PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

RESUMO.- Gava A., Lucioli J., Furlan F.H., Leal M.B. & Traverso S.D. 2010. [Poisoning by Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) in goats in the State of Santa Catarina.] Intoxicação por Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) em caprinos no Estado de Santa Catarina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(3):191-194. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2sdt@cav.udesc.br Vinte e cinco caprinos, criados em piquetes, morreram nos cinco dias subsequentes ao fornecimento de folhas de Trema micrantha (fam.Ulmaceae), uma árvore com nome comum de grandiúva. Quatro caprinos foram necropsiados e amostras de vísceras foram coletadas para exame histológico. As principais alterações clínicas foram: apatia, anorexia, cabeça apoiada contra obstáculos, decúbito e morte. Achados macroscópicos incluíram sufusões no epicárdio e endocárdio; fígado levemente amarelado e com padrão lobular evidente e, em um caso, acompanhado de hemorragias multifocais. Na histologia observou-se necrose hepática, que variava de centrolobular a massiva, compatível com hepatopatia tóxica. No SNC havia satelitose, tumefação neuronal, edema periaxonal, perivascular. O diagnóstico de intoxicação por Trema micrantha foi baseado no quadro clínico e lesional de hepatite tóxica associado ao uso da planta para alimentação de caprinos.

• Poisonous plants Trema micrantha Ulmaceae grandiúva plant poisoning hepatotoxic plants

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Gava A., Lucioli J., Furlan F.H., Leal M.B. & Traverso S.D. 2010. [Poisoning by Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) in goats in the State of Santa Catarina.] Intoxicação por Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) em caprinos no Estado de Santa Catarina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(3):191-194. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2sdt@cav.udesc.br Twenty five goats, maintained in paddocks, had died in five subsequent days after have been offered leaves, mixed in the ration, of Trema micrantha, a tree commonly called grandiúva. Four animals were necropsied and samples were collected for histopathology. Clinical signs included apathy, anorexia, head pressing against obstacles, decubitus and death. Macroscopic findings included suffusions in the epi- and endocardium, a yellowish liver with pronounced lobular pattern, in one goat, the liver presented additionally multiple visible hemorrhages. Histological examination revealed centrilobular to massive hepatic necrosis consistent with acute liver toxicosis. In the brain, satelitosis, neuronal swelling, and perineuronal and perivascular edema was found. The diagnosis of poisoning by Trema micrantha was based in the clinical picture characteristic of toxic hepatitis associated in the feeding of the plant to the goats.

Abstract in English:

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

• Closantel sheep goats status spongiosus retinal degeneration

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Santos J.C.A., Riet-Correa F., Simões S.V.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2008. [Pathogenesis, clinical signs and pathology of diseases caused by hepatotoxic plants in ruminants and horses in Brazil.] Patogênese, sinais clínicos e patologia das doenças causadas por plantas hepatotóxicas em ruminantes e eqüinos no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):1-14. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Plants causing hepatic lesions in ruminants and horses constitute one important group of poisonous plants in Brazil. These plants can be placed in three major groups: plants causing acute liver necrosis; plants causing liver fibrosis; and plants causing hepatogenous photosensitization. For some of these plants the toxic principles are known. Cestrum parqui and Xanthium cavanillesi that cause acute liver necrosis contain carboxy-atractylosides. Senecio spp., Crotalaria spp., and Echium plantagineum that cause liver fibrosis contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. As for the group of plants causing hepatogenous photosensibilization, Myoporum spp. contain furanosesquiterpenes, Lantana spp contain triterpenes, and Brachiaria spp. and Panicum spp. contain steroidal saponins. The clinical and pathologic features of the toxicosis caused by these phytotoxins, general mechanisms of production for the production of the clinical signs and the methods for diagnosis of hepatic failure in farm animals are reviewed.

• Hepatotoxic plants liver failure carboxyatractylosides pyrrolizidine alkaloids furanosesquiterpenes triterpenes steroidal saponins

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Santos J.C.A., Riet-Correa F., Simões S.V.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2008. [Pathogenesis, clinical signs and pathology of diseases caused by hepatotoxic plants in ruminants and horses in Brazil.] Patogênese, sinais clínicos e patologia das doenças causadas por plantas hepatotóxicas em ruminantes e eqüinos no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):1-14. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Plants causing hepatic lesions in ruminants and horses constitute one important group of poisonous plants in Brazil. These plants can be placed in three major groups: plants causing acute liver necrosis; plants causing liver fibrosis; and plants causing hepatogenous photosensitization. For some of these plants the toxic principles are known. Cestrum parqui and Xanthium cavanillesi that cause acute liver necrosis contain carboxy-atractylosides. Senecio spp., Crotalaria spp., and Echium plantagineum that cause liver fibrosis contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. As for the group of plants causing hepatogenous photosensibilization, Myoporum spp. contain furanosesquiterpenes, Lantana spp contain triterpenes, and Brachiaria spp. and Panicum spp. contain steroidal saponins. The clinical and pathologic features of the toxicosis caused by these phytotoxins, general mechanisms of production for the production of the clinical signs and the methods for diagnosis of hepatic failure in farm animals are reviewed.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Furlan F.H., Lucioli J., Veronezi L.O., Traverso S. D. & Gava A. 2008. [Experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação experimental por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):57-62. Departamento de Clínica e Patologia, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2ag@cav.udesc.br Clinical and pathological findings of experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia in cattle are described. A neurologic disease was observed in cattle on farms of the Alto Vale do Itajaí region of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. For the experimental reproduction of the disease, fresh green leaves, weekly harvested in the same region where spontaneous case occurred, were force-fed to five cattle at doses of 10 and 20g/kg for 120 days, 40g/kg for 30 days, and 30 and 40g/kg body weight for 150 days. One animal died and the others were euthanatized at the end of the experiment. Clinical signs and lesions varied from mild to severe in the experimentally poisoned cattle and depended on dose and length of the period of consumption. Main histological and ultrastructural lesions consisted of vacuolation and distension of neuronal perikarya (mainly of Purkinje cells), and of the cytoplasm of acinar pancreatic cells and thyroid follicular cells. It is concluded that ingestion of even small amounts S. carpinifolia for prolonged periods of time cause lisosomal storage disease in cattle.

• Poisonous plants Sida carpinifolia Malvaceae cattle storage disease alpha-mannosidosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Furlan F.H., Lucioli J., Veronezi L.O., Traverso S. D. & Gava A. 2008. [Experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação experimental por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):57-62. Departamento de Clínica e Patologia, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: a2ag@cav.udesc.br Clinical and pathological findings of experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia in cattle are described. A neurologic disease was observed in cattle on farms of the Alto Vale do Itajaí region of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. For the experimental reproduction of the disease, fresh green leaves, weekly harvested in the same region where spontaneous case occurred, were force-fed to five cattle at doses of 10 and 20g/kg for 120 days, 40g/kg for 30 days, and 30 and 40g/kg body weight for 150 days. One animal died and the others were euthanatized at the end of the experiment. Clinical signs and lesions varied from mild to severe in the experimentally poisoned cattle and depended on dose and length of the period of consumption. Main histological and ultrastructural lesions consisted of vacuolation and distension of neuronal perikarya (mainly of Purkinje cells), and of the cytoplasm of acinar pancreatic cells and thyroid follicular cells. It is concluded that ingestion of even small amounts S. carpinifolia for prolonged periods of time cause lisosomal storage disease in cattle.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Lima E.Q., Albuquerque M.M., Rodrigues O.G., Alencar J.R.B., Medeiros F.P.M. & Neto P.R. 2007. Technological development of (40mg) furosemide tablets: a equivalence and bioavaibility study in dogs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(11):462.466. Unidade Acadêmica de Medicina Veterinária (UAMV), Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Acadêmica s/n, Santa Cecília, Cx. Postal 64, Patos, PB 58708110, Brazil. E-mail: onaldo@cstr.ufcg.edu.br Furosemide (40mg) was administered to 20 street dogs, 10 males and 10 females, in two different pharmaceutical forms: (1) compressed furosemide 40mg formulated at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE-tablet), and (2) a commercial formulation with equal bioequivalence produced by the Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Technology of Pernambuco State (LAFEPE), the LAFEPE-furosemide. The study aimed to evaluate the kinetics of dissolution of the UFPE-tablet in order to analyze the behavior of bioavailability of the best formulation for veterinary use. The plasmatic concentrations of furosemide for the determination of parameters of pharmacological kinetics were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromato-graphic method (HPLC). The in vitro study accomplished through physiochemical analyses demonstrated that the formulas of the furosemide tablets attained the pharmaceutical requirements in agreement with USP 23 and the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. The evaluation accomplished in dogs with UFPE-tablets given in only dose demonstrated uniformity in blood levels indicating stability in maintenance of the pharmaceutical formulation and efficiency in absorption of the active compound. These values are not significantly different in relation to the 5% confidence limit. Regarding maximum concentration (Tmax) time and global bioavaibility assessed by AUC means, there were no considerable differences as well. UFPE-furosemide displayed 743.492µg/mL.h as AUC average value whereas LAFEPE-furosemide had an average of 537.284µg/mL.h.

• Furosemide bioavaibility lyoavailability dogs

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Lima E.Q., Albuquerque M.M., Rodrigues O.G., Alencar J.R.B., Medeiros F.P.M. & Neto P.R. 2007. Technological development of (40mg) furosemide tablets: a equivalence and bioavaibility study in dogs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(11):462.466. Unidade Acadêmica de Medicina Veterinária (UAMV), Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Acadêmica s/n, Santa Cecília, Cx. Postal 64, Patos, PB 58708110, Brazil. E-mail: onaldo@cstr.ufcg.edu.br Furosemide (40mg) was administered to 20 street dogs, 10 males and 10 females, in two different pharmaceutical forms: (1) compressed furosemide 40mg formulated at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE-tablet), and (2) a commercial formulation with equal bioequivalence produced by the Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Technology of Pernambuco State (LAFEPE), the LAFEPE-furosemide. The study aimed to evaluate the kinetics of dissolution of the UFPE-tablet in order to analyze the behavior of bioavailability of the best formulation for veterinary use. The plasmatic concentrations of furosemide for the determination of parameters of pharmacological kinetics were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromato-graphic method (HPLC). The in vitro study accomplished through physiochemical analyses demonstrated that the formulas of the furosemide tablets attained the pharmaceutical requirements in agreement with USP 23 and the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. The evaluation accomplished in dogs with UFPE-tablets given in only dose demonstrated uniformity in blood levels indicating stability in maintenance of the pharmaceutical formulation and efficiency in absorption of the active compound. These values are not significantly different in relation to the 5% confidence limit. Regarding maximum concentration (Tmax) time and global bioavaibility assessed by AUC means, there were no considerable differences as well. UFPE-furosemide displayed 743.492µg/mL.h as AUC average value whereas LAFEPE-furosemide had an average of 537.284µg/mL.h.

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.- 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:

Lima E.F., Riet-Correa F., Tabosa I.M., Dantas A.F.M., Medeiros J.M. & Sucupira Júnior G. 2005. [Polioencephalomalacia in goats and sheep in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil.] Polioencefalomalacia em caprinos e ovinos na região semi-árida do Nordeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):9-14. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br Seven outbreaks of polioencephalomalacia in goats and 3 in sheep are reported from the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Animals of different ages were affected in various seasons of the year. In 5 outbreaks the animals were supplemented with concentrate ration and in 5 others they were only grazing on pastures. In one outbreak sheep were supplemented with an energy-protein-mineral mixture containing 1.3% of sulfur flower. Clinical signs were characterized by blindness, depression, head pressing, circling, grinding of the teeth, incoordination, spastic paralysis, ataxia, depression of the palpebral and pupillary reflexes, lateral strabismus, nystagmus, and dilated pupils. Nine affected animals were treated with thiamine and dexamethasone; 7 of them recovered but 2 died. The diagnosis of the disease was based on the recovered animals after treatment and/or on the histologic lesions. The clinical course varied from 2 to 15 days. On three animals post-mortem examination was made. One had herniation of the cerebellum through the Foramen magnum and softening of the cerebral cortex. The cut surface of the cerebral cortex showed cavitation and yellowish discoloration. Another animal had only cerebellar herniation. In a third animal no gross lesions were observed. Histological changes in the 3 animals were laminar necrosis of the cerebral cortex, and in 2 malacia of the thalamus and the rostral colliculi was also observed. In 9 outbreaks the cause of the disease was not determined, but one was probably due to sulfur toxicosis caused by the high sulfur content of the energy-protein-mineral mixture containing 1.3% of sulfur flower (96% sulfur) and 30% chicken litter (0.39% sulfur).

• Polioencephalomalacia cortical necrosis goats sheep sulfur poisoning thiamine deficiency.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Lima E.F., Riet-Correa F., Tabosa I.M., Dantas A.F.M., Medeiros J.M. & Sucupira Júnior G. 2005. [Polioencephalomalacia in goats and sheep in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil.] Polioencefalomalacia em caprinos e ovinos na região semi-árida do Nordeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):9-14. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br Seven outbreaks of polioencephalomalacia in goats and 3 in sheep are reported from the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Animals of different ages were affected in various seasons of the year. In 5 outbreaks the animals were supplemented with concentrate ration and in 5 others they were only grazing on pastures. In one outbreak sheep were supplemented with an energy-protein-mineral mixture containing 1.3% of sulfur flower. Clinical signs were characterized by blindness, depression, head pressing, circling, grinding of the teeth, incoordination, spastic paralysis, ataxia, depression of the palpebral and pupillary reflexes, lateral strabismus, nystagmus, and dilated pupils. Nine affected animals were treated with thiamine and dexamethasone; 7 of them recovered but 2 died. The diagnosis of the disease was based on the recovered animals after treatment and/or on the histologic lesions. The clinical course varied from 2 to 15 days. On three animals post-mortem examination was made. One had herniation of the cerebellum through the Foramen magnum and softening of the cerebral cortex. The cut surface of the cerebral cortex showed cavitation and yellowish discoloration. Another animal had only cerebellar herniation. In a third animal no gross lesions were observed. Histological changes in the 3 animals were laminar necrosis of the cerebral cortex, and in 2 malacia of the thalamus and the rostral colliculi was also observed. In 9 outbreaks the cause of the disease was not determined, but one was probably due to sulfur toxicosis caused by the high sulfur content of the energy-protein-mineral mixture containing 1.3% of sulfur flower (96% sulfur) and 30% chicken litter (0.39% sulfur).

Abstract in English:

Beltrão N., Furian T.Q., Leão J.A., Pereira R.A., Moraes L.B. & Canal C.W. 2004. [Detection of infectious laryngotracheitis virus in chickens in Brazil.] Detecção do vírus da laringotraqueíte das galinhas no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):85-88. Centro de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa em Patologia Aviária (CDPA), Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: nilzaneb@hotmail.com A study was carried out in search for evidences of infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) infections in some Brazilian chicken flocks. Tracheal tissues and swabs were collected from 10 different flocks of layers and broilers displaying respiratory signs of disease. Samples were processes for virus isolation in embryonated eggs and the membranes examined by histopathology. In addition, specimens were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Three flocks had ILTV positive chickens by virus isolation and PCR. These results confirm the occurrence of ILTV in chickens in Brazil.

• Infectious laryngotracheitis virus PCR virus isolation avian pathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Beltrão N., Furian T.Q., Leão J.A., Pereira R.A., Moraes L.B. & Canal C.W. 2004. [Detection of infectious laryngotracheitis virus in chickens in Brazil.] Detecção do vírus da laringotraqueíte das galinhas no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):85-88. Centro de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa em Patologia Aviária (CDPA), Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: nilzaneb@hotmail.com A study was carried out in search for evidences of infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) infections in some Brazilian chicken flocks. Tracheal tissues and swabs were collected from 10 different flocks of layers and broilers displaying respiratory signs of disease. Samples were processes for virus isolation in embryonated eggs and the membranes examined by histopathology. In addition, specimens were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Three flocks had ILTV positive chickens by virus isolation and PCR. These results confirm the occurrence of ILTV in chickens in Brazil.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Marques A.P., Riet-Correa F., Soares M.P., Ortolani E.L. & Giuliodori M.J. 2003. (Sudden deaths in cattle associated with copper deficiency.] Mortes súbitas em bovinos associadas à carência de cobre. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(1):21-32. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil. An outbreak of sudden death was observed in cattle in southern Brazil. No significant gross or microscopic lesions were found in 1 O cattle at post-mortem examination. To test if the sudden deaths were caused by a toxic plant, 13 weeds were collected and given to rabbits at a total of 440 to 600 g per kg body weight within 7 days. Results were negative. Mean copper levels of the tiver in 10 cattle were very low (3.6± 1.6 ppm-dry matter) suggesting Cu deficiency as the cause of the disease. Five samples of pasture collected during the outbreak had normal levels of Cu (8.4±0.8 ppm-d.m.) and S (0.2%±0.03-d.m.), but high levels of Fe (522± 122 ppm-d.m.). One group of 10 heifers was supplemented with Cu subcutaneously. This group and a similar control group were maintained in the sarne area where the outbreak occurred. Serum levels of Cu, S, Fe, Mo and ceruloplasmin were determined bimonthly in both groups during one year. Mean serum levels of Cu (1.76± 1.06 to 10.34±3.1 μmol/1 for the control group and 3.86± 1.53 to 10.61 ± 1.34 μmol/1 for the treated group) and ceruloplasmin (6.59±3.93 to 18.61±4.14 mg/1 for the control group and 10.31±5.48 to 32.49±6.05 mg/1 for the treated group) were significantly higher in the supplemented group (P=0.0046 for Cu and P=0.0001 for ceruloplasmin), but they were below normal levels in most samples of both groups. Serum levels of Cu and ceruloplasmin were correlated (r=0.67; P=00.5). ln both groups serum levels of Fe (40.09±5.25 to 78.48±28.23 μmol/1) were higher than normal levels. Samples of forage were collected bimonthly for determination of Cu, Mo, S, Fe and protein in 7 points of the paddock where the outbreak occurred. Levels of Cu (1.36±0.56 to 4.76±1.15 ppm-d.m.) were below the normal ranges. The concentration of Mo (0.17±0.06 to 0.96±0.47 ppm-d.m.) was within normal ranges. Levels of S (0.21 ±0.04% to 0.5±0.17%) and Fe (172.92±62.64 to 437.24±205.44 ppm-d.m.) were occasionally within toxic level. Levels of protein varied from 7.77±2.6% to 13.16±3.02%. Six samples of water and six of submersed pastures were collected at the end of the experiment when the paddock was flooded. High levels of iron (169.23±83.49 ppm-d.m.) and S (0.06±0.03%) were found in the water. Levels of Fe and S in the submerse pasture were of 469.3±218.28 ppm and 0.19 ±0.05%, respectively. The results obtained suggest that the sudden deaths are due to Cu deficiency. Three factors seem to be responsible for the Cu deficiency: 1) high levels of iron in pastures and water; 2) occasionally low levels of copper in the pastures; and 3) the ingestion of S above the requirements due to the levels occasionally high in pastures and high in water. The outbreak reported is similar to other outbreaks of sudden deaths associated with low liver copper previously reported during winter in the sarne region of southern Brazil. This area is characterized by acid sandy soils with frequent flooding during this season. ln periodically flooded acid soils iron is solubilized and absorbed by the plants, decreasing the Cu content and increasing the Fe content of forage. This seems to be the main reason for Cu deficiency in the region.

• Cattle copper deficiency sudden death iron molibdenum sulfur Bovinos deficiência de cobre morte súbita ferro molibdênio enxofre

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Marques A.P., Riet-Correa F., Soares M.P., Ortolani E.L. & Giuliodori M.J. 2003. [Sudden deaths in cattle associated with copper deficiency.] Mortes súbitas em bovinos associadas à carência de cobre. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(1):21-32. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil. Foi estudado um surto de morte súbita em bovinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Nos animais necropsiados não foram observadas lesões macroscópicas ou microscópicas significativas. Para testar se as mortes súbitas teriam sido causadas por plantas tóxicas, 13 espécies de plantas foram coletadas e administradas a coelhos num total de 440 a 600g/kg de peso vivo num período de 7 dias. Os resultados foram negativos. Os teores de cobre no fígado dos bovinos foram muito baixos (3,6±1,6 ppm-base seca) sugerindo que as mortes foram causadas por deficiência de cobre. Cinco amostras de pasto, coletadas no local do surto, apresentaram teores normais de Cu (8,4±0,8 ppm-bs) e S (0,2%±0,03%-bs), mas altos teores de Fe (522±122 ppm-bs). Um grupo de 10 novilhas foi suplementado com Cu subcutâneo. Este grupo e um grupo controle foram mantidos em área similar à da ocorrência do surto. Teores séricos de Cu, S, Fe, Mo e ceruloplasmina foram determinados bimensalmente durante um ano de experimento. Os teores médios de Cu (1,76±1,06 a 10,34±3,1 μmol/1 no grupo controle e 3,86± 1,53 a 10,61 ± 1,34 μmol/1 para o grupo suplementado) e ceruloplamina (6,59±3,93 a 18,61 ±4,14 mg/1 para o grupo controle e 10,35±5,48 a 32,49±6,05 mg/1 para o grupo suplementado) foram significativamente maiores no grupo suplementado (P=0,0046 para o Cu e P=0,0001 para a ceruloplasmina), mas a maioria das amostras tiveram teores abaixo do normal em ambos os grupos. Houve uma correlação entre os teores de Cu e os de ceruloplasmina (r=0,67, P=0,05). Em ambos os grupos os teores séricos de Fe (40,09±5,22 a 78,48±28,23 μmol/1) estiveram acima dos teores normais. Amostras de forragens foram coletadas bimensalmente em sete pontos do campo onde ocorreu o surto para determinação de Cu, Mo, S, Fe e proteína. Os teores de Cu (1,36±0,56 a 4,76±1,15 ppm-bs) estiveram abaixo dos requerimentos. Os teores de Mo (0,17±0,06 a 0,96±0,47 ppm-bs) estiveram dentro da normalidade. Valores de S (0,21 ±0,04% a 0,5±0, 17%) e Fe (172,92±62,64 a 437,24±205,44 ppm-bs) alcançaram, ocasionalmente, níveis tóxicos. Teores de proteína variaram de 7,77±2,6% a 13, 16±3,02%. Seis amostras de água e 6 amostras de pasto submerso foram coletadas no fim do experimento quando o campo estava inundado. Altos teores de Fe (169, 23±83,49 ppm) e S (0,06±0,03%) foram encontrados na água. Os teores de Fe e S no pasto submerso foram de 469,5±218,28 ppm e 0,19±0,05%, respectivamente. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que as mortes súbitas foram causadas por deficiência de Cu. Três fatores parecem ser responsáveis pela deficiência de Cu: 1) altos teores de Fe na pastagem e na água; 2) ocasionalmente baixos teores de Cu na pastagem; e 3) ingestão de S acima dos requerimentos, devido aos teores ocasionalmente altos na pastagem e na água. O surto descrito é similar a outros surtos de morte súbita em bovinos descritos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul durante o inverno, que foram, também, associados a baixos teores de cobre no fígado. As regiões onde ocorre a enfermidade são caracterizadas por solos arenosos e ácidos com inundações freqüentes durante o inverno. Em solos ácidos periodicamente inundáveis o ferro é solubilizado e absorvido pelas plantas, diminuindo o conteúdo de Cu na forragem e aumentando os teores de Fe. Esta parece ser a maior razão para a deficiência de cobre na região.