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Background: Bee sting poisonings are common in dogs, and toxic systemic presentation may represent a life-threatening condition. Apis mellifera venom is a complex mixture of melitin, apamine, phospholipase, hyaluronidase and degranulating peptides, that causes local injury at the site of inoculation and multiple organ complications, including hemolysis, kidney injury, muscular damage, cardiovascular and respiratory complications. The present work reports a complete and detailed description of a dog’s systemic toxic reaction to bee stings, including history, clinical signs, laboratory findings, emergency care and development, as well as possible association with later immunomediated arthritis. Case: A 6-year-old female German Shepperd suffered multiple bee stings. First care was conducted by a veterinary at the site, where he only received promethazine, meloxicam and dexamethasone. After 24 h and significant progression of symptoms, the animal was forwarded to a specialized veterinary hospital. The patient was evaluated throughout 9 days, and presented intense edema, respiratory distress, tongue necrosis and grade II of acute kidney injury. Extensive laboratory exams were conducted throughout the hospitalization. Main laboratory findings included polycythemia, leukocytosis by neutrophilia and monocytosis, thrombocytopenia and azotemia. Urinalysis evidenced turbid aspect, dark yellow color and intense proteinuria, reinforcing kidney damage. Abdominal ultrasound examination identified blood clots in the bladder, and liver with reduced echogenicity and echotexture, suggesting acute inflammation. Therapy aimed to stabilize the patient, control kidney damage and avoid anaphylaxis. Treatment included intensive care support, promethazine, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, dipyrone, methadone, metronidazole, ampicillin, clindamycin and tramadol. Following successful treatment, the animal presented immunomediated polyarthritis, possibly associated to both the poisoning and later diagnosed hemoparasitosis (both Erlichia and Babesia). Discussion: Massive bee attacks can cause severe complications, however, data regarding emergency care records are scarce. Based on clinical signs and laboratory findings, the patient presented toxic systemic reaction, including grade II of acute kidney injury and significant cardiorespiratory distress. Another important complication was tongue necrosis, that demanded attention and special supportive care, including feeding tube and specific feed. Treatment also focused in reducing edema and control possible anaphylaxis, providing analgesia and antibiotic therapy. Laboratory findings have been previously described, with evidence of immune-mediated reaction. Follow-up consultations revealed normal parameters, and an unusual presentation of claudication. Investigation concluded that polyarthritis could be responsible for such finding and may be a result of the deposition of immunomediated complexes in the joints, due in this case to the bee poisoning and later positive diagnosis for both Erlichia and Babesia. Systemic reactions to bee stings are complex, and full clinical and laboratory profile aid in both the prognosis and treatment options. Special attention must be given to tongue damage and supportive care is essential for maintaining feeding conditions. Arthritis should be considered as possible complication, reinforcing the importance of follow-up consultations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scorpionism is a worldwide medical issue, especially relevant in the tropical and subtropical countries. Tityus serrulatus is the species responsible for most cases in Brazil. Antivenom administration to victims is the sole specific therapy obtained from donor animals. Most of these donors suffer with symptoms of the poisoning, debilitating their health and reducing their life expectancy. The aim of the present research was to evaluate whether the immunogens prepared from the crude and detoxified venom of T. serrulatus promoted different changes in fractionated sheep plasma proteins, during a scorpion antivenom serum production. Materials, Methods & Results: Twelve sheep, healthy, mean weight of 30 kg, were distributed into 3 groups (n = 4): G1 (control), G2 (crude venom) and G3 (detoxified venom). The adopted immunization protocol (first cycle) had 6 doses, 3 using Freund’s adjuvant, with a 21-day interval between each one (day 0, 22 and 43), and 3 doses with no adjuvant (booster) and 0.2 mg of antigen (reinforcement), spaced 3 days between each other (day 50, 53 and 56). Group control (G1) received 6 immunizations with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) associated with Freund’s adjuvant (1:1), while the other 2 groups received 0.5 mg of venom (G2) and detoxified venom (G3), respectively, diluted in PBS, associated with the Freund adjuvant. The boosters were 1/3 of the initial dose, diluted only PBS. At baseline (T0) and at 24 and 48 h after immunization, all animals underwent clinical examinations. Blood samples were collected at day 0, 22, 43, 53 and 56 for proteinogram analysis. Total protein, albumin and globulins fractions were measured. Plasma albumin concentration at T0 ranged from 3.41-4.86 g/dL, with a mean value of 4.12 g/dL. There was no statistical difference between the 3 experimental groups. The normal values determined for α-globulin range from 0.14 to 0.54 g/dL, with a mean of 0.31 g/dL (T0). There was a significant increase in the 3rd immunization and its respective interval (24-48 h), with values above normal in all groups: G1 (0.66 g/dL), G2 (0.62 g/dL) and G3 (0.65 g/dL). The β-globulin was subdivided into β1 and β2 globulin. At T0, the normal values of β1 ranged from 0.45 to 1.05 g/dL, with a mean of 0.664 g/dL, and no significant change was observed in this classification. On the other hand, there was an abrupt increase in β2 in all groups after the first immunization, compared to the baseline value in T0 (0.37 g/dL mean value). From the third to the 6th immunization, there was an important reduction in β2 fraction when compared with baseline value. The γ-globulins fraction ranged from 0.80 g/dL to 76 g/dL. In the 6th immunization, there was a significant difference between G1 and the groups that received venom (G2 and G3). Therefore, all animals presented an acute inflammatory response, evidenced by the significant reduction of plasma albumin and an increase in α-globulin and β2 -globulin. It is important to point out that T. serrulatus detoxified venom did not cause alterations in ovine proteinogram during the first cycle of immunization. Discussion: The fact that both groups (G2 and G3) presented acute inflammatory response, indicates that this alteration is caused by the adjuvant present in the immunization protocol. Tityus serrulatus venom detoxified with glutaraldehyde did not cause significant alterations in ovine proteinogram in the early stages, suggesting that it may be used as an alternative antigen for the production of antivenom, improving clinical conditions of donor animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of pyrethroids has increased over recent years, and corresponds to a higher exposure of animals to pesticide residues in the environment and diet. Here, an outbreak of pyrethroid poisoning in beef cattle was reported occurring in Midwestern Brazil. After veterinary evaluation, it was observed that the bovines presented common pyrethroid intoxication symptoms. Aiming to identify the cattle poising by pyrethroid, earwax samples were collected from two groups: exposed and nonexposed animals from the same farm. Blind earwax analyses of the bovines were carried out using headspace/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS/GC–MS). The HS/GC–MS analysis detected the presence of bifenthrin in the earwax analysis of the exposed animals, confirmed by the comparison of its MS fragments with a bifenthrin standard, and also by its retention time relative to the internal standard. In summary, HS/GC–MS analysis of earwax emerges as a tool that can be used in the detection and monitoring of bifenthrin poisoning in cattle, as a useful veterinary diagnosis that ensures animal health and the safety of their products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Academica Ciencia Animal is the property of Revista Academica Ciencia Animal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Academica Ciencia Animal is the property of Revista Academica Ciencia Animal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Academica Ciencia Animal is the property of Revista Academica Ciencia Animal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Academica Ciencia Animal is the property of Revista Academica Ciencia Animal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Academica Ciencia Animal is the property of Revista Academica Ciencia Animal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Academica Ciencia Animal is the property of Revista Academica Ciencia Animal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Academica Ciencia Animal is the property of Revista Academica Ciencia Animal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Academica Ciencia Animal is the property of Revista Academica Ciencia Animal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Animal poisoning by human food consumption is common and it is frequently consequence of offer by the owner. The grape (Vitis vinifera) and raisins are fruits that can cause poisoning in dogs with clinical course characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, anuria, and increased creatinine and urea. However, its potential toxicity is still little known by veterinarians. The aim of this study was to investigate the nephrotoxic effects of Vitis vinifera by blood profile, urinalysis and histologic patterns. In order to perform the trial, 10 male mice Wistar were randomly distributed into two groups (n = 5): control group and grape group. Each animal from the grape group received 2 g/p.v. of Vitis vinifera diluted in 0.5 ml of distilled water by gavage, while control group received 0.5 ml of distilled water by gavage every day during seven days. Blood samples were collected prior (T0) and seven days (T7) after treatments. Erythrogram did not reveal alterations. However, the leukogram showed an increase neutrophils count in grape group (T0: 1,551.40/ul – T7: 4,925.40/ ul) and a decrease in lymphocyte count (T0: 4,893.23/ ul – T7: 676.10 /ul). The serum creatinine also presented alterations in-group grape from 0.55 mg/dl to 0.88mg/ dl. The urinalysis showed differences between groups. In the grape group, the urinary density was 1020, and in the control group was 1000. The other parameters were normal, except for the presence of protein in the urine (++) in grape group. Macroscopically no significant changes were observed, but the relative weight of the kidneys was significantly higher in the grape group. The histopathological examination was performed and it was found discrete acute tubular degeneration. Together, the clinical, laboratory and pathological anatomy are consistent with a renal failure caused by experimental ingestion of grape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Acadêmica: Ciência Animal is the property of Revista Academica: Ciencia Animal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)