PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Camplesi A.C., Sakate M., Simão N.M.B. & Moya C.F. 2009. [Dosing cardiac markers CK-MB and TnIc and electrolytes in experimental toad envenoming in dogs.] Dosagem de marcadores cardíacos CK-MB e TnIc e eletrólitos no envenenamento experimental por veneno de sapo em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(8):632-636. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP 18600-000, Brazil. E-mail: annecamplesi@yahoo.com.br Among the systemic signs of toad venom (bufotoxin) poisoning in dogs, the cardiotoxic effects are one of the most important. Thus, the objective of this experiment was to evaluate potential changes in the cardiac muscle in dogs poisoned experimentally by toad venom and to observe the eletrolyte alterations which may occur in this condition. Twenty dogs divided into control group (n=5) and poisoned group (n=15) were utilized. The toad venom was extracted by manual compression of the paratoidic glands. After general anesthesia, dogs in the control group received placebo and dogs in the poisoned group received the venom by orogastric catheter. Samples for dosage were collected 6 hours and 24 hours after poisoning and 0, 2, 4, 6 and 12 hours after poisoning for electrolytes dosage. The Man-Withney test was used for statistical analysis (P<0.05). The poisoned dogs showed (saline) elevated levels of cardiac markers CK-MB and TnIc, confirming the cardiotoxic effect of the bufotoxin. Hypokalemia and hypocalcemia were also observed.

• Toad venom poisoning bufotoxin

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Camplesi A.C., Sakate M., Simão N.M.B. & Moya C.F. 2009. [Dosing cardiac markers CK-MB and TnIc and electrolytes in experimental toad envenoming in dogs.] Dosagem de marcadores cardíacos CK-MB e TnIc e eletrólitos no envenenamento experimental por veneno de sapo em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(8):632-636. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP 18600-000, Brazil. E-mail: annecamplesi@yahoo.com.br Dentre os sinais sistêmicos causados pelo envenenamento por veneno de sapo (bufotoxina) em cães, os efeitos cardiotóxicos são um dos mais importantes. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as potenciais alterações no músculo cardíaco de cães envenenados experimentalmente por veneno de sapo e observar as alterações eletrolíticas que podem ocorrer nesse tipo de envenenamento. Utilizaram-se 20 cães divididos em grupo controle (n=5) e grupo envenenado (n=15). O veneno de sapo foi extraído por meio de compressão manual das glândulas paratóides. Após anestesia geral, os cães do grupo controle receberam placebo (solução fisiológica) e os do grupo envenenado uma alíquota do veneno por sonda orogástrica. As colheitas de sangue para dosagem dos marcadores cardíacos foram realizadas seis e 24 horas após o envenenamento. As colheitas de sangue para dosagem dos eletrólitos foram realizadas antes e duas, quatro, seis e 12 horas após o envenenamento. A análise estatística empregada foi o teste não-paramétrico de Mann-Withney (P<0,05). Os cães envenenados por veneno de sapo apresentaram elevação dos níveis dos marcadores cardíacos CK-MB e TnIc, confirmando a cardiotoxicidade do veneno. Hipocalemia e hipocalcemia foram também observadas nos cães envenenados.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Helayel M.A., França T.N., Seixas J.N., Nogueira V.A., Caldas S.A. & Peixoto P.V. 2009. [Sudden death in cattle caused by ingestion of Pseudocalymma elegans (Bignoniaceae) in the county of Rio Bonito, Rio de Janeiro.] Morte súbita em bovinos causada pela ingestão de Pseudocalymma elegans (Bignoniaceae) no município de Rio Bonito, RJ. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):498-508. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: michel_abdallavet@yahoo.com.br Natural poisoning by Pseudocalymma elegans, a plant that causes “sudden death” and only occurs in the State of Rio de Janeiro, is described in a cow. This condition was experimentally reproduced in three calves and three rabbits with the plant collected in the area where the deaths had occurred. Postmortem and histopathological examinations of the natural case in the cow did not reveal significant alterations. Oral administration of 1g/kg of the sprouts of P. elegans caused death of the calf 5 hours and 30 minutes after beginning of the administration. The dose of 0.5 g/kg caused death of another calf with onset of symptoms after 3 hours and 24 minutes and a course of 73 hours and 12 minutes. Animals that ingest borderline doses may show a longer course with a characteristic clinical picture of heart impairment. The dose of 0.25g/kg did not cause death, but only clinical signs. Heart palpitation and arrhythmia, increase of breathing frequency, reluctance in moving, positive venous pulse, ingurgitated jugular veins, falling down and peddling movements shortly before death, were observed. At postmortem examination the lesions were those of acute heart insufficiency, and histopathological examination revealed the typical kidney lesion (hydropic-vacular degeneration in the distal convoluted tubules) seen in poisoning by plants that cause “sudden death”. In the experimentally poisoned rabbits the clinical course was less than 1-2 minutes. In the kidney of two rabbits there was also the characteristic microscopic lesion. The presence of the plant in the county of Rio Bonito had not been known by the veterinarians. It is concluded that the plant could be more toxic than described before.

• Poisonous plants Pseudocalymma elegans Bignoniaceae plant poisoning sudden death cattle rabbits

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Helayel M.A., França T.N., Seixas J.N., Nogueira V.A., Caldas S.A. & Peixoto P.V. 2009. [Sudden death in cattle caused by ingestion of Pseudocalymma elegans (Bignoniaceae) in the county of Rio Bonito, Rio de Janeiro.] Morte súbita em bovinos causada pela ingestão de Pseudocalymma elegans (Bignoniaceae) no município de Rio Bonito, RJ. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):498-508. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: michel_abdallavet@yahoo.com.br Descreve-se a intoxicação natural por Pseudocalymma elegans em pelo menos um bovino em Rio Bonito, RJ e a reprodução experimental dessa intoxicação em três bovinos e em 3 coelhos com exemplares dessa planta colhida no local onde ocorreu a morte. Necropsia e histopatologia do bovino naturalmente intoxicado não revelaram alterações significativas. A administração, por via oral, de 1g/kg da brotação da planta causou a morte do bovino dentro de 5h e 30 minutos após o início da administração, já pela administração de 0,5 g/kg, a morte do animal ocorreu após 76 horas e 36 minutos. A dose de 0,25g/kg foi capaz de causar sintomas, mas não levou a morte. A sintomatologia caracterizou-se por arritmia cardíaca, taquicardia, aumento da freqüência respiratória, relutância em se mover, pulso venoso positivo, jugulares e grandes vasos ingurgitados, queda ao solo e movimentos de pedalagem, seguindo-se o óbito. À necropsia foram verificadas alterações compatíveis com às observadas na insuficiência cardíaca aguda, e o exame histopatológico revelou a lesão renal típica (degeneração hidrópica em túbulos contornados distais) de intoxicação por plantas que causam “morte súbita”. Nos coelhos, a evolução variou entre menos de um minuto a dois minutos. O exame histopatológico do rim de dois coelhos também revelou a lesão microscópica característica. Essa planta ainda não havia sido mapeada nessa área do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Conclui-se que a planta pode ser mais tóxica do que anteriormente descrito.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Trost M.E., Kommers G.D., Barros C.S.L & Schild A.L. 2009. [Patogenesis of lesions associated with poisoning by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens in cattle.] Patogênese das lesões associadas à intoxicação por Ramaria flavo-brunnescens em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):533-544. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com The pathogenesis of the lesions of Ramaria flavo-brunnescens poisoning in cattle was studied throughout the retrospective evaluation of selected tissues from nine spontaneous and four experimental cases of the disease. The pathogenesis of lesions observed in the tongue, esophagus, hoof, and tail was investigated analyzing microscopic lesions, histochemical and histochemical-ultrastructural changes. Histochemical techniques utilized were Masson’s Trichrome and Selective Oxidation of Keratin (SOK). The histochemical-ultrastructural study was acomplished throughout the Swift method under transmission electron microscopy. Hair shafts of the tip of the tail were analyzed under polarized light. Lesions of varying degrees of severity were observed. All changes observed in the keratinized structures studied, mostly in the hard keratin, showed defective keratinization. The morphologic study and the results obtained with SOK and Swift techniques showed that the defective keratinization results of low amounts of sulphur containing amino acids (cystine) in hard keratin structures. This is probably the main pathogenetic mechanism of the lesions observed in R. flavo brunnescens poisoning in cattle.

• Poisonous plants mushroom poisoning Ramaria flavo-brunnescens cattle keratinization veterinary pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Trost M.E., Kommers G.D., Barros C.S.L & Schild A.L. 2009. [Patogenesis of lesions associated with poisoning by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens in cattle.] Patogênese das lesões associadas à intoxicação por Ramaria flavo-brunnescens em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):533-544. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com The pathogenesis of the lesions of Ramaria flavo-brunnescens poisoning in cattle was studied throughout the retrospective evaluation of selected tissues from nine spontaneous and four experimental cases of the disease. The pathogenesis of lesions observed in the tongue, esophagus, hoof, and tail was investigated analyzing microscopic lesions, histochemical and histochemical-ultrastructural changes. Histochemical techniques utilized were Masson’s Trichrome and Selective Oxidation of Keratin (SOK). The histochemical-ultrastructural study was acomplished throughout the Swift method under transmission electron microscopy. Hair shafts of the tip of the tail were analyzed under polarized light. Lesions of varying degrees of severity were observed. All changes observed in the keratinized structures studied, mostly in the hard keratin, showed defective keratinization. The morphologic study and the results obtained with SOK and Swift techniques showed that the defective keratinization results of low amounts of sulphur containing amino acids (cystine) in hard keratin structures. This is probably the main pathogenetic mechanism of the lesions observed in R. flavo brunnescens poisoning in cattle.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira C.A., Barbosa J.D., Duarte M.D., Cerqueira V.D., Riet-Correa F. & Riet-Correa G. 2009. [Poisoning by Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa in goats in Island of Marajó, Pará.] Intoxicação por Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convolvulaceae) em caprinos na Ilha do Marajó, Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):583-588. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Campus de Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Pirapora, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: griet@ufpa.br Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa is a swainsonine-containing plant causing a glycoprotein storage diseases in ruminants, mainly in goats in northeastern Brazil. Seven farms were visited on the Marajo Island, state of Pará, northern Brazil, six in the municipality of Cachoeira do Arari and one in the municipality of Soure. In all farms native pastures had shortage of forage and were largely invaded by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa. On the three farms goats presented difficulties in standing, ataxia, hypermetria, wide-based stance, lateral gait, intention tremors, spastic paresis or weakness, abnormal postural reactions, nystagmus, loss of equilibrium and falling to the side or backward. On two farms the prevalence was of 32% (23/71) and 100% (32/32). On another farm one goat out of 19 had severe clinical signs, but the others of the flock were not examined clinically. Cattle, sheep and buffaloes were not affected. Six goats were euthanized and necropsied. No gross lesions were observed. Upon histological examination the main lesion was the vacuolization of the perikaryon of neurons and cytoplasm of epithelial cells of thyroid, liver, kidney, pancreas and macrophages of different organs. In the central nervous system the vacuolization of the perikaria was more sever in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and in nuclei of the brain stem, mainly the cerebellar nuclei. Wallerian degeneration of axons and gliosis was also observed. The high frequency of the disease on the three farms suggests that poisoning by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa is very important for goats on Marajó Island where there are large amounts of the plant in the pastures.

• Poisonous plants Ipomoea carnea plant poisoning goats swaisonine diseases of nervous system

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira C.A., Barbosa J.D., Duarte M.D., Cerqueira V.D., Riet-Correa F. & Riet-Correa G. 2009. [Poisoning by Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa in goats in Island of Marajó, Pará.] Intoxicação por Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convolvulaceae) em caprinos na Ilha do Marajó, Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):583-588. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Campus de Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Pirapora, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: griet@ufpa.br Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa is a swainsonine-containing plant causing a glycoprotein storage diseases in ruminants, mainly in goats in northeastern Brazil. Seven farms were visited on the Marajo Island, state of Pará, northern Brazil, six in the municipality of Cachoeira do Arari and one in the municipality of Soure. In all farms native pastures had shortage of forage and were largely invaded by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa. On the three farms goats presented difficulties in standing, ataxia, hypermetria, wide-based stance, lateral gait, intention tremors, spastic paresis or weakness, abnormal postural reactions, nystagmus, loss of equilibrium and falling to the side or backward. On two farms the prevalence was of 32% (23/71) and 100% (32/32). On another farm one goat out of 19 had severe clinical signs, but the others of the flock were not examined clinically. Cattle, sheep and buffaloes were not affected. Six goats were euthanized and necropsied. No gross lesions were observed. Upon histological examination the main lesion was the vacuolization of the perikaryon of neurons and cytoplasm of epithelial cells of thyroid, liver, kidney, pancreas and macrophages of different organs. In the central nervous system the vacuolization of the perikaria was more sever in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and in nuclei of the brain stem, mainly the cerebellar nuclei. Wallerian degeneration of axons and gliosis was also observed. The high frequency of the disease on the three farms suggests that poisoning by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa is very important for goats on Marajó Island where there are large amounts of the plant in the pastures.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Alda J.L., Sallis E.S.V., Nogueira C.E.W., Soares M.P., Amaral L., Marcolongo-Pereira C., Frey Jr F. & Schild A.L. 2009. [Spontaneous Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) poisoning in horses in southern Brazil.] Intoxicação espontânea por Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) em eqüinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):409-414. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br An outbreak of spontaneous Baccharis coridifolia poisoning in horses in July 2008 is reported from southern Brazil. The poisoning affected three mares out of four that were transported from the state of Paraná to a farm in the municipality of Acegua, Rio Grande do Sul, and occurred 3 days after arrival of the animals in a paddock with sprouting B. coridifolia. The fourth mare introduced to another paddock without B. coridifolia was not affected. The mares had received only one third of the concentrate ration previously ingested and stayed during the night in a stall. Clinical signs were abdominal discomfort, increased cardiac and respiratory rate, anorexia, hypermotility of the gut, cecal tympany, and diarrhea. The clinical course was of 18-36 hours. One affected mare survived after symptomatic treatment. Gross lesions were severe congestion, hemorrhages, edema and ulcers of the glandular stomach. Congestion, edema and hemorrhages were also observed in ileum, cecum and large colon. Histologic examination revealed degeneration and necrosis of the aglandular epithelium of the stomach, gastritis and enteritis with infiltration by mononuclear cells and neutrophils, edema of the mucosa, and dilatation of lymphatic vessels. One horse was poisoned experimentally with 1g/kg body weight of B. coridifolia. Clinical signs and lesions were similar to those observed in the spontaneous cases.

• Baccharis coridifolia poisonous plants diseases of horses plant poisoning Compositae Plantas tóxicas intoxicação por plantas

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Alda J.L., Sallis E.S.V., Nogueira C.E.W., Soares M.P., Amaral L., Marcolongo-Pereira C., Frey Jr F. & Schild A.L. 2009. [Spontaneous Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) poisoning in horses in southern Brazil.] Intoxicação espontânea por Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) em eqüinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):409-414. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br An outbreak of spontaneous Baccharis coridifolia poisoning in horses in July 2008 is reported from southern Brazil. The poisoning affected three mares out of four that were transported from the state of Paraná to a farm in the municipality of Acegua, Rio Grande do Sul, and occurred 3 days after arrival of the animals in a paddock with sprouting B. coridifolia. The fourth mare introduced to another paddock without B. coridifolia was not affected. The mares had received only one third of the concentrate ration previously ingested and stayed during the night in a stall. Clinical signs were abdominal discomfort, increased cardiac and respiratory rate, anorexia, hypermotility of the gut, cecal tympany, and diarrhea. The clinical course was of 18-36 hours. One affected mare survived after symptomatic treatment. Gross lesions were severe congestion, hemorrhages, edema and ulcers of the glandular stomach. Congestion, edema and hemorrhages were also observed in ileum, cecum and large colon. Histologic examination revealed degeneration and necrosis of the aglandular epithelium of the stomach, gastritis and enteritis with infiltration by mononuclear cells and neutrophils, edema of the mucosa, and dilatation of lymphatic vessels. One horse was poisoned experimentally with 1g/kg body weight of B. coridifolia. Clinical signs and lesions were similar to those observed in the spontaneous cases.

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Pedroso P.M.O., Bandarra P.M., Bezerra Júnior P.S., Raymundo D.L., Borba M.R., Leal J.S. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Natural and experimental poisoning by Nerium oleander (Apocynaceae) in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul.] Intoxicação natural e experimental por Nerium oleander (Apocynaceae) em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):404-408. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br This paper describes natural and experimental poisoning of cattle by Nerium oleander in Rio Grande do Sul. Two out of eight cattle died acutely after consumption of leaves of Nerium oleander, branches of which had been cut and placed into a paddock where the animals were kept. An affected cow did not show clinical signs, but a 4-month-old calf presented lateral recumbence, paddling, vocalization and death. Main gross findings in the cow naturally poisoned and in two experimentally intoxicated heifers were observed in the heart and included hemorrhages in the left atrium, clots and hemorrhages in the left ventricular endocardium, and pale areas in the interventricular septum and ventricular myocardium. Histologically, there was coagulation necrosis of individual cardiac fibers or small groups of fibers, characterized by enhanced cytoplasmic eosinophily and picnotic nuclei. These lesions were most severe in the papillary muscle. The diagnosis was based on presence of the trimmed N. oleander in the paddock where the animals stayed, evidence of consumption of the plant, consistent clinical and pathological findings, and experimental reproduction of the disease through oral administration of 0.5 and 1.0g/kg of its green leaves to two cattle.

• Nerium oleander plant poisoning poisonous plant intoxicação por planta plantas tóxicas Apocynaceae

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Pedroso P.M.O., Bandarra P.M., Bezerra Júnior P.S., Raymundo D.L., Borba M.R., Leal J.S. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Natural and experimental poisoning by Nerium oleander (Apocynaceae) in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul.] Intoxicação natural e experimental por Nerium oleander (Apocynaceae) em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):404-408. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br This paper describes natural and experimental poisoning of cattle by Nerium oleander in Rio Grande do Sul. Two out of eight cattle died acutely after consumption of leaves of Nerium oleander, branches of which had been cut and placed into a paddock where the animals were kept. An affected cow did not show clinical signs, but a 4-month-old calf presented lateral recumbence, paddling, vocalization and death. Main gross findings in the cow naturally poisoned and in two experimentally intoxicated heifers were observed in the heart and included hemorrhages in the left atrium, clots and hemorrhages in the left ventricular endocardium, and pale areas in the interventricular septum and ventricular myocardium. Histologically, there was coagulation necrosis of individual cardiac fibers or small groups of fibers, characterized by enhanced cytoplasmic eosinophily and picnotic nuclei. These lesions were most severe in the papillary muscle. The diagnosis was based on presence of the trimmed N. oleander in the paddock where the animals stayed, evidence of consumption of the plant, consistent clinical and pathological findings, and experimental reproduction of the disease through oral administration of 0.5 and 1.0g/kg of its green leaves to two cattle.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Nogueira V.A., França T.N. & Peixoto P.V. 2009. [Ionophore poisoning in animals.] Intoxicação por antibióticos ionóforos em animais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):191-197. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: pfpeixoto@terra.com.br The therapeutic use of ionophores in veterinary medicine has grown in the last years, with resultant increase in the risk of poisoning in animals. Ionophores are used as food additives as coccidiostacts in several animal species and growth promoter and bloat prevention in ruminants. The most often used ionophores are monensin, lasalocid, narasin and salinomycin. There is a great variation in the susceptibility to the toxic effect of ionophores in different animal species. Poisoning can occur when the dosage is too high or when not correct doses for a certain animal species are given. Cases of poisoning have been described in sheep, swine, horses, dogs and poultry. For horses ionophores are extremely toxic. The use of ionophores is only safe when used accordingly to the instructions of the manufacturer and especially for each animal species. In this paper the most important data regarding clinical-pathological and pathogenic aspects, and also the conditions in which the poisoning may occur are critically reviewed.

• Monensin lasalocid narasin salinomycin poisoning animals

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Nogueira V.A., França T.N. & Peixoto P.V. 2009. [Ionophore poisoning in animals.] Intoxicação por antibióticos ionóforos em animais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):191-197. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: pfpeixoto@terra.com.br The therapeutic use of ionophores in veterinary medicine has grown in the last years, with resultant increase in the risk of poisoning in animals. Ionophores are used as food additives as coccidiostacts in several animal species and growth promoter and bloat prevention in ruminants. The most often used ionophores are monensin, lasalocid, narasin and salinomycin. There is a great variation in the susceptibility to the toxic effect of ionophores in different animal species. Poisoning can occur when the dosage is too high or when not correct doses for a certain animal species are given. Cases of poisoning have been described in sheep, swine, horses, dogs and poultry. For horses ionophores are extremely toxic. The use of ionophores is only safe when used accordingly to the instructions of the manufacturer and especially for each animal species. In this paper the most important data regarding clinical-pathological and pathogenic aspects, and also the conditions in which the poisoning may occur are critically reviewed.

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.- Grecco F.B., Schild A.L., Soares M.P., Raffi M.B., Sallis E.S.V. & Damé M.C. 2009. [Organophosphate poisoning in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in southern Brazil.] Intoxicação por organofosforados em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):211-214. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br This paper describes organophosphate (ORF) poisoning in a herd of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in southern Brazil, which were treated with a single dose of 12mg/kg body weight of Expertan® pour-on (chlorpyriphos) to control ectoparasites. Clinical signs, observed 7-45 days after exposure, were diarrhea, hypersalivation, ataxia, muscular tremors, weakness of pelvic limbs, paresis and flaccid paralysis and lateral recumbence. Out of 267 buffaloes 61 died. Necropsy of three animals that died 24-72 hours after onset of clinical signs, revealed congestion and serosal hemorrhages scattered along the bowel, emphysema and edema of the lungs. No significant histopathological changes were found. Residues of chlorpyriphos were detected in liver, kidneys and nervous system of the one necropsied buffalo. Despite the absence of histological lesions in the central and peripheral nervous system, the epidemiological, clinical, gross and toxicological findings suggest delayed neurotoxicity induced by organophosphates.

• Diseases of water buffaloes poisoning organophosphate toxicosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Grecco F.B., Schild A.L., Soares M.P., Raffi M.B., Sallis E.S.V. & Damé M.C. 2009. [Organophosphate poisoning in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in southern Brazil.] Intoxicação por organofosforados em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):211-214. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br This paper describes organophosphate (ORF) poisoning in a herd of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in southern Brazil, which were treated with a single dose of 12mg/kg body weight of Expertan® pour-on (chlorpyriphos) to control ectoparasites. Clinical signs, observed 7-45 days after exposure, were diarrhea, hypersalivation, ataxia, muscular tremors, weakness of pelvic limbs, paresis and flaccid paralysis and lateral recumbence. Out of 267 buffaloes 61 died. Necropsy of three animals that died 24-72 hours after onset of clinical signs, revealed congestion and serosal hemorrhages scattered along the bowel, emphysema and edema of the lungs. No significant histopathological changes were found. Residues of chlorpyriphos were detected in liver, kidneys and nervous system of the one necropsied buffalo. Despite the absence of histological lesions in the central and peripheral nervous system, the epidemiological, clinical, gross and toxicological findings suggest delayed neurotoxicity induced by organophosphates.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Câmara A.C.L., Costa N.A., Riet-Correa F., Afonso J.A.B., Dantas A.F.M., Mendonça C.L. & Souza M.I. 2009. [Spontaneous poisoning in cattle by mesquite beans, Prosopis juliflora (Leg. Mimosoideae) in Pernambuco.] Intoxicação espontânea por vagens de Prosopis juliflora (Leg. Mimosoideae) em bovinos em Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):233-240. Clínica de Bovinos, Campus Garanhuns, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Bom Pastor s/n, Cx. Postal 152, Mundaú, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: aclcamara@yahoo.com.br Three outbreaks of poisoning by Prosopis juliflora pods are reported in the semiarid region of the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, in cattle grazing in fields invaded by the plant or ingesting mesquite beans as a concentrate food. In two farms the disease occurred sporadically. In another, 112 (9.28%) cattle out of 1206 were affected, 84 (6.96%) died due to emaciation, and 28 (2.32%) gained weight after the pods had been withdrawn from the feed. Main clinical signs were progressive weight loss, atrophy of the masseter muscles, dropped jaw, tongue protrusion, difficulties in prehending food, tilting the head during mastigation or rumination, salivation, impaired swallowing, and decreased tone of the tongue. The hematology reveals hypoproteinemia and anemia. Gross lesions were emaciation and reduction in size of the masseter muscles, which appear thinner than normal and grayish due muscular atrophy. Degeneration of neurons of the trigeminal motor nuclei, Wallerian degeneration of the trigeminal nerve roots, and muscular atrophy of the masseter muscles with substitution by fibrous tissue were observed on histologic examination. For the prevention of the poisoning is necessary to limit the amount of mesquite beans in animal nutrition. It is also necessary to develop research to determine the economic and sustainability of the use of Prosopis juliflora for animal food, human food or other uses such as charcoal, wood and fuel wood.

• Poisonous plants Prosopis juliflora Leguminosae Mimosoideae plant poisoning cattle cranial nerves impairment neuronal degeneration

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Câmara A.C.L., Costa N.A., Riet-Correa F., Afonso J.A.B., Dantas A.F.M., Mendonça C.L. & Souza M.I. 2009. [Spontaneous poisoning in cattle by mesquite beans, Prosopis juliflora (Leg. Mimosoideae) in Pernambuco.] Intoxicação espontânea por vagens de Prosopis juliflora (Leg. Mimosoideae) em bovinos em Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):233-240. Clínica de Bovinos, Campus Garanhuns, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Bom Pastor s/n, Cx. Postal 152, Mundaú, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: aclcamara@yahoo.com.br Three outbreaks of poisoning by Prosopis juliflora pods are reported in the semiarid region of the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, in cattle grazing in fields invaded by the plant or ingesting mesquite beans as a concentrate food. In two farms the disease occurred sporadically. In another, 112 (9.28%) cattle out of 1206 were affected, 84 (6.96%) died due to emaciation, and 28 (2.32%) gained weight after the pods had been withdrawn from the feed. Main clinical signs were progressive weight loss, atrophy of the masseter muscles, dropped jaw, tongue protrusion, difficulties in prehending food, tilting the head during mastigation or rumination, salivation, impaired swallowing, and decreased tone of the tongue. The hematology reveals hypoproteinemia and anemia. Gross lesions were emaciation and reduction in size of the masseter muscles, which appear thinner than normal and grayish due muscular atrophy. Degeneration of neurons of the trigeminal motor nuclei, Wallerian degeneration of the trigeminal nerve roots, and muscular atrophy of the masseter muscles with substitution by fibrous tissue were observed on histologic examination. For the prevention of the poisoning is necessary to limit the amount of mesquite beans in animal nutrition. It is also necessary to develop research to determine the economic and sustainability of the use of Prosopis juliflora for animal food, human food or other uses such as charcoal, wood and fuel wood.