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To determine if there were significant differences produced by 5 of the most prevalent causes of equine enterocolitis, we studied retrospectively the gross and microscopic pathology of 90 cases of enterocolitis submitted to the San Bernardino laboratory of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory. Included were cases caused by Clostridium perfringens type C (CP; n = 20), Clostridioides difficile (CD; n = 20), Paeniclostridium sordellii (PS; n = 15), Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST; n = 20), and NSAID intoxication (NS; n = 15). Grossly, necrotizing hemorrhagic typhlocolitis was seen most frequently in cases of CD, ST, and NS disease. Cases of CP and PS had enteritis or colitis in similar percentages. Congestion, hemorrhage, and pleocellular inflammatory infiltrates followed by mucosal and submucosal necrosis were the main lesions found in horses with enteritis or colitis produced by any of the etiologic agents investigated. Severe lesions were more frequent in cases of CD and CP than in cases associated with any of the other 3 etiologies. Pseudomembranes were observed with similar prevalence in the small intestine and colon affected by all agents studied. Thrombosis of the lamina propria and/or submucosa was observed in ~50% of the cases of enteritis and colitis by all etiologies, except for PS, in which the majority of the cases had thrombosis. Gross and microscopic lesions of enterocolitis were not sufficiently specific for any of these etiologic agents to enable these enteritides to be distinguished by gross and/or histologic examination.

An outbreak of acute encephalopathy occurred in pregnant ewes and their newborn lambs associated with consumption of Talisia esculenta fruits and bark. Clinical signs in 5 adult pregnant ewes included drooling, bloat, tachypnea, depression, ataxia, body shaking, difficulty in rising, and recumbency. Three neonatal lambs born to some of those ewes had similar clinical signs. No significant gross abnormalities were observed on autopsy. Histologically, neuronal necrosis, axonal and dendritic swelling, and loss of Purkinje neurons were observed in the cerebellum. The observation of similar neurologic clinical signs and lesions in pregnant ewes and their neonatal lambs suggests that the toxic principle of T. esculenta crosses the placenta and reaches the fetus.

Apresenta-se um modelo experimental de ostectomia de tibia em coelhos para estudo de biomateriais em processos de reparacao ossea. Foi realizada falha segmentar de 6mm de diâmetro na regiao metafisaria medial proximal de tibia de 72 coelhos as quais foram preenchidas com substituto osseo e avaliadas clinicamente, por exame radiografico e por meio de tomografia computadorizada feixe conico, em diferentes tempos. Conclui-se que a metafise medial proximal de tibia de coelhos e adequada como modelo para estudos que avaliem o comportamento de enxertos e/ou biomateriais em falhas osseas.

Talisia esculenta, commonly known as pitombeira, is a tree which fruits are widely consumed by human beings in northeastern Brazil. The aim of this work is to describe the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of two outbreaks of spontaneous poisoning by T. esculenta in cattle in the dry region of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. The cases occurred in the municipalities of São Bento do Una and Belo Jardim. From a total of 25 adult cattle, eight become sick after ingest T. esculenta leaves and fruits. Four cattle died until 72 hours after the first clinical signs; which consisted in ataxia, reluctance to walk, tottering, head tremors muscle spasms in the limbs, rigidity of the pelvic limbs with wide base stance position, ruminal atony and, when stressed, presented falls and remained in abnormal positions. Two cattle were necropsied; the only significant finding was the presence of partially digested leaves, barks and seeds of T. esculenta in ruminal contents. Microscopically no lesions were observed. There is no specific therapy for poisoning by T. esculenta leaves. Prophylaxis consists in preventing cattle from gaining access to pasture areas containing the plant. RESUMO: Talisia esculenta, popularmente conhecida como pitombeira, é uma árvore cujos frutos são amplamente consumidos por seres humanos no nordeste do Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos de dois surtos de intoxicação espontânea por T. esculenta em bovinos no Agreste de Pernambuco, Nordeste do Brasil. Os casos ocorreram nos municípios de São Bento do Una e Belo Jardim De um total de 25 bovinos adultos, oito adoeceram após consumirem as folhas e frutos de T. esculenta. Quatro morreram em até 72 horas após a observação dos primeiros sinais clínicos; que consistiam em ataxia, relutância em caminhar, andar cambaleante, tremores de cabeça, espasmos musculares nos membros, rigidez dos membros pélvicos com posição de ampla base, atonia ruminal e, quando excitados, apresentavam quedas e permaneciam em posições anormais. Dois bovinos foram necropsiados e o único achado significante foi a presença de folhas, cascas e sementes parcialmente digeridas de T. esculenta no conteúdo ruminal. Microscopicamente não foram observadas lesões. Não existe terapia específica para a intoxicação pelas folhas de T. esculenta. A profilaxia consiste em evitar que bovinos tenham acesso às áreas de pastagem contendo a planta.

Equine coital exanthema is a venereal infectious disease poorly reported in horses in Brazil and was never described in the northeastern region of the country. This work aims to describe the clinical and pathological aspects of an outbreak of equine coital exanthema caused by equid alphaherpesvirus 3, occurred in a herd of horses at the semiarid region of the State of Rio Grande do Norte. Main clinical signs consisted of anorexia, hiporexia, fibrinous or purulent secretion in the penis mucosa and vagina. Two mares presented mild to minimal lesions that consisted of scars in the mucosa of the vagina and in the perivulvar region. In a stallion the disease consisted of severe, multifocal, umbilicated-exanthematous ulcers of approximately 1cm in diameter on the penis mucosa. Other areas where ulcers and crusts were focally observed included the skin of the scrotum and on the lips and mucocutaneous junctions of the oral cavity. Histologically, the main lesion consisted of multifocal severe ulcerative and fibrinous necrotizing balanoposthitis and mild multifocal necrotizing, lymphocytic dermatitis in the lips and scrotum. The equide alphaherpesvirus 3 DNA was amplified in blood samples and penis mucosa using the PCR technique. This is the first report of molecular diagnosis of equine coital exanthema affecting horses in northeastern Brazil. Further studies should be carried out in order to investigate the epidemiology and the importance of this herpetic disease in the country. RESUMO: O exantema coital equino é uma doença infecciosa venérea pouco relatada em equinos no Brasil e nunca descrita na região Nordeste do país. Este trabalho tem como objetivo descrever os aspectos clínicos e patológicos de um surto de exantema coital equino causado pelo alphaherpesvirus equídeo 3, que ocorreu em um haras na região semiárida do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Os principais sinais clínicos consistiram em anorexia, hiporexia, secreção fibrinosa ou purulenta na mucosa do pênis e vagina. Duas éguas apresentavam lesões discretas que consistiam em cicatrizes na mucosa da vagina e na região perivulvar. Em um garanhão, a doença consistia em úlceras umbilicadas-exantematosas severas, multifocais, de aproximadamente 1 cm de diâmetro na mucosa do pênis. Outras áreas onde úlceras e crostas foram observadas focalmente incluíram a pele do escroto, lábios e junções mucocutâneas da cavidade oral. Histologicamente, as principais lesões consistiam em balanopostite multifocal ulcerativa e necrosante fibrinosa grave e dermatite linfocítica necrosante multifocal leve nos lábios e escroto. O DNA do alphaherpesvirus equídeo tipo 3 foi amplificado em amostras de sangue e mucosa do pênis pela técnica de PCR. Este é o primeiro relato de diagnóstico molecular de exantema coital equino afetando cavalos no nordeste do Brasil. Novos estudos devem ser realizados a fim de investigar a epidemiologia e a importância dessa doença herpética no país.

A survey carried out in the dairy region of Pernambuco was conducted to determine the most important poisonous plants for ruminants in the region. A total of 95 farmers from 19 municipalities were interviewed and the grazing areas of ruminants were inspected. According to the survey, the most important poisonous plants for ruminants were Manihot esculenta, Palicourea aeneofusca, Brachiaria decumbens, Indigofera suffruticosa, Ricinus communis and Cestrum axillare. Less reported classes of poisonous plants included nephrotoxic plants and plants that cause abortions or congenic malformations. Psychotria hoffmannseggiana, Psychotria colorata and Psychotria capitata were reported by farmers as the cause of sudden death in cattle. These plants should be better investigated to evaluate their importance as the cause of cattle deaths. RESUMO: Neste estudo prospectivo, realizou-se um levantamento sobre a ocorrência das principais plantas tóxicas e a ocorrência de intoxicações por plantas em ruminantes na bacia leiteira de Pernambuco. Para isso, foram entrevistados 95 produtores rurais de 19 municípios e as áreas de pastagem de ruminantes foram inspecionadas. De acordo com o levantamento, as plantas tóxicas mais importantes para ruminantes foram Manihot esculenta, Palicourea aeneofusca, Brachiaria decumbens, Indigofera suffruticosa e Ricinus communis. As classes menos importantes de plantas tóxicas incluíram plantas nefrotóxicas e plantas que causam abortos e malformações congênitas. Psychotria hoffmannseggiana, Psychotria colorata e Psychotria capitata foram relatadas por produtores rurais como a causa de mortes súbitas em bovinos. Essas plantas devem ser investigadas melhor para avaliar sua importância como a causa de mortes de bovinos.

Simple Summary Nutritional management is one of the most important factors to ensure adequate productivity and to prevent wasting in sheep flocks. Food needs to be offered in enough quantity and quality to avoid deficiency issues. Motility and metabolic disorders, such as subacute ruminal acidosis, may also lead to emaciation. A combination of a detailed flock history, clinico-pathologic findings, and ancillary tests is necessary to diagnose these conditions. Treatment approaches range from reinstating the levels of the depleted dietary compound to modifications in management practices. Abstract The different ovine production and breeding systems share the cornerstone of keeping a good body condition to ensure adequate productivity. Several infectious and parasitic disorders have detrimental effects on weight gains and may lead to emaciation. Flock health management procedures are aimed to prevent such conditions. Nutritional management is equally important to guarantee adequate body condition. Persistent bouts of low ruminal pH due to excess concentrate in the diet may lead to subacute ruminal acidosis. Pre-stomach motility disorders may also lead to ill-thrift and emaciation. An adequate mineral supplementation is key to prevent the effects of copper, selenium, and other micronutrients deprivation, which may include, among others, loss of condition. This review elaborates on the clinico-pathologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of some of these conditions, and highlights the necessity of considering them as contributors to states of wasting in sheep flocks.

Simple Summary Equids are part of the history of many countries, including Brazil, where they were used in trade routes and expansion of the current states. Several skin diseases affect these animals; however, visibility is higher on horses than on donkeys and mules, which is linked to regional cultural and socioeconomic factors, even resulting in a decline of the world population of these animals. In this context, the objective of this study was to review which skin diseases have been reported in the scientific literature with emphasis on skin pathologies. Abstract The skin of donkeys and mules represents a promising source of income; however, cultural, productive, and infectious factors can directly interfere with the quality of the integumentary tissue and well-being of these species. The objective of this study is to present a literature review on equine dermatopathies. This literature review included scientific articles related to equine medicine and breeding according to pre-established search terms and expressions published in recently articles. The evaluation of the clinical and pathological behavior of dermatopathies implies the use of control strategies and the recognition of pathological patterns that may be particular to the species.

The aim of this paper is to describe the first report of spontaneous poisoning by Prosopis juliflora in sheep. From flock of 500 sheep at risk, four adult male sheep were affected. One died spontaneously and three other were examined, euthanized and necropsied. Neurologic examination focused particularly on motor and sensory-cranial nerve function, complete blood counts, serum biochemistry and urinalysis were done. The evolution of the disease was chronic and to present signs of poisoning, sheep had to ingest a diet containing at least 80% of P. juliflora pods during 21 months. The biochemistry revealed a substantial increase in creatine phosphokinase levels. Clinical signs included drooling of saliva, dropped jaw, tongue protrusion and loss of food from the mouth. Gross and histological lesions were similar to those previously reported in cattle and goats. Sheep are more resistant to poisoning by P. juliflora considering that it took 21 months of pod consumption to show clinical signs. There is no specific treatment for P. juliflora poisoning in ruminants. RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever o primeiro caso de intoxicação espontânea por Prosopis juliflora em ovinos. De um total de 500 ovinos sob risco, quatro ovinos machos adultos foram afetados. Um ovino morreu espontaneamente e os outros foram examinados, eutanasiados e necropsiados. Realizaram-se exames clínicos direcionados particularmente para funções de nervos motores e sensoriais-craniais. Avaliou-se hemograma, perfil bioquímico sérico e urinálise. A evolução da doença foi crônica e para apresentar sinais de intoxicação os ovinos tiveram que ingerir uma dieta contendo 80% das vagens de P. Juliflora durante 21 meses. Os níveis de creatinofosfoquinase estavam significativamente elevados. Os sinais clínicos consistiram em sialorreia, mandíbula pendulosa, protusão da língua e perda de alimento pela boca. As lesões macroscópicas e microscópicas foram similares àquelas reportadas previamente em bovinos e caprinos. Ovinos são mais resistentes à intoxicação por P. Juliflora, tendo em vista que foi necessário 21 meses de consumo das vagens para que os ovinos apresentassem sinais clínicos. Não há tratamento específico para a intoxicação por P. Juliflora em ruminantes.

The aim of this work was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of two outbreaks of spontaneous poisoning caused by Froelichia humboldtiana in cattle in Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil and reproduce experimentally this poisoning in cattle. Spontaneous poisonings of primary photosensitization occurred in two farms at the municipalities of Cachoeirinha and São Caetano and affected twenty-two adult bovines and two suckling calves after the rainy season. All bovines have recovered 21 days after they were removed from the pasture. To reproduce experimental poisoning, three cows and a calf were maintained in a pasture with 1ha composed by F. humboldtiana during 14 days. Clinical signs and skin lesions were similar in both spontaneous and experimental poisoning and consisted of cutaneous itching and hyperemia of non-pigmented areas of skin that evolved into edema, exudative dermatitis and extensive areas of skin necrosis. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), total, direct and indirect bilirubin were normal in all cattle examined. Histologically, lesions consisted of epidermal necrosis, hyperkeratosis with large amounts of degenerate neutrophils and acanthosis. In the dermis, edema and inflammatory infiltrate composed of eosinophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells mainly around the blood vessels were observed. In the experimental group, clinical signs of photosensitization were observed after the third day of F. humboldtiana consumption. The suckling calf displayed mild clinical signs of photodermatitis on the 8th day of the experiment. It was estimated that the average consumption of F. humboldtiana necessary to initiate clinical signs in each adult bovine was 78kg.

This research described the radiological, clinical and pathological aspects of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in a seven-year-old Santa Inês ram. The main clinical features were lameness of the thoracic and pelvic limbs, rigid, cracking and enlarged of the humeroradial, humeroulnar and tibiofemoral joints, cervical spine stiffness, and severe lordosis of the thoracolumbar vertebrae. Dyspnea, nasal discharge and abdominal breathing were also observed. On radiographic examination of the thoracic and pelvic limbs, osteoarthrosis with the formation of osteophyte bridging, intra-articular calcification and periosteum reaction were observed. At necropsy were reported bilateral osteophytosis in the humeroradial, humeroulnar, tibiofemoral and interphalangeal joints, and fusion of the bodies of thoracic vertebrae T5-13 T6 and T12-T13. Microscopically, extensive areas of fibrosis were observed in the lungs and the affected joints were thickened by well demarcated and perpendicular orientated woven and trabecular bone proliferation in the epiphysis. The periosteum was also expanded by fibrous connective tissue that extended into and between the new proliferated bone. Based on these findings, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, which is an unusual condition in sheep, was diagnosed.

The aim of this work was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of spontaneous poisoning by Merremia macrocalyx in cattle in the Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil, and to experimentally replicate the poisoning by this plant. To determine the occurrence of poisonings, 30 farms were visited in six municipalities at the Forest Zone of Pernambuco. The plant was found in nine farms, in which history of plant poisoning in cattle, and occasionally in sheep were also reported. Three outbreaks of spontaneous poisonings in cattle were studied. To replicate the disease experimentally, two steers received a single dose of 60g/kg and two steers received 80g/kg of the fresh leaves of M. macrocalyx in the trough for spontaneous ingestion. Two steers were also used as a control group. The main clinical signs observed in spontaneous cases consisted of restlessness, bloat, polyuria, diarrhea, and death within 48 to 72 hours after the onset of clinical signs. Cattle experimentally poisoned presented similar clinical signs to those observed in spontaneous cases. Gross lesions consisted of dryness and impaction of the rumen, omasum and reticulum contents. Abomasal content was fluid, the mucosa was hyperemic, with swollen folds and multiple ulcers. Similar lesions were observed in duodenum mucosae. Histologically, lesions observed in the abomasum and duodenum mucosa consisted of necrosis, hemorrhage and inflammatory infiltration of neutrophils and lymphocytes. The wide distribution and palatability of this plant, associated with the high sensitivity of the bovine species verified in this experiment, highlight the importance of this plant in spontaneous cases of poisoning in cattle. RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos da intoxicação espontânea por Merremia macrocalyx em bovinos de Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil e reproduzir experimentalmente a intoxicação por esta planta. Para determinar a ocorrência das intoxicações, foram visitadas 30 propriedades em seis municípios na Zona da Mata de Pernambuco. A planta foi encontrada em nove fazendas onde também haviam históricos de intoxicações em bovinos e ocasionalmente em ovinos. Três surtos de intoxicações espontâneas em bovinos foram estudados e para reproduzir experimentalmente a doença, dois novilhos receberam doses únicas de 60g/kg e dois novilhos receberam 80g/kg de folhas frescas de M. Macrocalyx para consumo espontâneo no cocho. Dois novilhos foram utilizados como grupo controle. Os principais sinais clínicos observados na intoxicação espontânea consistiram em agitação, timpanismo, poliúria, diarreia e morte dentro de 48 a 72 horas após a observação dos primeiros sinais clínicos. Os bovinos intoxicados experimentalmente apresentaram sinais clínicos semelhantes aos observados nos casos espontâneos. À necropsia as lesões consistiam em compactação e ressecamento dos conteúdos do rúmen, omaso e retículo. O conteúdo do abomaso estava fluido, notava-se hiperemia das mucosas, as pregas estavam edemaciadas e continham múltiplas úlceras. Lesões semelhantes também foram observadas na mucosa do duodeno. Histologicamente, as lesões observadas na mucosa do abomaso e do duodeno consistiam em necrose, hemorragia e infiltrado inflamatório neutrofílico e linfocítico. A ampla distribuição de Merremia macrocalyx na região estudada e a boa palatabilidade associada à alta sensibilidade da espécie bovina verificada neste experimento, reforça a importância desta planta em casos espontâneos de intoxicação em bovinos.

Background : Primary neoplasms of the respiratory tract are rare in cattle, and they present with nonspecific clinical signs and are usually found at post-mortem. Pulmonary adenocarcinoma of the acinar type is uncommon, and information about this neoplasm in cattle is scarce. This paper aims to describe the clinical, laboratory, and pathological findings in a cow with this neoplasm. Case : A 10-year-old, adult, mixed-breed Holstein cow weighing 300 kg was referred to the Garanhuns Cattle Clinic of the Campus of Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Brazil, with a history of decreased appetite, tiredness, weight loss, and difficulty in breathing for two months. The animal had been treated at the farm of origin with enrofloxacin, florfenicol, and flunixin meglumine. The animal’s appetite improved, but no improvement in the respiratory symptoms was observed. On examination at our center, the cow was in an orthopedic position, with neck extension and elbow abduction; and it remained in a recumbent position. The cow had neutrophilia, normochromic normocytic anemia, and hyperfibrinogemia. The body condition score (BCS) was 1 (BCS ranges from 1 to 5), and the cow had moderate enophthalmia, serous secretions in nostrils, tachycardia, and tachypnea. It also had increased breathing intensity; increased breath sounds in the cranial regions of both lungs; areas of reduced breath sounds in the medial portions of the lungs; intermittent wheezing in the cranial region of the left lung medially and in the cranial region of the right lung medially; intermittent crepitations in the cranial region of the right lung medially; reduced thoracic expansion; and expiratory dyspnea. Pulmonary ultrasonography revealed hyperechogenic multifocal structures in both lungs. In view of the severe clinical condition and unfavorable prognosis, the owner opted for euthanasia. Necropsy revealed that there was a significant amount of yellow fluid in the thoracic cavity, and the cut surfaces of the lungs were covered with fibrin and pleural adhesions. The lungs had irregular surfaces with multifocal nodules of various sizes and firm consistency. The texture of the cut nodules was solid, and the nodules had a yellowish color. Histologically, the pulmonary nodules were composed of neoplastic cells. They were pleomorphic, infiltrative epithelial cells with little cytoplasm; large and spherical nuclei with abundant euchromatin; occasional anisokaryosis; visible nucleolus; and numerous mitotic figures. Results of anti-cytokeratin immunohistochemistry were strongly positive for cytokeratin in the lungs and lymph nodes. Discussion : The diagnosis of acinar pulmonary adenocarcinoma was based on clinical, laboratory, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings. Clinical signs and lung ultrasound suggested a severe respiratory disease. Pulmonary tumors are usually solid, and they show areas of central necrosis that resemble granulomas. However, the histopathological findings in the current case were compatible with a primary pulmonary neoplasm. Primary pulmonary neoplasms, although rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of weight loss, cachexia, and respiratory symptoms in adult cattle. The morphological pattern and the strong immunoreactivity on immunohistochemical examination were conclusive for a diagnosis of a primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma of the acinar type because these tumors specifically contain cytokeratin.

The aim of this study was to report the clinical and pathological aspects of an outbreak of poisoning by the ingestion of Ricinus communis leaves in a herd of goats at Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Within 3-5 hours after ingesting the sprouts and young shrubs of the plant, twenty Toggenburg female goats and two adults crossbred wethers presented acute neurological clinical signs, which were initially characterized by decreased locomotor activity that later evolved to severe ataxia, depression, incoordination and staggering gait. Four goat that died spontaneously were necropsied. Gross lesions were unspecific and consisted in focal areas of lungs edema, petechial hemorrhages in the epicardium and congestion and enlargement of liver. The contents of the rumen, reticulum and omasum were dry and contained leaves of the plant. Histologically there were no lesions in the CNS. In the liver, the main lesion consisted in cytoplasmic vacuolization and necrosis of hepatocytes. Eighteen goats recovered after a supportive therapy with activated charcoal, glycated isotonic solution, dexamethasone and vitamin B12. There is no specific therapy for poisoning by R. communis, however supportive and symptomatic treatments are recommended and should be based on the clinical signs. RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar os aspectos clínicos e patológicos de um surto de intoxicação pelas folhas de Ricinus communis em um rebanho de caprinos em Pernambuco, Nordeste do Brasil. Três a cinco horas após a ingestão dos brotos e arbustos jovens da planta, vinte cabras da raça Toggenburg e dois machos mestiços apresentaram quadro clínico neurológico agudo caracterizado principalmente pela diminuição da atividade locomotora, grave ataxia, depressão, incoordenação e marcha cambaleante. Quatro caprinos morreram espontaneamente e foram necropsiados. Macroscopicamente, as lesões eram inespecíficas e consistiam em áreas focais de edema pulmonar, hemorragias petequiais epicárdicas e aumento do volume e congestão do fígado. Os conteúdos do rumem, retículo e omaso eram ressecados e continham folhas da planta. Histologicamente, não foram observadas lesões no SNC. No fígado, havia vacuolização citoplasmática e necrose de hepatócitos. Dezoito caprinos se recuperaram após receberem terapia de suporte com carvão ativado, soro glicosado, dexametasona e vitamina B12. Não existe terapêutica especifica para a intoxicação pelas folhas de R. Communis. Os tratamentos sintomáticos e de suporte são recomendados e devem basear-se nos sinais clínicos.

Resumo: Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar a técnica de biópsia hepática como um teste de valor diagnóstico para intoxicações por plantas que contém swainsonina. Para isso, reproduziu-se experimentalmente a doença com as folhas secas de Ipomoea marcellia contendo 0,02% de swainsonina em caprinos. O Grupo I foi constituído por 6 caprinos que receberam a planta misturada a ração na dose de 4g/kg (0,8mg de swainsonina/kg) até a observação dos primeiros sinais clínicos neurológicos. Outros dois caprinos que não receberam a planta na dieta constituíram o grupo controle (Grupo II). Foram realizadas biópsias hepáticas pela técnica percutânea cega com agulha de Menghini, no dia zero e com intervalos semanais nos caprinos do experimento. As biópsias hepáticas foram fixadas em formol tamponado 10%, processadas rotineiramente, coradas pela hematoxilina-eosina e histoquímica de lectinas. Vacuolização hepatocelular similar àquelas descritas em caso de doença de depósito lisossomal foram identificadas em todos os caprinos do Grupo I no 7º dia de experimento nas amostras coradas pela hematoxilina-eosina. Em relação à histoquímica de lectinas, marcações consistentes foram obtidas com as lectinas Concanavalia ensiformis (Con-A) e Triticum vulgaris (WGA). Concluiu-se que a avaliação histológica rotineira de biópsias hepáticas pode ser usada no diagnóstico de intoxicações por plantas que contem swainsonina, mesmo em caprinos que não apresentam sinais clínicos, e que a histoquímica de lectinas pode ser usada como método diagnóstico complementar. Abstract: With the aim to investigate the use of hepatic biopsies for the diagnosis of poisoning by swainsonine-containing plants, dry leaves of Ipomoea marcellia containing 0.02% of swainsonine were administered to goats. Group I, with six goats, ingested 4g/kg of dry plant (0.8mg of swainsonina/kg) daily until the observation of the first neurologic signs. Two goats that did not receive the plant were used as control (Group II). Hepatic biopsies with the Menghini needle were performed by the percutaneous technique at day zero and at weekly intervals after the start of the administration of I. marcellia. Biopsy samples were fixed in 10% formaline, processed routinely, and stained by hematoxilin-eosin and by lectins histochemistry. Hepatocellular vacuolization similar to those described in cases of lysosomal storage disease were identified in all goats of Group I from the seven day of plant consumption in the samples satained with hematoxylin-eosin. Using lectin histochemistry, consistent labellings were observed with Concanavalia ensiformis (Con-A) e Triticum vulgaris (WGA). It is concluded that routinely histological evaluation of liver biopsies can be used in the diagnosis of poisoning by swainsonine containing plants, even in goats without clinical signs, and lectin histochemistry which can be used as supplementary diagnostic method.

Simple Summary There are several substances, either inorganic or organic that may be toxic for sheep. Intoxications by some of these substances have an acute clinical course with specific signs and lesions that may guide the diagnostic procedures. However, there are other insidious, subacute to chronic presentations, usually related to continuous intake of the toxic substance over long periods of time, that may present with emaciation, ill-thrift, and/or poor external aspect. In such scenarios, diagnosis may be challenging and should be achieved through a combination of history of exposure, subtle gross and histological findings (if present), and available ancillary tests. Abstract Infectious and parasitic agents have been frequently associated with debilitating and wasting conditions in sheep. The prevalence of these agents has probably undermined the role of toxic causes as contributors to such disorders. In addition, many of these intoxications frequently produce acute clinical disease with specific and characteristic lesions, thus a causal relationship with the toxic substance may be relatively easy to establish. However, persistent exposure to some of these organic or inorganic toxic substances may lead to emaciation, ill-thrift, and poor external aspect. The anti-nutritional factors and alkaloids of several plants, including pyrrolizidine alkaloids, among others, have also been associated with emaciation and/or poor general performance in sheep flocks. In this review, some of these disorders are discussed with an emphasis on clinical signs and lesions, relevant diagnostic aspects, and available therapeutic approaches. In most cases, demonstrating a history of exposure should be one of the most relevant aspects of the diagnostic approach, and removing the animals from the toxic source is the cornerstone of the majority of the treatment strategies.

This paper describes the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of an avian encephalomyelitis (AE) outbreak in commercial laying hens in Northeastern Brazil. The disease affected 23,409 layers (from day one until 100 weeks) leading to mortality of 16.5% (5,049/30,600) of the flock. Twenty laying hens were clinically examined, and blood samples were collected and tested by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Five laying hens with neurological signs were necropsied and samples of the brain, cerebellum, spinal cord, sciatic nerve, heart, ceca tonsils, proventriculus and liver were collected, fixed in formalin buffered solution and processed according to routine methods for histological examination. Clinical signs were observed in approximately 60% of the chicken flock and included depression, ataxia, head and neck tremors, head tilt, motor incoordination and corneal opacity and of lens. All laying hens presented seroconversion for AE, with a geometric mean titer (GMT) of 6,854 and CV of 9.6%. At necropsy, there were bilateral opacity of the cornea and lens and the blood vessels of the cerebral cortex were hyperemic. The main microscopic lesions in the central nervous system consisted of red and shrunken neurons in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and spinal cord. Significant areas of gliosis were observed in the cerebral cortex and in the molecular layer of the cerebellum. Hyperplasia of the proventricular lymphoid tissue and the ceca tonsils were observed with different degrees of intensity. In Northeastern Brazil, there haven’t been previous reports of AE in commercial laying hens and this outbreak possibly occurred by inefficient immunization of laying breeders at the genetic supply company.

Numerous plant species worldwide including some Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae) and Sida (Malvaceae) species in Brazil cause lysosomal storage disease in herbivores and are known to contain swainsonine and calystegines as the main toxic compounds. The aim of this work was to determine swainsonine and calystegines concentrations in species of Convolvulaceae from the semiarid region of Pernambuco. Seven municipalities in the Moxotó region were visited and nine species were collected and screened for the presence of swainsonine and calystegines using an HPLC-APCI-MS method. The presence and concentration of these alkaloids within the same and in different species were very variable. Seven species are newly reported here containing swainsonine and/or calystegines. Ipomoea subincana contained just swainsonine. Ipomoea megapotamica, I. rosea and Jacquemontia corymbulosa contained swainsonine and calystegines. Ipomoea sericosepala, I. brasiliana, I. nil, I. bahiensis and I. incarnata contained just calystegines. The discovery of six Ipomoea species and one Jacquemontia species containing toxic polyhydroxy alkaloids reinforces the importance of this group of poisonous plants to ruminants and horses in the semiarid region of Pernambuco. Epidemiological surveys should be conducted to investigate the occurrence of lysosomal storage disease associated to these new species.

As plantas cardiotoxicas afetam o coracao e resultam em alteracoes patologicas de acordo com o quadro clinico apresentado. Essas plantas podem ser divididas em grupos que causam intoxicacao com evolucao superaguda (morte subita sem lesao macroscopica significativa), subaguda a cronica (que cursam em insuficiencia cardiaca cronica) ou plantas que contem glicosideos cardiotoxicos. No Brasil, integram a essas plantas os generos Palicourea, Amorimia, Psychotria, Niedenzuella, Fridericia, Tanaecium, Nerium e Kalanchoe. Destas, algumas foram notificadas ou suspeitas de conter o monofluoroacetato (MFA) como principio toxico. Esta dissertacao esta dividida em dois artigos: o primeiro, que objetiva atualizar sobre as principais plantas cardiotoxicas em ruminantes no Brasil, descrevendo seus aspectos epidemiologicos (considerando as alteracoes botânicas atuais), clinicos, patologicos, formas de diagnostico, controle e metodos profilaticos, como a transfaunacao com isolamento de bacterias que degradam MFA, aversao alimentar ou uso de acetamida; o segundo artigo tem por objetivo descrever os aspectos epidemiologicos, clinicos e patologicos de um surto de intoxicacao por Kalanchoe blossfeldiana em bovinos da regiao semiarida de Pernambuco. Para isso, foi investigada uma propriedade no municipio de Bezerros, onde foram inspecionadas as areas de pastagem do gado, analisando a sintomatologia de 17 bovinos, consistindo em taquipneia, taquicardia, atonia ruminal e diarreia hemorragica. Dois bovinos foram necropsiados, obtendo- se como achados de necropsia, hemorragias petequiais e equimoses nas auriculas, epicardio e musculos papilares e areas com congestao severa e hemorragias petequiais na camada serosa do intestino delgado, por vezes, contendo coagulos e, na histopatologia, observou-se que nas areas de sangramento cardiaco houve infiltrado inflamatorio e necrose da coagulacao das fibras musculares. Na submucosa do intestino delgado houve edema, infiltracao de celulas mononucleares e macrofagos contendo pigmento castanho; na mucosa houve hemorragia, reducao da altura das vilosidades e necrose do epitelio. A condicao determinante para a ocorrencia da intoxicacao nesse rebanho foi a escassez de alimento e o manejo inadequado na poda das plantas, baseando o caso no historico de consumo da planta, na epidemiologia, sinais clinicos e lesoes encontradas, consistentes com os glicosideos cardiotoxicos que a planta possui. Embora a intoxicacao do gado por essa planta nao seja comum, a sua ampla distribuicao no Brasil, como planta ornamental, predispoe o surgimento de casos de intoxicacao.

Considering the increase in consumption of Cannabis sativa and the use of the compound β-carotene (BC) as supplement, we investigated potential changes in the chemical and biological proprieties of BC after exposure to C. sativa smoke (CSS). Our results showed that the BC exposed to CSS underwent 98.8% degradation and suffered loss of its antiradical activity. The major degradation products identified were 3-hydroxy-2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)2-methylpropanoate and (2-ethyl-3-hydroxyhexyl)2-methylpropanoate compounds. These are found in higher levels in the exhalations of colorectal cancer patients and are similar to the toxic products associated with lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. In toxicological assays using micro-crustacean Artemia salina the BC was non-toxic, while the BC degraded by CSS had a toxicity of LC50 = 397.35 μg/mL. In Wistar rats, females treated with BC degraded by CSS (BCCSS) showed whitish liver spots, alterations in liver weight and in bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels, and decrease in the number of leukocytes associated with atypical lymphocytosis. In male rats, there was an increase in the number of leukocytes when compared to the control group. In the histopathological analysis, the cortical region of the kidneys showed the presence of discrete amorphous eosinophilic material (cylinders) in the lumen of the proximate and distal convoluted tubules. In general, the BC in contact with CSS undergoes chemical changes and exhibits toxicity to rats and Artemia salina. Keywords: Cannabis sativa smoke, β-Carotene, Toxicity, Degradation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of angico bark extract (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) in the healing process of the skin of rats.METHODS: Twenty adult male rats were divided into four groups of five animals each, according to the respective postoperative days, as follow: G4, G7, G14 and G21. Each group received two incisions on skin and subcutaneous tissue in the right and left antimere of the thoracic region, separated by a distance of 2 cm. The right lesion was treated daily with saline and the left with the angico alcoholic extract (5%). At the end of each experimental period, the animals were euthanized and fragments of the wound area with the edges were removed, fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution and processed for paraffin embedding. Histological sections (5 μm of thickness) were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Gomori trichromic and picrosisirus red for morphological and morphometric analyses. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer test (p

This review updates information about neurotoxic plants affecting ruminants and equidae in Brazil. Currently in the country, there are at least 131 toxic plants belonging to 79 genera. Thirty one of these poisonous plants affect the nervous system. Swainsonine-containing plants (Ipomoea spp., Turbina cordata and Sida carpinifolia) cause numerous outbreaks of poisoning, mainly in goats, but cattle and horses are occasionally affected. The poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia, a tremorgenic plant, is very common in sheep, goats and cattle in the Northeastern region and in the Marajo island. Poisoning by the pods of Prosopis juliflora are frequent in cattle in Northeastern Brazil; occasionally this poisoning affects goats and more rarely sheep. Some poisonings by plants, such as Hybanthus calceolaria, Ipomoea marcellia and Talisia esculenta in ruminants and Indigofera lespedezioides in horses were recently described and needs to be accurately investigated about its occurrence and importance. Other plants poisonings causing nervous signs in ruminants and equidae are less important, but should be considered for the differential diagnosis of neurologic diseases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of composites consisting of fragmented cortical bone heteroimplant in association with methylmethacrylate preserved in 98% glycerin, in segmental bone defect of rabbit tibia medial metaphysis. METHODS: In this study were used twelve adult New Zealand rabbits, divided into three groups of four animals each: G30 (30 days), G60 (60 days) and G90 (90 days). The bone defects previously created in the tibia were filled with composites and both were evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography, immediately after surgery and after 30, 60, and 90 days. RESULTS: The composites fulfilled and remained in the sites of bone defects in all cases and were not registered signals of infection, migration or rejection. CONCLUSIONS: The implanted composites promoted the bone defects repair without signals of infection and/or rejection. The composites are one more option for bone defects repair.

The aim of this study is to report cases of spontaneous poisoning of cattle by Ricinus communis (castor beans) in Paraíba, a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. The cases were observed in 2 herds on neighboring properties in 2013. Clinical signs developed within 6-24 h and consisted of weakness, tachycardia, dyspnea, profuse watery diarrhea, dehydration, depression, instability, cramps, permanent lateral recumbency and death within 48-72 h. Of the 60 cattle at risk, 19 were affected and 14 died. Five fully recovered after the course of 12 days. Three animals were necropsied. The main gross lesions were hemopericardium, hemothorax, pulmonary edema, petechial hemorrhages in the epicardium and endocardium, ecchymoses at the papillary muscles and suffusions on the intercostal muscles. Hemorrhages were also observed in the abdominal cavity, spleen and mucosa of the abomasum and small intestine. The rumen content was liquid with a large amount of castor bean seeds. There were circular, whitish and focally diffuse areas in the liver parenchyma. The main microscopic lesions consisted of multifocal coagulative myocardial necrosis with the presence of mononuclear cell infiltration and varying degrees of bleeding between cardiac muscle fibers. The abomasum and small intestine mucosae and submucosa had mild edema and mononuclear and polymorphonuclear inflammatory cell infiltration. The diagnosis of R. communis was based on the history of plant consumption, clinical signs, pathology of the disease and the presence of large amounts of castor bean seeds in the forestomachs. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar casos de intoxicação espontânea em bovinos por Ricinus communis (mamona) na Paraíba, região semi-árida do nordeste do Brasil. Os casos foram observados em dois rebanhos de propriedades vizinhas no ano de 2013. Os primeiros sinais clínicos se desenvolveram dentro de 6-24 h e consistiam em fraqueza, taquicardia, dispnéia, diarréia aquosa profusa, desidratação, depressão, instabilidade, cólicas, decúbito lateral permanente e morte em 48-72h. Dos 60 bovinos sob risco, 19 foram afetados e 14 morreram. Cinco bovinos se recuperaram totalmente após um período de 12 dias. Três bovinos foram necropsiados. As principais lesões macroscópicas foram hemopericárdio, hemotórax, edema pulmonar, petéquias no epicárdio e endocárdio, equimoses nos músculos papilares e sufusões nos os músculos intercostais. Hemorragias também foram observadas na cavidade abdominal, baço e na mucosa do abomaso e intestino delgado. O conteúdo ruminal estava líquido, e continha grande quantidade de sementes de R. communis. No parênquima hepático havia áreas circulares, esbranquiçadas e distribuídas focalmente. As principais lesões microscópicas consistiam em necrose miocárdica coagulativa multifocal com a presença de infiltrado de células mononucleares e graus variados de hemorragias entre as fibras musculares cardíacas. O abomaso e a mucosa e submucosa do intestino delgado apresentavam edema discreto e infiltrado de células inflamatórias mononucleares e polimorfonucleares. O diagnóstico da intoxciação por R. communis foi baseado na história de consumo de planta, sinais clínicos, patologia da doença e pela presença de grandes quantidades de sementes de R. communis no sistema digestório dos bovinos.