PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

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.- Orsi A.M., Domeniconi R.F., Simões K., Stefanini M.A. & Baraldi-Artoni S.M. 2007. [Seasonal variability in epididymal duct of the domestic quail: morphologic features.] Variabilidade sazonal no ducto epididimário de codorna doméstica: observações morfológicas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(12):495-500. Departamento de Anatomia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Cx. Postal 510, Botucatu, SP 18618-000, Brazil. E-mail: amorsi@ibb.unesp.br Small but expressive variability was noted on the epididymidis duct (ED) of domestic quail along the year, with more evidence in autumn of the quiescent phase of the annual testis cycle in this species. Spring features of ED had a general similar pattern in summer and winter. They were characterized by enlargement of epididymis tubule, storage of spermatozoa into the luminal compartment and presence of mitochondria, ER lamellae, several variable vesicles, and lysosomes localized mainly on the apical cytoplasm of principal cells (P) of the epididymal epithelium. These P cells features indicated a process of endocytosis and perhaps protein secretion. Autumn quiescence was marked by a convolute pattern of the epididymis tubule, lacking of spermatozoa and small amount of exfoliate heterogeneous material inside the luminal compartment at light microscopy. Ultrastructural degenerative features mainly apical cytoplasmic debris were seen in the supranuclear cytoplasm of lining P cells.

• Epididymidis duct morphology seasonal variability quail

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Orsi A.M., Domeniconi R.F., Simões K., Stefanini M.A. & Baraldi-Artoni S.M. 2007. [Seasonal variability in epididymal duct of the domestic quail: morphologic features.] Variabilidade sazonal no ducto epididimário de codorna doméstica: observações morfológicas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(12):495-500. Departamento de Anatomia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Cx. Postal 510, Botucatu, SP 18618-000, Brazil. E-mail: amorsi@ibb.unesp.br Small but expressive variability was noted on the epididymidis duct (ED) of domestic quail along the year, with more evidence in autumn of the quiescent phase of the annual testis cycle in this species. Spring features of ED had a general similar pattern in summer and winter. They were characterized by enlargement of epididymis tubule, storage of spermatozoa into the luminal compartment and presence of mitochondria, ER lamellae, several variable vesicles, and lysosomes localized mainly on the apical cytoplasm of principal cells (P) of the epididymal epithelium. These P cells features indicated a process of endocytosis and perhaps protein secretion. Autumn quiescence was marked by a convolute pattern of the epididymis tubule, lacking of spermatozoa and small amount of exfoliate heterogeneous material inside the luminal compartment at light microscopy. Ultrastructural degenerative features mainly apical cytoplasmic debris were seen in the supranuclear cytoplasm of lining P cells.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva M.C., Fighera R.A., Brum J.S., Graça D.L., Kommers G.D., Irigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Hepatic cirrhosis in dogs: 80 cases (1965-2003).] Cirrose hepática em cães: 80 casos (1965-2003). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(11):471-480. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br A retrospective study in 80 cases of canine hepatic cirrhosis was carried out at the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Considering those cases in which the sex and age of the dogs were informed in the necropsy reports, males comprised 53.8% of the cases and 46.2% were females; while 50.0% of these dogs were aged, 48.6% were adults and 1.4% were puppies. The main observed clinical signs include ascites (39/80 [48.8%]), icterus (19/80 [23.8%]), anorexia (13/80 [16.2%]), neurological disturbances (12/80 [15.0%]), dyspnea (12/80 [15.0%]) and subcutaneous edema (10/80 [12.5%]). In 63 dogs for which there was a description of gross morphology in the necropsy reports, 76.2% had macronodular and 23.8% had micronodular cirrhosis. In 14 cases in which the histopathology of the liver was reviewed different degrees of fibrosis were observed: mild in 57.2%, moderate in 21.4%, or marked in 21.4%; in these cases there were no correlation with the degree of fibrosis and other associated histological changes such as lipidosis, biliary ducts hyperplasia, inflammation, bilestasis, hemosiderosis and random hepatocellular necrosis. Extra hepatic changes included ascites (39/63 [61.9%]), icterus (19/63 [30.2%]), status spongiosus (15/63 [23.8%]), hydrothorax (12/63 [19.0%]), subcutaneous edema (10/63 [15.9%]), portosystemic shunts (11/63 [17.5%]), gastric our duodenal ulceration (11/63 [17.5%]) and cholemic nephrosis (4/63 [6.3%]).

• Diseases of dogs cirrhosis fibrosis nodular regeneration pathology diseases of the liver

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva M.C., Fighera R.A., Brum J.S., Graça D.L., Kommers G.D., Irigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Hepatic cirrhosis in dogs: 80 cases (1965-2003).] Cirrose hepática em cães: 80 casos (1965-2003). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(11):471-480. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br A retrospective study in 80 cases of canine hepatic cirrhosis was carried out at the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Considering those cases in which the sex and age of the dogs were informed in the necropsy reports, males comprised 53.8% of the cases and 46.2% were females; while 50.0% of these dogs were aged, 48.6% were adults and 1.4% were puppies. The main observed clinical signs include ascites (39/80 [48.8%]), icterus (19/80 [23.8%]), anorexia (13/80 [16.2%]), neurological disturbances (12/80 [15.0%]), dyspnea (12/80 [15.0%]) and subcutaneous edema (10/80 [12.5%]). In 63 dogs for which there was a description of gross morphology in the necropsy reports, 76.2% had macronodular and 23.8% had micronodular cirrhosis. In 14 cases in which the histopathology of the liver was reviewed different degrees of fibrosis were observed: mild in 57.2%, moderate in 21.4%, or marked in 21.4%; in these cases there were no correlation with the degree of fibrosis and other associated histological changes such as lipidosis, biliary ducts hyperplasia, inflammation, bilestasis, hemosiderosis and random hepatocellular necrosis. Extra hepatic changes included ascites (39/63 [61.9%]), icterus (19/63 [30.2%]), status spongiosus (15/63 [23.8%]), hydrothorax (12/63 [19.0%]), subcutaneous edema (10/63 [15.9%]), portosystemic shunts (11/63 [17.5%]), gastric our duodenal ulceration (11/63 [17.5%]) and cholemic nephrosis (4/63 [6.3%]).

Abstract in English:

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

• Cat subtype FIV phylogeny genotyping

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

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

• Ocular ultrasound ocular echography Diabetes mellitus cataracts retinal detachment

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

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

• Pneumonectomy lung surgery dogs

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

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

• Sarcocystis sp. abortion stillbirth sheep

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Brandão P.E., Laura Y. B. Villarreal L.Y.B., F.Gregori F., Souza S.L.P., Lopes M.A.E., Gomes C.R., Sforsin A.J., Sanches A.A., Rosales C.A.R., Richtzenhain L.J., Ferreira A.J.P. & Jerez J.A. 2007. On the etiology of an outbreak of winter dysentery in dairy cows in Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):398-402. 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: paulo7926@yahoo.com Winter dysentery (WD) is a seasonal infectious disease described worldwide that causes a marked decrease in milk production in dairy cows. In the Northern hemisphere, where the disease is classically recognized, bovine coronavirus (BCoV) has been assigned as a major etiologic agent of the disease. Nonetheless, in the Southern hemisphere, an in-deep etiological survey on WD cases had not been carried out. This study aimed to survey for BCoV by nested-RT-PCR, rotavirus by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and ELISA, bacteria by classical bacteriological methods and PCR for virulence factors and parasites by sugar flotation test on fecal samples of 21 cows from a farm during an outbreak of WD in São Paulo state, Southeastern Brazil. BCoV was detected in all 21 samples, while rotavirus was detected in two symptomatic cows. Escherichia coli, Yersinia intermedia, Providencia rustigianii Proteus penneri, Klebsiella terrigena and Enterobacter aglomerans were detected in samples from both asymptomatic and healthy cows in different associations. The study of E. coli virulence factors revealed that the strains isolated were all apathogenic. Cysts of Eimeria sp. and eggs of Strongyloidea were detected at low numbers in four of the symptomatic cows, with one co-infestation. These results suggest BCoV as the main etiologic agent of the cases of WD in Brazil, a conclusion that, with the clinical and epidemiological patterns of the disease studied herein, match those already described elsewhere. These findings give basis to the development of preventive measures and contribute to the understanding of the etiology of WD.

• Bovine coronavirus etiology winter dysentery

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Brandão P.E., Laura Y. B. Villarreal L.Y.B., F.Gregori F., Souza S.L.P., Lopes M.A.E., Gomes C.R., Sforsin A.J., Sanches A.A., Rosales C.A.R., Richtzenhain L.J., Ferreira A.J.P. & Jerez J.A. 2007. On the etiology of an outbreak of winter dysentery in dairy cows in Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):398-402. 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: paulo7926@yahoo.com Winter dysentery (WD) is a seasonal infectious disease described worldwide that causes a marked decrease in milk production in dairy cows. In the Northern hemisphere, where the disease is classically recognized, bovine coronavirus (BCoV) has been assigned as a major etiologic agent of the disease. Nonetheless, in the Southern hemisphere, an in-deep etiological survey on WD cases had not been carried out. This study aimed to survey for BCoV by nested-RT-PCR, rotavirus by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and ELISA, bacteria by classical bacteriological methods and PCR for virulence factors and parasites by sugar flotation test on fecal samples of 21 cows from a farm during an outbreak of WD in São Paulo state, Southeastern Brazil. BCoV was detected in all 21 samples, while rotavirus was detected in two symptomatic cows. Escherichia coli, Yersinia intermedia, Providencia rustigianii Proteus penneri, Klebsiella terrigena and Enterobacter aglomerans were detected in samples from both asymptomatic and healthy cows in different associations. The study of E. coli virulence factors revealed that the strains isolated were all apathogenic. Cysts of Eimeria sp. and eggs of Strongyloidea were detected at low numbers in four of the symptomatic cows, with one co-infestation. These results suggest BCoV as the main etiologic agent of the cases of WD in Brazil, a conclusion that, with the clinical and epidemiological patterns of the disease studied herein, match those already described elsewhere. These findings give basis to the development of preventive measures and contribute to the understanding of the etiology of WD.

Abstract in English:

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

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

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira Filho J.P., Silva D.P.G., Pacheco M.D., Mascarini L.M., Marcio Garcia Ribeiro, Alfieri A.A., Alfieri A.F., Stipp D.T., Barros B.J.P. & Borges A.S. 2007. [Diarrhea in Nelore calves: Clinical and etiologic study.] Diarréia em bezerros da raça Nelore criados extensivamente: estudo clínico e etiológico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):419-424. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu s/n, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com Diarrhea is considered as one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in neonates calves. Fecal samples from 100 diarrheic and 30 non-diarrheic (control group) Nelore calves less than 9 weeks old were collected for Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, rotavirus, coronavirus, Cryptosporidium spp., and for helminth eggs investigation. Enteropathogens were detected in 79.0% diarrheic samples and 70.0% non-diarrheic samples. Among diarrheic calves, Escherichia coli (69.0%) was the most common agent found, following by Cryptosporidium spp. (30.0%), coronavirus (16.0%), and rotavirus (11.0%). In the control group, E. coli, Cryptosporidium spp. and coronavirus were detected in 66.7%, 10.0% and 3.3% of the samples, respectively. Salmonella spp. and strongylids were not found in any of the calves from either group. The K99 fimbrial only was detected in E. coli strains from diarrheic calves (5.8%). Enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, and gentamicin were the most effective among the antimicrobials tested. The weight of 210-day-old calves did not show statistic differences between diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves.

• Beef calves Nelore diarrhea enteropathogens etiology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira Filho J.P., Silva D.P.G., Pacheco M.D., Mascarini L.M., Marcio Garcia Ribeiro, Alfieri A.A., Alfieri A.F., Stipp D.T., Barros B.J.P. & Borges A.S. 2007. [Diarrhea in Nelore calves: Clinical and etiologic study.] Diarréia em bezerros da raça Nelore criados extensivamente: estudo clínico e etiológico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):419-424. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu s/n, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com Diarrhea is considered as one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in neonates calves. Fecal samples from 100 diarrheic and 30 non-diarrheic (control group) Nelore calves less than 9 weeks old were collected for Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, rotavirus, coronavirus, Cryptosporidium spp., and for helminth eggs investigation. Enteropathogens were detected in 79.0% diarrheic samples and 70.0% non-diarrheic samples. Among diarrheic calves, Escherichia coli (69.0%) was the most common agent found, following by Cryptosporidium spp. (30.0%), coronavirus (16.0%), and rotavirus (11.0%). In the control group, E. coli, Cryptosporidium spp. and coronavirus were detected in 66.7%, 10.0% and 3.3% of the samples, respectively. Salmonella spp. and strongylids were not found in any of the calves from either group. The K99 fimbrial only was detected in E. coli strains from diarrheic calves (5.8%). Enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, and gentamicin were the most effective among the antimicrobials tested. The weight of 210-day-old calves did not show statistic differences between diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves.