Pathological and etiological characterization of cases of bovine abortion due to sporadic bacterial and mycotic infections.

Opportunistic bacteria and fungi are commonly reported causes of bovine abortion in a small percentage of fetal losses of infectious etiology in cattle. The objective of this study was to characterize the pathological and etiological findings in fetuses aborted due to secondary bacterial and fungal infections submitted for postmortem examination between 2004 and 2019 in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Nineteen cases of bacterial etiology and five cases of fungal etiology were assessed. In cases of bacterial etiology, gross changes were uncommon and two different microscopic patterns were observed: (1) primary bronchopneumonia with occasional dissemination in cases of Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., and Mannheimia haemolytica infections; and (2) systemic disease with sepsis in cases of Escherichia coli and Listeria sp. infections. Aspergillus sp. was the main fungal agent identified, and cases of mycotic abortion were characterized by placentitis, dermatitis, and pneumonia. Fetal membranes were available for examination in less than half of the submissions (11/24), and placental lesions were observed in all cases. This study reaffirms the importance of postmortem examinations in the determination of causes of fetal loss in cattle and highlights pathological findings commonly observed in fetuses aborted due to sporadic bacterial and fungal agents.

Equine abortion associated with placentitis caused by Pasteurella pneumotropica / Aborto equino associado a placentite por Pasteurella pneumotropica

Pasteurella pneumotropica is a bacterium that has so far not been described as a cause of placentitis in animals. Two cases of aborted equine fetuses were sent to the Department of Veterinary Pathology of the "Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul" (SPV-UFRGS) for anatomopathological examination. Both cases presented suppurative placentitis associated with multiple basophilic bacterial cells. After bacterial isolation and biochemical analysis, P. pneumotropica was identified.(AU)

Pasteurella pneumotropica é uma bactéria que até o momento não foi descrita como causa de placentite em animais. Dois casos de fetos equinos abortados foram enviados ao Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS) para exame anatomopatológico. Em ambos os casos se observou placentite supurativa associada a múltiplas colônias bacterianas basofílicas. Após o isolamento bacteriano e análise bioquímica, indentificou-se P. pneumotropica.(AU)

Causes of abortion, stillbirth, and perinatal mortality in horses / Causas de aborto, natimortalidade e morte perinatal em equinos

Causes of abortion, stillbirth, and perinatal mortality in horses were investigated in the Department of Veterinary Pathology of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS) from 2000 to 2015. In this period, 107 cases were analyzed using macroscopic, microscopic, and complementary tests. Of these, 77 were aborted fetuses, 16 were stillbirths, and 14 were perinatal deaths. Conclusive diagnosis was established in 42.8% of the fetuses analyzed, with 28.6% classified as infectious origin, 9.1% as non-infectious, and 5.1% as other. Bacterial infections, especially those related to Streptococcus spp. were the most frequently observed. In stillborn foals, diagnosis was established in 62.5% of cases, and 50% of these were related to non-infectious causes, such as dystocia and birth traumas. As for perinatal mortality, a conclusive diagnosis was reached in 78.57% of cases, and infectious causes associated with bacterial infections accounted for 64.1% of these diagnoses.(AU)

Causas de aborto, natimortalidade e mortalidade perinatal em equinos foram investigadas no Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS) durante o período de 2000 a 2015. Nesse período, foram analisados 107 casos através de exames macroscópico, microscópico e exames complementares, desses 77 correspondiam a fetos abortados, 16 natimortos e 14 mortes perinatais. Diagnóstico conclusivo foi estabelecido em 42,8% dos fetos analisados e classificados como origem infecciosa em 28,6% dos casos, não infecciosa com 9,1% e outros com 5,1% dos casos. As infecções bacterianas, em especial as relacionadas a Streptococcus spp. foram as mais frequentemente observadas. Em potros natimortos, diagnostico foi estabelecido em 62,5% dos casos, e destes, 50% foram relacionados a causas não infecciosas, como distocia e traumas durante o parto. Quanto a mortalidade perinatal, em 78,57% dos casos houve um diagnostico conclusivo, e as causas infecciosas associadas a infecções bacterianas corresponderam a 64,1% desses diagnósticos.(AU)

Equine abortion associated with placentitis caused by Pasteurella pneumotropica / Aborto equino associado a placentite por Pasteurella pneumotropica

Pasteurella pneumotropica is a bacterium that has so far not been described as a cause of placentitis in animals. Two cases of aborted equine fetuses were sent to the Department of Veterinary Pathology of the "Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul" (SPV-UFRGS) for anatomopathological examination. Both cases presented suppurative placentitis associated with multiple basophilic bacterial cells. After bacterial isolation and biochemical analysis, P. pneumotropica was identified.

Pasteurella pneumotropica é uma bactéria que até o momento não foi descrita como causa de placentite em animais. Dois casos de fetos equinos abortados foram enviados ao Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS) para exame anatomopatológico. Em ambos os casos se observou placentite supurativa associada a múltiplas colônias bacterianas basofílicas. Após o isolamento bacteriano e análise bioquímica, indentificou-se P. pneumotropica.

Causes of abortion, stillbirth, and perinatal mortality in horses / Causas de aborto, natimortalidade e morte perinatal em equinos

Causes of abortion, stillbirth, and perinatal mortality in horses were investigated in the Department of Veterinary Pathology of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS) from 2000 to 2015. In this period, 107 cases were analyzed using macroscopic, microscopic, and complementary tests. Of these, 77 were aborted fetuses, 16 were stillbirths, and 14 were perinatal deaths. Conclusive diagnosis was established in 42.8% of the fetuses analyzed, with 28.6% classified as infectious origin, 9.1% as non-infectious, and 5.1% as other. Bacterial infections, especially those related to Streptococcus spp. were the most frequently observed. In stillborn foals, diagnosis was established in 62.5% of cases, and 50% of these were related to non-infectious causes, such as dystocia and birth traumas. As for perinatal mortality, a conclusive diagnosis was reached in 78.57% of cases, and infectious causes associated with bacterial infections accounted for 64.1% of these diagnoses.

Causas de aborto, natimortalidade e mortalidade perinatal em equinos foram investigadas no Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS) durante o período de 2000 a 2015. Nesse período, foram analisados 107 casos através de exames macroscópico, microscópico e exames complementares, desses 77 correspondiam a fetos abortados, 16 natimortos e 14 mortes perinatais. Diagnóstico conclusivo foi estabelecido em 42,8% dos fetos analisados e classificados como origem infecciosa em 28,6% dos casos, não infecciosa com 9,1% e outros com 5,1% dos casos. As infecções bacterianas, em especial as relacionadas a Streptococcus spp. foram as mais frequentemente observadas. Em potros natimortos, diagnostico foi estabelecido em 62,5% dos casos, e destes, 50% foram relacionados a causas não infecciosas, como distocia e traumas durante o parto. Quanto a mortalidade perinatal, em 78,57% dos casos houve um diagnostico conclusivo, e as causas infecciosas associadas a infecções bacterianas corresponderam a 64,1% desses diagnósticos.

Equine salmonellosis in southern Brazil.

The Salmonella sp. genus is identified in several species, and the zoonosis it causes is one of the most important types worldwide. The specifics of salmonellosis vary according to the function of the serovar involved, the species affected, age and predisposing factors. However, few cases of equine salmonellosis have been reported. This study presents ten confirmed salmonellosis cases in equines in southern Brazil. Six were adult animals with stress factors preceding the disease, while four were foals, three of which presented with hyperacute manifestations. The main clinical signs were diarrhea, anorexia, and hyperthermia. Lesions varied in distribution and severity, although fibrinonecrotic or necrohemorrhagic enteritis was observed in all animals, mainly in the large intestine (large colon and cecum-8/10) and small intestine (3/10). Substantial liquid content, mainly hemorrhagic, was observed in all animals. The most characteristic microscopic lesion was mucosa necrosis, which is often accompanied by fibrin deposition, followed by necrosis of follicular centers and vascular changes. Bacterial isolation revealed seven isolates. Five were serotyped, and the serovars Typhimurium and Anatum were associated with two cases each, while Muenster was associated with a case whose lesion pattern varied. Immunohistochemical staining was positive in all cases. All diagnoses were based on the clinical history, macroscopic and histological lesions, and the bacterial isolation and/or immunostaining associated with histological lesions.

Effect of slow release urea in sheep feed on intake, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal parameters / Ureia de liberação lenta na alimentação de ovinos sobre o consumo e coeficiente de digestibilidade dos nutrientes e parâmetros ruminais

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of 0.0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2% slow release urea (SRU) in sheep feed on the intake and total digestibility coefficient (DC) of nutrients and ruminal parameters of sheep living in tropical regions. Four sheep with a body weight (BW) average of 30.8 ± 1.7 kg were assigned to a Latin square design. The animals were placed in metabolic cages and received two meals a day. Intake data and DC of nutrients of the sheep were subjected to analysis of variance and differences were tested using a regression equation to 5% probability. The inclusion of 0.0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2% SRU in sheep feed did not change (p > 0.05) the intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral or acid detergent fiber (NDF, ADF), total carbohydrates (TC), and non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) expressed in g animal-1 day-1, g (kg0.75)-1, and % BW. The mean values of 3.04%, 2.82%, 0.41%, 0.07%, 1.36%, 0.87%, 2.31%, and 1.00% of BW were obtained for the intake of DM, OM, CP, EE, ANF, ADF, TC, and NFC, respectively. The inclusion of 0.0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2% of SRU in sheep rations had a quadratic manner (p 0.05) the DC of DM and CP, with maximum values of 69.67% and 63.59%, respectively, for 0.51% and 0.66% levels of SRU inclusion in the experimental diets. The pH of the rumen fluid did not vary (p > 0.05) for differe

Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusão de 0,0%; 0,4%; 0,8% e 1,2% de ureia de liberação lenta (ULL) na alimentação de ovinos em região tropical sobre o consumo e o coeficiente de digestibilidade total (CD) dos nutrientes e parâmetros ruminais. Foram utilizados quatro ovinos com peso corporal (PC) médio de 30,8 ± 1,7 kg, distribuídos em um delineamento em quadrado latino. Os ovinos foram alocados em gaiolas de metabolismo e receberam duas refeições por dia. Os dados de consumo e CD dos nutrientes dos ovinos foram submetidos à análise de variância e as diferenças observadas foram testadas com utilização de equação de regressão a 5% de probabilidade. A inclusão 0,0%; 0,4%; 0,8% e 1,2% de ULL na alimentação de ovinos não alterou (p > 0,05) o consumo de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e ácido (FDA), carboidratos totais (CHT) e carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF) expressos em g animal-1 dia-1, g (kg0,75)-1 e %PC. Os valores médios de 3,04%; 2,82%; 0,41%; 0,07%; 1,36%; 0,87%; 2,31% e 1,00% do PC foram obtidos para o consumo de MS; MO; PB; EE; FDN; FDA, CHT e CNF, respectivamente. A inclusão de 0,0%; 0,4%; 0,8% e 1,2% de ULL nas rações de ovinos influenciou de maneira quadrática (p 0,05) o CD da MS e PB, com valores de máximo de 69,67% e 63,59%, respectivamente para os níveis de 0,51 e 0,66% de inclusão d

Effect of slow release urea in sheep feed on intake, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal parameters / Ureia de liberação lenta na alimentação de ovinos sobre o consumo e coeficiente de digestibilidade dos nutrientes e parâmetros ruminais

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of 0.0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2% slow release urea (SRU) in sheep feed on the intake and total digestibility coefficient (DC) of nutrients and ruminal parameters of sheep living in tropical regions. Four sheep with a body weight (BW) average of 30.8 ± 1.7 kg were assigned to a Latin square design. The animals were placed in metabolic cages and received two meals a day. Intake data and DC of nutrients of the sheep were subjected to analysis of variance and differences were tested using a regression equation to 5% probability. The inclusion of 0.0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2% SRU in sheep feed did not change (p > 0.05) the intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral or acid detergent fiber (NDF, ADF), total carbohydrates (TC), and non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) expressed in g animal-1 day-1, g (kg0.75)-1, and % BW. The mean values of 3.04%, 2.82%, 0.41%, 0.07%, 1.36%, 0.87%, 2.31%, and 1.00% of BW were obtained for the intake of DM, OM, CP, EE, ANF, ADF, TC, and NFC, respectively. The inclusion of 0.0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2% of SRU in sheep rations had a quadratic manner (p 0.05) the DC of DM and CP, with maximum values of 69.67% and 63.59%, respectively, for 0.51% and 0.66% levels of SRU inclusion in the experimental diets. The pH of the rumen fluid did not vary (p > 0.05) for differe

Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusão de 0,0%; 0,4%; 0,8% e 1,2% de ureia de liberação lenta (ULL) na alimentação de ovinos em região tropical sobre o consumo e o coeficiente de digestibilidade total (CD) dos nutrientes e parâmetros ruminais. Foram utilizados quatro ovinos com peso corporal (PC) médio de 30,8 ± 1,7 kg, distribuídos em um delineamento em quadrado latino. Os ovinos foram alocados em gaiolas de metabolismo e receberam duas refeições por dia. Os dados de consumo e CD dos nutrientes dos ovinos foram submetidos à análise de variância e as diferenças observadas foram testadas com utilização de equação de regressão a 5% de probabilidade. A inclusão 0,0%; 0,4%; 0,8% e 1,2% de ULL na alimentação de ovinos não alterou (p > 0,05) o consumo de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e ácido (FDA), carboidratos totais (CHT) e carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF) expressos em g animal-1 dia-1, g (kg0,75)-1 e %PC. Os valores médios de 3,04%; 2,82%; 0,41%; 0,07%; 1,36%; 0,87%; 2,31% e 1,00% do PC foram obtidos para o consumo de MS; MO; PB; EE; FDN; FDA, CHT e CNF, respectivamente. A inclusão de 0,0%; 0,4%; 0,8% e 1,2% de ULL nas rações de ovinos influenciou de maneira quadrática (p 0,05) o CD da MS e PB, com valores de máximo de 69,67% e 63,59%, respectivamente para os níveis de 0,51 e 0,66% de inclusão d

Intoxicação por selênio em suínos no Sul do Brasil / Selenium poisoning in swine in southern Brazil

Two outbreaks of poisoning by selenium in swine in southern Brazil are described. Piglets were affected in the post-weaning period, between 27 and 22 days, with mortality rates ranging from 16% to 15.3% (Outbreak 1 and 2 respectively). The pigs had focal symmetrical poliomielomalacia and hoof lesions, which were initially characterized by a reddish line at the coronary band that evolved in surviving pigs to release of the hooves. Clinical signs were observed after six days (Outbreak 1) and 30h (Outbreak 2) after the introduction of feed with high selenium content...

São descritos dois surtos de intoxicação por selênio em suínos na região Sul do Brasil. Foram acometidos leitões em fase de creche, entre 27 e 22 dias, com mortalidade variando de 16% a 15,3% (Surto 1 e 2 respectivamente). Os suínos apresentaram poliomielomalacia simétrica focal e lesões de casco, que inicialmente eram caracterizadas por uma linha avermelhada na borda coronária que evoluía nos suínos sobreviventes para desprendimento do casco. Os sinais clínicos iniciaram após seis dias (Surto 1) e 30 horas (Surto 2) da introdução da ração com alto teor de selênio...

Cholangiocellular carcinoma in a cat / Carcinoma colangiocelular em gato

Background: Primary hepatobiliary tumors are rare in dogs and cats. Studies suggest a prevalence of 0.6% in dogs and 2.9% in cats from all occurring tumors. Neoplasia in these tissues can have hepatocellular and bile ducts origin or even be sarcomas or neuroendocrine tumors. Its clinical signs are nonspecific and the diagnosis is most often tardy or even done during necropsy. A case of cholangiocellular carcinoma and glomerulonephritis in a cat is reported, addressing its clinical aspects and emphasizing the importance of an early diagnosis. Case: A mixed breed, 12-year-old neutered cat was admitted in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul treated previously without obvious improvement. Jaundice, severe dehydration, excessive salivation, low body condition (score three out of nine), abdominal discomfort, and lethargy were evident on physical examination. Blood tests showed neutrophilic leukocytosis, lymphopenia, and increased serum levels of both alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes. Abdominal ultrasound examination revealed a large single mass of three centimeters of diameter, approximately, compressing the bile ducts. Because of the severity of the patients condition, it was hospitalized to receive supportive care. During hospitalization, the animal received feeding through an esophageal tube, intravenous fluid...(AU)

Cholangiocellular carcinoma in a cat / Carcinoma colangiocelular em gato

Background: Primary hepatobiliary tumors are rare in dogs and cats. Studies suggest a prevalence of 0.6% in dogs and 2.9% in cats from all occurring tumors. Neoplasia in these tissues can have hepatocellular and bile ducts origin or even be sarcomas or neuroendocrine tumors. Its clinical signs are nonspecific and the diagnosis is most often tardy or even done during necropsy. A case of cholangiocellular carcinoma and glomerulonephritis in a cat is reported, addressing its clinical aspects and emphasizing the importance of an early diagnosis. Case: A mixed breed, 12-year-old neutered cat was admitted in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul treated previously without obvious improvement. Jaundice, severe dehydration, excessive salivation, low body condition (score three out of nine), abdominal discomfort, and lethargy were evident on physical examination. Blood tests showed neutrophilic leukocytosis, lymphopenia, and increased serum levels of both alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes. Abdominal ultrasound examination revealed a large single mass of three centimeters of diameter, approximately, compressing the bile ducts. Because of the severity of the patients condition, it was hospitalized to receive supportive care. During hospitalization, the animal received feeding through an esophageal tube, intravenous fluid...

Intoxicação por selênio em suínos no Sul do Brasil / Selenium poisoning in swine in southern Brazil

Two outbreaks of poisoning by selenium in swine in southern Brazil are described. Piglets were affected in the post-weaning period, between 27 and 22 days, with mortality rates ranging from 16% to 15.3% (Outbreak 1 and 2 respectively). The pigs had focal symmetrical poliomielomalacia and hoof lesions, which were initially characterized by a reddish line at the coronary band that evolved in surviving pigs to release of the hooves. Clinical signs were observed after six days (Outbreak 1) and 30h (Outbreak 2) after the introduction of feed with high selenium content. The appearance of the signs was abrupt, characterized by gait and progressing to paralysis of the hind limbs and later to tetraparesis. Macroscopically, in some animals there were yellow circular foci with darker areas restricted to the ventral horn of the gray matter in the cervical and lumbar intumescence. Microscopically, these areas correspond to gray matter malacia, characterized by microcavitation, neuronal loss, chromatolysis, neuronophagia, infiltrating Gitter cells, microgliosis, Alzheimers type II astrocytes and proliferation of endothelial cells which were labeled by immunohistochemistry (IHC) as von Willebrand factor. Also in the second outbreak, two pigs showed diffuse vacuolation of the cytoplasm of neurons and in one pig gemistocytic astrocytes were observed. In IHC for GFAP astrocytosis and astrogliosis was observed. Besides those spinal changes in two pigs symmetrical polioencephalomalacia in the brainstem was found. In feed samples, 3.38ppm (Outbreak 1) and 154ppm (Outbreak 2) of Se/kg were detected, and in liver samples higher dosages than 3.34ppm (range from 3.34 to 10ppm) were found. In Outbreak 2, 44 days after the withdrawal of the diet, the euthanasia of six pigs was performed to monitor liver selenium levels (two controls and four surviving pigs per outbreak); all had normal levels of selenium in the liver.(AU)

São descritos dois surtos de intoxicação por selênio em suínos na região Sul do Brasil. Foram acometidos leitões em fase de creche, entre 27 e 22 dias, com mortalidade variando de 16% a 15,3% (Surto 1 e 2 respectivamente). Os suínos apresentaram poliomielomalacia simétrica focal e lesões de casco, que inicialmente eram caracterizadas por uma linha avermelhada na borda coronária que evoluía nos suínos sobreviventes para desprendimento do casco. Os sinais clínicos iniciaram após seis dias (Surto 1) e 30 horas (Surto 2) da introdução da ração com alto teor de selênio. O surgimento dos sinais foi abrupto, caracterizado por andar cambaleante, com evolução para paralisia dos membros pélvicos e posteriormente tetraparesia. Macroscopicamente observaram-se focos circulares amarelados com áreas deprimidas mais escuras, restritas ao corno ventral da substância cinzenta em intumescências cervical e lombar. Microscopicamente essas áreas corresponderam à malacia da substância cinzenta, caracterizada por microcavitações, perda neuronal, cromatólise, neuronofagia, infiltrado de células Gitter, microgliose, astrócitos de Alzheimer tipo II e proliferação de células endoteliais evidenciadas na imunohistoquímica (IHQ) para fator de von Willebrand. Ainda, no segundo surto, dois animais apresentaram vacuolização difusa do citoplasma de neurônios e em um suíno foram observados astrócitos gemistocíticos. Na IHQ para GFAP ficou evidenciada uma astrocitose e astrogliose. Além dessas alterações medulares, em dois suínos observou-se, polioencefalomalácia simétrica no tronco encefálico. Em amostras de ração, detectou-se 3,38ppm (Surto 1) e 154ppm (Surto 2) de Se/kg e em amostras de fígado foram encontradas dosagens superiores a 3,34ppm (variando de 3,34 até 10ppm). No Surto 2, após 44 dias da retirada da ração, foi realizada eutanásia de seis suínos para monitoramento de níveis hepáticos de selênio (dois suínos controles e quatro sobreviventes ao surto) e todos apresentaram níveis normais de selênio no fígado.(AU)

Geotrichum candidum as a possible cause of bovine abortion.

Geotrichum spp. are ubiquitous, saprotrophic fungi found in soil, organic matter, and silage, as a contaminant in food products and in the digestive tracts of mammals. The current study reports a case of Geotrichum candidum infection with dermatitis in an aborted bovine fetus with skin and lung lesions. A 6-month-old aborted male Holstein Friesian fetus displayed unusual lesions on the skin of the abdomen, thorax, and head, which was excessively thickened and wrinkled. These changes corresponded to orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, neutrophil accumulation in the stratum corneum, a pyogranulomatous inflammatory infiltrate, and superficial dermal necrosis. Moderate suppurative multifocal pneumonia was observed. Large numbers of mononuclear cells and occasional fibrin thrombi within blood vessels were found in the lungs, brain, and cerebellum. Gridley staining revealed fungal structures within the skin lesions. The mycological exam demonstrated the growth of G. candidum, and phase contrast microscopy conducted on the abomasal fluid revealed hyphae compatible with this agent. The skin lesions observed, in association with the fungus isolated, indicated that the abortion was due to G. candidum infection of the bovine fetus.

Causas de aborto bovino diagnosticadas no Setor de Patologia Veterinária da UFRGS de 2003 a 2011 / Causes of bovine abortion diagnosed by the Sector of Veterinary Pathology of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in the years 2003-2011

The main causes of abortion in cattle diagnosed from January 2003 to December 2011 are described. A total of 490 fetuses from several Brazilian states were evaluated. Specific causes of abortion were found in 46.7% of the cases,and protozoan abortions, especially by Neospora caninum, were detected in 33% (162/490). Bacterial abortions corresponded to 6.3 % (31/490), followed by fungal ones to 0.8% (4/490). In two aborted fetuses (0.4 %), a co-infection with two agents could be identified. Non-infectious diseases could be associated with 3% of the abortions and congenital malformations with 2.6%.

Descrevem-se as causas de aborto bovino diagnosticadas no Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul no período de janeiro de 2003 a dezembro de 2011. Um total de 490 fetos bovinos foi analisado neste período. Causas específicas de aborto foram encontradas em 46,7% dos casos. Infecções por protozoários, em especial Neospora caninum acometeram 33% dos casos (162/490). Bactérias com 6,3% (31/490), seguidas por fungos com 0,8% (4/490) dos casos, foram causas adicionais de abortos. Em dois fetos (0,4%), coinfecções por dois agentes foram identificadas. Causas não-infecciosas foram observadas em 3% dos abortos e Malformações congênitas em 2,6%.

Causas de aborto bovino diagnosticadas no Setor de Patologia Veterinária da UFRGS de 2003 a 2011 / Causes of bovine abortion diagnosed by the Sector of Veterinary Pathology of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in the years 2003-2011

The main causes of abortion in cattle diagnosed from January 2003 to December 2011 are described. A total of 490 fetuses from several Brazilian states were evaluated. Specific causes of abortion were found in 46.7% of the cases,and protozoan abortions, especially by Neospora caninum, were detected in 33% (162/490). Bacterial abortions corresponded to 6.3 % (31/490), followed by fungal ones to 0.8% (4/490). In two aborted fetuses (0.4 %), a co-infection with two agents could be identified. Non-infectious diseases could be associated with 3% of the abortions and congenital malformations with 2.6%.(AU)

Descrevem-se as causas de aborto bovino diagnosticadas no Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul no período de janeiro de 2003 a dezembro de 2011. Um total de 490 fetos bovinos foi analisado neste período. Causas específicas de aborto foram encontradas em 46,7% dos casos. Infecções por protozoários, em especial Neospora caninum acometeram 33% dos casos (162/490). Bactérias com 6,3% (31/490), seguidas por fungos com 0,8% (4/490) dos casos, foram causas adicionais de abortos. Em dois fetos (0,4%), coinfecções por dois agentes foram identificadas. Causas não-infecciosas foram observadas em 3% dos abortos e Malformações congênitas em 2,6%.(AU)

Decreased expression of cardiac troponin C is associated with cardiac lesions in Amorimia exotropica poisoned cattle / Expressão diminuída de troponina cardíaca C associada com lesões cardíacas em bovinos intoxicados por Amorimia exotropica

The plants which cause sudden death of cattle in Brazil occupy a leading position for losses in the cattle industry. Amorimia exotropica is one of the plants pertaining to this group. Diagnostic findings in these cases may be inconclusive; further knowledge is necessary. This paper identifies cardiac lesions through anti-cardiac troponin C (cTnC) immunehistochemistry performed in tissues from cattle poisoned after consumption of A.exotropica in southern Brazil. Heart fragments from nine A. exotropica-poisoned cattle were studied immunohistochemically using anti-human cTnC as the primary antibody. In the hearts from all of the poisoned cattle, there was a sharp decrease in the cTnC expression level in the cytoplasm of groups of cardiomyocytes. A significant decrease in anti-cTnC immunoreactivity occurred particularly in degenerated or necrotic cardiomyocytes. Occasional groups of cells showed complete loss of immunolabeling. In the remaining intact cardiomyocytes from poisoned cattle and in cardiomyocytes from six cattle that died from other causes there was intense cytoplasmic staining.

No Brasil, plantas cujo consumo determina morte súbita de bovinos estão entre as principais causas de perdas na pecuária. Esse trabalho identifica lesões cardíacas através de imuno-histoquímica antitroponina cardíaca C (TncC), desenvolvida em tecidos de bovinos intoxicados após consumo de Amorimia exotropica, no sul do Brasil. Fragmentos cardíacos de nove bovinos intoxicados, naturalmente, por Amorimia exotropica foram examinados por imuno-histoquímica anti-TncC, como anticorpo primário. Nos corações de todos os bovinos intoxicados pela planta, havia pronunciada diminuição dos níveis de expressão de TncC no citoplasma de grupos de cardiomiócitos. Diminuição significativa na imunorreatividade anti-TncC ocorreu, particularmente, em cardiomiócitos degenerados ou necróticos. Grupos ocasionais de células mostraram completa perda de imunomarcação. Em cardiomiócitos remanescentes e intactos de bovinos intoxicados e em cardiomiócitos de seis bovinos que morreram por outras causas, observou-se intensa coloração citoplasmática.

Sheep production as a Senecio spp. control tool / Ovinocultura, ferramenta de controle de Senecio spp

Since poisoning by Senecio spp. is one of the main causes of cattle death in southern Brazil, control of these plants is a priority for the local livestock production. After the pasture has been mowed, grazing by 16 sheep was efficient for controlling Senecio brasiliensis and Senecio madagascariensis populations in a 5.5-hectare area that had long been severely infested with these species. A total of 28,629 plants among S. brasiliensis (flower-of-souls, 10,122) and S.madagascariensis (fireweed, 18,507) were almost completely eliminated in a two-year period. The number of sheep was kept at 3.0 stock units/ha, but a variable number of cattle were temporarily stocked according to pasture availability. The major sanitary practice applied to the sheep was anthelmintic administration. Liver biopsies taken from sheep and cattle before and after experimental period didn't reveal any change associable with seneciosis. The performance levels of the sheep were comparable to those observed in flocks managed under traditional extensive grazing systems in southern Brazil.

As intoxicações por Senecio spp. estão entre as principais causas de morte de bovinos no sul do Brasil; portanto, o controle dessas plantas é prioridade para a pecuária local. Depois de uma roçada, o pastejo por 16 ovinos controlou, eficientemente, populações de Senecio brasiliensis e Senecio madagascariensis em uma área de 5,5 hectares, a qual havia se mantido, por oito anos consecutivos, severamente, infestada por essas espécies. Um total de 28.629 plantas, entre S. brasiliensis (10.122) e S.madagascariensis (18.507) foi, virtualmente, eliminado em um período de dois anos. O número de ovelhas foi mantido em três unidades /hectare, mas variáveis lotações de bovinos foram associadas com a disponibilidade de forragem. As principais práticas de manejo sanitário aplicadas aos ovinos foram administrações de anti-helmínticos. Biópsias hepáticas, colhidas antes e após o período de estudo, não revelaram qualquer alteração associável com seneciose. Os níveis de desempenho dos ovinos foram comparáveis aos observados em rebanhos manejados em sistemas extensivos tradicionais no sul do Brasil.

Decreased expression of cardiac troponin C is associated with cardiac lesions in Amorimia exotropica poisoned cattle / Expressão diminuída de troponina cardíaca C associada com lesões cardíacas em bovinos intoxicados por Amorimia exotropica

The plants which cause sudden death of cattle in Brazil occupy a leading position for losses in the cattle industry. Amorimia exotropica is one of the plants pertaining to this group. Diagnostic findings in these cases may be inconclusive; further knowledge is necessary. This paper identifies cardiac lesions through anti-cardiac troponin C (cTnC) immunehistochemistry performed in tissues from cattle poisoned after consumption of A.exotropica in southern Brazil. Heart fragments from nine A. exotropica-poisoned cattle were studied immunohistochemically using anti-human cTnC as the primary antibody. In the hearts from all of the poisoned cattle, there was a sharp decrease in the cTnC expression level in the cytoplasm of groups of cardiomyocytes. A significant decrease in anti-cTnC immunoreactivity occurred particularly in degenerated or necrotic cardiomyocytes. Occasional groups of cells showed complete loss of immunolabeling. In the remaining intact cardiomyocytes from poisoned cattle and in cardiomyocytes from six cattle that died from other causes there was intense cytoplasmic staining.(AU)

No Brasil, plantas cujo consumo determina morte súbita de bovinos estão entre as principais causas de perdas na pecuária. Esse trabalho identifica lesões cardíacas através de imuno-histoquímica antitroponina cardíaca C (TncC), desenvolvida em tecidos de bovinos intoxicados após consumo de Amorimia exotropica, no sul do Brasil. Fragmentos cardíacos de nove bovinos intoxicados, naturalmente, por Amorimia exotropica foram examinados por imuno-histoquímica anti-TncC, como anticorpo primário. Nos corações de todos os bovinos intoxicados pela planta, havia pronunciada diminuição dos níveis de expressão de TncC no citoplasma de grupos de cardiomiócitos. Diminuição significativa na imunorreatividade anti-TncC ocorreu, particularmente, em cardiomiócitos degenerados ou necróticos. Grupos ocasionais de células mostraram completa perda de imunomarcação. Em cardiomiócitos remanescentes e intactos de bovinos intoxicados e em cardiomiócitos de seis bovinos que morreram por outras causas, observou-se intensa coloração citoplasmática.(AU)

Sheep production as a Senecio spp. control tool / Ovinocultura, ferramenta de controle de Senecio spp

Since poisoning by Senecio spp. is one of the main causes of cattle death in southern Brazil, control of these plants is a priority for the local livestock production. After the pasture has been mowed, grazing by 16 sheep was efficient for controlling Senecio brasiliensis and Senecio madagascariensis populations in a 5.5-hectare area that had long been severely infested with these species. A total of 28,629 plants among S. brasiliensis (flower-of-souls, 10,122) and S.madagascariensis (fireweed, 18,507) were almost completely eliminated in a two-year period. The number of sheep was kept at 3.0 stock units/ha, but a variable number of cattle were temporarily stocked according to pasture availability. The major sanitary practice applied to the sheep was anthelmintic administration. Liver biopsies taken from sheep and cattle before and after experimental period didn't reveal any change associable with seneciosis. The performance levels of the sheep were comparable to those observed in flocks managed under traditional extensive grazing systems in southern Brazil.(AU)

As intoxicações por Senecio spp. estão entre as principais causas de morte de bovinos no sul do Brasil; portanto, o controle dessas plantas é prioridade para a pecuária local. Depois de uma roçada, o pastejo por 16 ovinos controlou, eficientemente, populações de Senecio brasiliensis e Senecio madagascariensis em uma área de 5,5 hectares, a qual havia se mantido, por oito anos consecutivos, severamente, infestada por essas espécies. Um total de 28.629 plantas, entre S. brasiliensis (10.122) e S.madagascariensis (18.507) foi, virtualmente, eliminado em um período de dois anos. O número de ovelhas foi mantido em três unidades /hectare, mas variáveis lotações de bovinos foram associadas com a disponibilidade de forragem. As principais práticas de manejo sanitário aplicadas aos ovinos foram administrações de anti-helmínticos. Biópsias hepáticas, colhidas antes e após o período de estudo, não revelaram qualquer alteração associável com seneciose. Os níveis de desempenho dos ovinos foram comparáveis aos observados em rebanhos manejados em sistemas extensivos tradicionais no sul do Brasil.(AU)

Intoxicação espontânea por Sorghum sudanense em bovinos leiteiros no Rio Grande do Sul / Spontaneous poisoning by Sorghum sudanense in dairy cattle in Rio Grande do Sul

Descreve-se um surto de intoxicação espontânea por Sorghum sudanense (aveia de verão, capim-sudão) em um rebanho de bovinos leiteiros no município de Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul. Essa planta é utilizada como forrageira em diversas regiões do estado; entretanto, intoxicações ocasionais são associadas com a formação de ácido cianídrico por hidrólise dos glicosídeos cianogênicos presentes na planta. Vinte e nove vacas Holandesas foram colocadas, no final do dia, em um potreiro de 800m², onde uma pastagem estabelecida de capim-sudão rebrotava e atingia 30cm de altura. Na manhã seguinte, quase todo pasto havia sido consumido e três vacas foram encontradas mortas. Não foram relatados sinais clínicos, mesmo porque os animais não foram observados durante a noite. Exceto pela presença de folhas mastigadas de capim-sudão nas proximidades da entrada do rúmen, não foram observadas alterações macro ou microssópicas. Amostras da planta de diferentes locais no potreiro foram positivas no teste do papel picrossódico. Esses achados sugerem que as três vacas foram afetadas por intoxicação cianídrica secundária ao consumo de Sorghum sudanense.

An outbreak of Sorghum sudanense (Sudan grass) poisoning affected three cows from a dairy herd in Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Although S. sudanense has been used as a source of forage for cattle, sporadic poisoning occurs in association with management failures of these pastures. Cyanogenic glycosides present in the plant may form hydrogen cyanide through hydrolysis and may cause livestock poisoning. Twenty-nine Holstein cattle were allowed to graze in an 800m² paddock, in which lush sprouts of sudanense were 30cm high. Animals were placed on pasture at evening and, in the next morning, most forage had been consumed and three cattle were found dead. No clinical disease was noticed. Except by the presence of chewed sudan grass leaves near to the entrance of the rumen, there were neither macroscopic nor microscopic changes, Samples of S. sudanense taken from different places in the paddock were positive when evaluated by the picrosodic paper test. Such findings suggested that those three cows were affected by cyanide poisoning secondary to Sorghum sudanense consumption.