulism.

• Botulism cattle poultry litter.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Dutra I.S., Döbereiner J. & Souza A.M. 2005. [Botulism in beef and dairy cattle fed with poultry litter.] Botulismo em bovinos alimentados com cama de frango. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):115-119. Depto Apoio, Produção e Saúde Animal, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16065-080, Brazil. E-mail: isdutra@fmva.unesp.br Outbreaks of botulism caused by type C and D of the botulinum toxin are frequent in Brazil, and are associated with bone chewing and ingestion of contaminated food and water. This paper reports the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and laboratorial aspects of 7 outbreaks of botulism in beef and dairy cattle fed with poultry litter, which occurred in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, 1989-2000. Five outbreaks occurred in beef cattle herds, raised in confinement or under pasture conditions and supplemented with poultry litter, and 2 outbreaks occurred in dairy farms. From o total of 1,535 cattle supplemented regularily with poultry litter 455 animals (29.64%) died within 2 to 4 weeks. Morbidity and mortality varied from 3.47 to 100% in the 7 outbreaks. In one of the farms the lethality was 60.52%, and in others more than 88.43%, reaching 100% in three farms. Clinical signs were progressive paralysis, difficulties in moving, decubitus, normal alertness, decreased muscular tonus of tongue and tail, sialorrhoe and dyspnoe. At post-mortem examination of 30 cattle no noteable changes were observed. Spores of Clostridium botulinum were found in poultry litter samples collected on 7 farms. In liver, ruminal and intestinal fluid samples from 30 necropsied cattle botulinum toxin of type C (5) and D (9) or of the CD complex (1) were found in at least one of the samples collected from 15 animals, which confirms the clincial, pathological and epidemiological diagnosis of botulism.

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.