Mastectomia a campo em ruminantes - aspectos cirúrgicos e clínico-patológicos / Field mastectomy in ruminants - surgical and clinicopathological aspects

Background: We report the case of 3 cows, 1 ewe, and 1 doe, with chronic mastitis and which underwent a mastectomy. All animals had a history of mastitis, edema with purulent secretion in the udder region, areas of abscess formation, fibrosis, hypogalactia, and agalactia. The animals had already been treated with systemic antibiotic therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs without response. The objective of this work is to describe the surgical and clinicopathological aspects of performing a radical mastectomy in the field in 3 cows and 1 ewe, and a partial mastectomy in a doe, with both procedures performed successfully and considered efficient to maintain the survival of the affected animals, in addition to being economically viable. Cases: In all animals reported in the study, a general and a specific clinical examination were performed, where on palpation of the udder were observed an increase in the region of the mammary apparatus, fluid fluctuation, areas of fibrosis with increased stiffness, and loss of udder functionality. In the case of the doe, there was a functional teat, which was preserved during the surgical procedure. Radical mastectomy was performed in 3 cows and 1 ewe, and the doe underwent a partial mastectomy, with preservation of the functional teat. All animals have fasted for food and water for 48 h. In cows, the anesthetic protocol consisted of 2% xylazine hydrochloride [0.15 mg/kg, intramuscularly (IM)], followed by an epidural block in the lumbosacral region with 2% lidocaine hydrochloride [10 mL]. The midazolam hydrochloride [0.1 mg/kg, intravenously (IV)] and 2% xylazine hydrochloride [0.05 mg/kg, IM] were administered to the ewe and the doe, also associated with lumbosacral epidural anesthesia with 2% lidocaine hydrochloride [5 mL]. The animals were positioned in the right lateral decubitus position and the entire abdominal and udder region were shaved and sanitized for the surgical procedures of radical mastectomy and partial mastectomy, with the use of degerming and topical povidone-iodine. The postoperative period consisted of penicillin-based antibiotic therapy associated with streptomycin [24,000 IU/kg, IM, 10 consecutive days] and flunixin meglumine [2 mg/kg, IM, 3 consecutive days] in cows; enrofloxacin [2.5 mg/kg, IM, 7 consecutive days] and flunixin meglumine [0.5 mg/kg, IM, 5 consecutive days] in the ewe; oxytetracycline [10 mg/kg, IM, 5 applications on alternate days] and flunixin meglumine [0.5 mg/kg, IM, 3 consecutive days] in the doe. In all animals, the cleaning of the surgical wound was performed daily with 10% topical Povidone-iodine and Permethrin ointment, for 14 days, when the stitches were removed. Discussion: The choice of the surgical procedure resulted in improvement of the clinical conditions and increased survival of all animals, and in the case of the doe, partial mastectomy contributed to the preservation of the functional teat, preserving its productive capacity. All anesthetic protocols used and the anatomical positioning of the animals were satisfactory for performing the procedures. Although they are techniques described in the literature with great blood loss, especially in cows, blood transfusion was not required in any of the animals. The stitches were removed 14 days after the surgical procedures, and the surgical wound was completely healed.

Locoregional anesthesia due to tumescence in bilateral total mastectomy of goats

Background: Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland or udder, regardless of its origin, severity, or evolution. Bilateral total mastectomy is indicated in cases of chronic suppurative mastitis, gangrenous mastitis, udder neoplasm or hyperplasia. For mastectomy, the supine position is recommended and, as it is a long-term procedure, general anesthesia was chosen together with the tumescence technique with the objective of transanesthetic and postoperative analgesia. The present report aims to report the general anesthesia protocol used for 2 goats submitted to bilateral total mastectomy associated with a locoregional block by tumescence, a technique not described in the goat species. Cases: Two female goats, mixed breed, approximately 3 years old, were admitted to the Hospital Veterinário de Grandes Animais (HVGA) of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), with a history of recurrent mastitis. There was an increase in udder volume and the presence of purulent secretion during milking. One of the animals had given birth about 20 days ago. Surgical treatment through bilateral total mastectomy was recommended for both animals, as they did not present a satisfactory response to antimicrobial therapy, excessive enlargement and functional loss of the mammary system. For the procedure, food fasting for 48 h and water fasting for 24 h was established. The anesthetic protocols used consisted of previous sedation with xylazine1 [Xilazin® - 0.05 mg/kg, IM] anesthetic induction with ketamine2 [Ketalex® - 10 mg/kg, IV] and midazolam3 [Dormire® - 0.1 mg/kg, IV]. Orotracheal intubation and connection to the anesthetic circuit were performed for maintenance through inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane4 (Forane®) and oxygen therapy. Then, in bottle of lactated ringer's solution5 [Linhamax® - 500 mL], lidocaine 2%6 without vasoconstrictor [Lidovet® - 40 mL] and adrenaline7 [Adren® - 25 mg/mL, 0.5 mL] were added, 10 mL/kg of the solution were injected into the subcutaneous tissue of the region of the mammary chains utilizing a Klein cannula after local antisepsis. After the administration of the tumescent solution, it was observed that the area involved is presented with the formation of a gel and there is minimal bleeding, compared to the conventional technique. The animals were monitored for the degree of analgesia, recording vital signs every 15 min at the end of the surgery, dipyrone9 [D-500® - 25 mg/kg, IV], morphine7 [Sulfato de Morfina® - 0.1 mg/kg, SC], and meloxicam10 [Maxican® 0.5 mg/kg, IM, 3 consecutive days] for postoperative analgesia. Additionally, tetanus serum1 [Vencosat® - 50,000 IU, single dose] and of oxytetracycline¹ [Oxitetraciclina LA® - 10 mg/kg, IM, 5 applications on alternate days)]. In the following 24 h, no signs of pain were observed on palpation of the surgical wound in the animals, but goat 1 was apathetic and inappetent, with improvement in the clinical picture only 48 h after surgery. Discussion: The choice of the surgical procedure resulted in an improvement in the clinical conditions of the animals and the anesthetic protocol using inhalation anesthesia and locoregional block (tumescence) proved to be efficient to perform in goats, contributing to transanesthetic and postoperative analgesia, being easily applied to ruminants that need surgical interventions in the region of mammary chains.

Bovine enzootic hematuria in the state of tocantins and use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic method / Hematúria enzoótica bovina no estado do Tocantins e o uso da ultrassonografia como método de diagnóstico

Bovine enzootic hematuria (BEH) is a chronic disease caused by ingestion of Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum (Kaulf.) Thomson. This disease has great importance because it affects the animal wellbeing, causes economic losses, and hinders public health due to the toxic principle that is present in the milk of cows that ingest this plant. Early diagnosis assists in the decision making for disposal and replacement of animals in endemic regions. Despite ultrasonography is a useful tool for diagnosis of this disease, there is a lack of studies evaluating BEH in the state of Tocantins, Brazil, using ultrasound and epidemiological data and clinical signs; however, the histopathological examination is the method that provides the definitive diagnosis. The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of BEH in the state of Tocantins and evaluate the efficiency of bladder ultrasound examination for diagnosis and prognosis of BEH. Ten animals that presented intermittent hematuria and hypo-colored mucous membranes were subjected to clinical and complementary exams. The urine physical analysis presented light red color, high turbidity, and positive sedimentation. The ultrasonography showed a thick, irregular mass in the bladder wall, containing an echogenic liquid of high cellularity and pedunculated papillary lesions. Macro and microscopic analyses of the animals' bladders showed areas with vascular proliferation in the sub-mucous membranes associated with mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate and proliferation of the epithelium. Ultrasonography is an excellent option and, combined with clinical and laboratory exams of blood and urine, enables the diagnosis and prognosis of BEH. (AU)

Hematúria enzoótica bovina (HEB) doença crônica causada pela ingestão de Pteridium esculentum subsp. arach-noideum (Kaulf.) Thomson. Essa intoxicação tem grande importância no bem-estar animal, causando prejuizos econômicos e na saúde pública, uma vez que o princípio tóxico está presente no leite de vacas que ingerem a planta. Em regiões endêmicas o diagnóstico precoce auxilia na tomada de decisões, como o descarte e a substituição dos animais. Apesar da ultrossonografia ser uma ferramenta diagnóstica muito útil, há uma carência de estudos de HEB no estado do Tocantins no que diz respeito aos dados ultrassonográficos, epidemiológicos e sinais clínicos; entretanto, o exame histopatológico é o diagnóstico definitivo. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a ocorrência da doença neste estado e avaliar a eficácia do exame ultrassonográfico da bexiga urinária para o diagnóstico e prognóstico de HEB. Foram 10 animais submetidos a exames clínicos e complementares, ao exame apresentavam hematúria intermitente e mucosas hipocoradas. A análise física da urina apresentou-se vermelho vivo, turva e com sedimentação positiva. A ultrassonografia revelou massa na parede da bexiga urinária, espessa e irregular, contendo líquido ecogênico de alta celularidade e com lesões papilares pedunculadas. A análise macro e microscópica da bexiga do ani-mal mostrou áreas com proliferação vascular na submucosa, associadas a infiltrado inflamatório mononuclear e proliferação do epitélio. Pode-se concluir que a ultrassonografia é uma excelente opção e, associada aos exames clínicos e laboratoriais de sangue e urina, possibilitou o diagnóstico e o prognóstico da doença.(AU)

Atresia ani (imperforated anus) in calves: clinical, surgical and pathological aspects

Background: Anal atresia is a congenital malformation, which often affects calves, and is related to the imperforation of the membrane that separates the endoderm of the posterior intestine from the ectodermal anal membrane. It is commonly associated with other congenital malformations and skeletal anomalies. The clinical signs generally appear in the first days of the animal's life, due to a retention of feces. The diagnosis is clinical and is based on observation, anamnesis and a physical examination of the animal. The only viable treatment is surgical. This paper aims to report 6 cases of anal atresia in bovine calves, 4 males and 2 females that were successfully treated surgically. Cases: This work reports 6 cases of anal atresia in 4 male calves and 2 female calves. Three presented total atresia (type II), one partial (type I) and in both female calves, anal atresia and rectovaginal fistula (type IV) were observed. The animals were all of undefined race. Five of the cases were from northern Tocantins, 4 males and 1 female (anal atresia with rectovaginal fistula), and 1 female (anal atresia with rectovaginal fistula) was from Valença, RJ. All animals were born active, by eutocic/natural birth, and assumed a quadrupedal position followed by the first feeding as normal. They were aged between 2 days and 6 months, and had a clinical history of abdominal distention and difficulty or inability defecating, and the females both also had a rectovaginal fistula, all cases compatible with anal atresia. Based on the patient's history and clinical examination, surgical treatment for anal reconstruction was decided upon. Postoperative treatment consisted of enrofloxacin [2.5 mg/kg - intramuscularly (IM), once daily (SID), for 5 days] and fluxinin meglumine [1.1 mg/kg - IM, SID, for 3 days] ; as well as a healing ointment which was applied to the area of the surgical wound, every 12 h, for 7 days. There were no trans-surgical complications. The animals showed progressive recovery after anal reconstruction and the stitches were removed in all cases on the 10th postoperative day, with no postoperative complications and no recurrence of any clinical signs from that moment on. Discussion: The study of congenital and hereditary changes enables the identification of their origins, can help prevent new cases and, some of them, are open to economically viable treatment and/or correction that can improve the well-being of the animal and prevent economic losses due to death or animal sacrifice, as reported in the present study. Anal atresia is the most common congenital defect of the lower gastrointestinal tract in calves, being an isolated abnormality, or associated with other malformations, especially of the distal spinal column such as the absence of a tail (perosomus acaudatus), as one of the animals in this study. The clinical signs and physical examination are sufficient to establish the diagnosis, as demonstrated in this report, which is usually made in newborn animals, due to the lack or difficulty in defecation associated with no anal orifice and/or swelling in the perineal region. The treatment of choice for anal atresia is surgical, in order to construct an anal neo-orifice and thus avoid endotoxemic shock as well as providing relief and well-being for the animals. As observed in this study, when anal atresia is diagnosed early, and surgical treatment is properly instituted, the prognosis is favorable. The surgery is considered of low complexity, quick and it can be carried out in the field. Thus, from a commercial point of view, considering the costs of the procedures and the value of the calf at the end of weaning, such treatments are beneficial to the owners. In addition, the surgical treatment is essential for animal health and welfare in cases of anal atresia.

Técnicas reversíveis de rufião em ovinos (Ovis aires) / Reversible techniques of ruffian in sheep (Ovis aires)

Background: The use of teaser rams is an essential practice for detecting estrus in ewes as well as for accelerating puberty and synchronizing ovulation in the animal. There are several methods for preparing teasers, and the method used should be based on an assessment of the producer’s requirements. The ideal technique should be low cost and safe, ensuring the non-fertilization of ewes. This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of two reversible teaser preparation techniques using a reversible plastic clamp. The techniques were compared in terms of functionality, possible post-surgical complications, and hematological changes of the rams as well as durability and reversibility. Materials, Methods & Results: Twelve healthy rams, aged 14-20 months, were divided into two groups (G1 and G2). Blood samples were collected through the jugular vein to perform the following analyses: blood count, total plasma protein, and fibrinogen. Following local infiltrative anesthesia with 5.0 mL 2% lidocaine without vasoconstrictor, the procedure was performed as follows: in G1, the preputial ostium was partially closed, and in G2, sigmoid flexure was performed in the cranial region, approximately 5-8 cm immediately caudal to the scrotal sac. In the postoperative period, 20 mg/kg oxytetracycline and 2.2 mg/kg flunixinmeglumine were intramuscularly administered as a single dose. The wounds were dressed, sprayed with repellent, and allowed to heal for seven days. The procedures in both groups were simple to perform, low cost, and low risk; caused minimal tissue injury; enabled rapid recovery; promoted little or no stress to the animals; are reversible; and left no complications. The animals of both groups satisfactorily identified the females in estrus during the three-month experimental period, maintained libido, and failed to mate with any female. The blood count levels...

Manejo da deformidade flexural congênita em bezerro - aspectos cirúrgicos e patológicos / Management of a congenital flexural deformity in a calf - surgical and pathological aspects

Background: Flexural deformities are anatomical deviations, in varying degrees, of one or more joints, and may have a congenital or acquired origin. Congenital contracture of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) affects newborn calves and results in hyperflexion of the metacarpal-phalangeal joint, which in severe cases means that the animal must support its own weight on its fetlock joints. The aim of this study is to report the rapid and successful result of applying bilateral total tenotomy technique on a newborn bovine that had been diagnosed with severe bilateral DDFT contracture in the thoracic limbs. Case: A 3-week-old male bovine with a history of difficulty in maintaining a quadrupedal position was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Tocantins. The animal had severe bilateral locomotor alterations in the thoracic members to the point that he walked on his fetlock joints. The physical examination revealed clinical parameters within the normal range. However, the locomotor system examination showed severe flexor deformity in the bilateral metacarpal-phalangeal joints, and the limbs were being supported on the dorsal face of the fetlock joints, which presented ulcerations, and was suggestive of a shortening of the DDFT. Based on the patient’s history and clinical examination, as well as the severity of the tendon contractures, surgical treatment using the DDFT bilateral total tenotomy technique was decided upon. Postoperative treatment consisted of 2.5 mg/kg of enrofloxacin intramuscularly (IM), SID, for 5 days and 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam via IM, SID, for 3 days; as well as a dressing (cotton, medical bandage and a PVC mold) on the thoracic limbs to provide support and allow the animal to..

Manejo da deformidade flexural congênita em bezerro - aspectos cirúrgicos e patológicos / Management of a congenital flexural deformity in a calf - surgical and pathological aspects

Background: Flexural deformities are anatomical deviations, in varying degrees, of one or more joints, and may have a congenital or acquired origin. Congenital contracture of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) affects newborn calves and results in hyperflexion of the metacarpal-phalangeal joint, which in severe cases means that the animal must support its own weight on its fetlock joints. The aim of this study is to report the rapid and successful result of applying bilateral total tenotomy technique on a newborn bovine that had been diagnosed with severe bilateral DDFT contracture in the thoracic limbs. Case: A 3-week-old male bovine with a history of difficulty in maintaining a quadrupedal position was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Tocantins. The animal had severe bilateral locomotor alterations in the thoracic members to the point that he walked on his fetlock joints. The physical examination revealed clinical parameters within the normal range. However, the locomotor system examination showed severe flexor deformity in the bilateral metacarpal-phalangeal joints, and the limbs were being supported on the dorsal face of the fetlock joints, which presented ulcerations, and was suggestive of a shortening of the DDFT. Based on the patients history and clinical examination, as well as the severity of the tendon contractures, surgical treatment using the DDFT bilateral total tenotomy technique was decided upon. Postoperative treatment consisted of 2.5 mg/kg of enrofloxacin intramuscularly (IM), SID, for 5 days and 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam via IM, SID, for 3 days; as well as a dressing (cotton, medical bandage and a PVC mold) on the thoracic limbs to provide support and allow the animal to..(AU)

Segmental hypoplasia of the spinal cord and syringomyelia in a calf / Hipoplasia segmentar de medula espinhal e siringomielia em um bezerro

Congenital malformations are functional and structural changes in organ systems, tissues, or organs that may develop during the embryonic or fetal phase. Spinal cord malformations, such as segmental hypoplasia of the spinal cord (SHSC) and syringomyelia, are rare in bovines. A Girolando calf from Valença, Rio de Janeiro, was admitted to the Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro because of motor incoordination. Clinical evaluation revealed a 5-cm depression area in the spine at the dorsal line of the thoracic region. Neurological examination revealed reduced proprioception, pelvic limb extension with increased nociceptive activity, and reduced anal reflex. In radiographic examination, the body of the T11 vertebra had a trapezoidal wedge shape with ventral hemivertebra, probable agenesis or hypoplasia of the T11-T12 spinous processes, and fusion of the T9-T10 spinous processes. Myelography revealed extradural spinal compression caused by vertebral malformations. Necropsy showed no spinous processes (T11-T12), cranial stenosis in the medullary canal (T11-T13), and 1-3-mm pores in the white matter of the thoracic spinal cord (T8-T11). Microscopy revealed cystic dilatations in the white matter (T9-T11), cystic areas of varying sizes (T8-T9), and moderate reduction in the gray matter around the central canal of the medulla (T11-T13). Here, we reported the clinical and pathological findings of SHSC and syringomyelia in a Girolando calf. The features should be differentiated from other spinal cord syndromes. Congenital malformations are of economic importance, and their etiology and diagnosis are fundamental to disease control and progenitor-selection programs.(AU)

Malformações congênitas são alterações funcionais e estruturais dos sistemas, tecidos ou órgãos que podem ocorrer na fase embrionária ou fetal. Malformações na medula espinhal, como hipoplasia segmentar da medula espinhal (HSME) e siringomielia, possuem raras descrições em bovinos. Uma bezerra Girolando, proveniente do Município de Valença, RJ, foi atendida no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), com quadro de incoordenação motora. À avaliação clínica, na coluna vertebral, à linha dorsal da região torácica havia uma área com depressão de 5 cm. Ao exame neurológico foi observado propriocepção reduzida, extensão de membros pélvicos com aumento da atividade nociceptiva e redução de reflexo anal. Ao exame radiográfico, o corpo vertebral T11 apresentou forma trapezoidal em cunha com hemivértebra ventral, provável agenesia ou hipoplasia dos processos espinhosos T11-T12 e fusão dos processos espinhosos T9-T10. À mielografia indicou compressão medular extradural provocada pelas malformações vertebrais. À necropsia não foram observados os processos espinhosos T11-T12, o canal medular apresentou estenose cranial (T11-T13) e, na medula espinhal torácica (T8-T11) foram observados poros de 1-3 mm na substância branca. À microscopia, os segmentos T9-T11 apresentaram dilatações císticas na substância branca e os segmentos T8-T9, formações de áreas císticas de tamanhos variados; nos segmentos T11-T13 denotou-se moderada redução da substância cinzenta ao redor do canal central da medula. O presente trabalho tem o objetivo de apresentar os achados clínicos e patológicos desta bezerra Girolando com HSME e siringomielia, que devem ser diferenciadas de outras síndromes da medula espinhal. As malformações congênitas possuem importância econômica e sua etiologia e diagnóstico são fundamentais para a condução de programas de controle de doenças e seleção de progenitores.(AU)

Enfermidades de bovinos e ovinos diagnosticadas no Estado do Tocantins / Cattle and sheep diseases diagnosed in the state of Tocantins - Brazil

Background: Knowing the different diseases that affect the herds of a region is a fundamental necessity, because sanityis one of the main factors limiting animal production. Several studies have reported the diseases affecting the animals ofvarious regions of Brazil; however, no such study was carried out in the state of Tocantins so far. Thus, the objective ofthis work is to report the main diseases diagnosed in cattle and sheep in the central and northern regions of the state ofTocantins, between January 2011 and December 2015.Materials, Methods & Results: The records and reports of the cattle and sheep treated by the clinicians and pathologistsof the Ruminants Medical Clinic (SCMR) of the University Veterinary Hospital (HVU), School of Veterinary Medicineand Zootecnia (EMVZ), University Federal of Tocantins (UFT) during the study period were evaluated. The cases wereclassified into two categories, conclusive and inconclusive; the cases with conclusive diagnosis were classified according tothe etiology and the organic systems involved. In the period of five years, 697 cattle and sheep were treated in the SCMR.The diagnoses were made using epidemiological, clinical, and pathological data, and in some cases, using complementarytests. Among the 697 cases reviewed, 692 (99.2%) and 5 (0.8%) cases were diagnosed conclusively and inconclusively,respectively. The most affected system was the digestive system, which accounted for 260 (37.6%) cases; this was followedby the locomotor 130 (18.8%) cases, nervous 56 (8.1%) cases, reproductive 57 (8.2%) cases, urinary 50 (7.2%) cases, skin16 (2.3%) cases, muscular 11 (2%) cases, respiratory 34 (4.9%) cases, hemolymphopoietic 28 (3.5%) cases, endocrine 24(3.5%) cases, sense organs 22 (3.2%) cases, and cardiovascular 4 (0.6%) cases. A total of 220 (31.6%) parasitic, 202 (29%)infectious, 106 (15.2%) toxic, 96 (13.8%) nutritional, 52 (7.5%) by physical agents, and 6 (0.8%) congenital/hereditarydiseases were...(AU)

Enfermidades de bovinos e ovinos diagnosticadas no Estado do Tocantins / Cattle and sheep diseases diagnosed in the state of Tocantins - Brazil

Background: Knowing the different diseases that affect the herds of a region is a fundamental necessity, because sanityis one of the main factors limiting animal production. Several studies have reported the diseases affecting the animals ofvarious regions of Brazil; however, no such study was carried out in the state of Tocantins so far. Thus, the objective ofthis work is to report the main diseases diagnosed in cattle and sheep in the central and northern regions of the state ofTocantins, between January 2011 and December 2015.Materials, Methods & Results: The records and reports of the cattle and sheep treated by the clinicians and pathologistsof the Ruminants Medical Clinic (SCMR) of the University Veterinary Hospital (HVU), School of Veterinary Medicineand Zootecnia (EMVZ), University Federal of Tocantins (UFT) during the study period were evaluated. The cases wereclassified into two categories, conclusive and inconclusive; the cases with conclusive diagnosis were classified according tothe etiology and the organic systems involved. In the period of five years, 697 cattle and sheep were treated in the SCMR.The diagnoses were made using epidemiological, clinical, and pathological data, and in some cases, using complementarytests. Among the 697 cases reviewed, 692 (99.2%) and 5 (0.8%) cases were diagnosed conclusively and inconclusively,respectively. The most affected system was the digestive system, which accounted for 260 (37.6%) cases; this was followedby the locomotor 130 (18.8%) cases, nervous 56 (8.1%) cases, reproductive 57 (8.2%) cases, urinary 50 (7.2%) cases, skin16 (2.3%) cases, muscular 11 (2%) cases, respiratory 34 (4.9%) cases, hemolymphopoietic 28 (3.5%) cases, endocrine 24(3.5%) cases, sense organs 22 (3.2%) cases, and cardiovascular 4 (0.6%) cases. A total of 220 (31.6%) parasitic, 202 (29%)infectious, 106 (15.2%) toxic, 96 (13.8%) nutritional, 52 (7.5%) by physical agents, and 6 (0.8%) congenital/hereditarydiseases were...

Reduction glossoplasty in a calf with bifid tongue

Background: Fetal malformations are characterized by anatomical changes that compromise an organ or system. Tongueformation in bovines occurs with the fusion of three structures at the end of the fourth week of gestation, and any failureduring this stage of embryonic development may lead to tongue malformation. Bifid tongue, also called glossoschisis, is arare congenital abnormality in any species and is characterized by incomplete fusion of the lateral tongue buds, resultingin a deep groove in the midline of the tongue. The objective of this study was to describe a case of bifid tongue and theprocedure of reduction glossoplasty in a calf of the Girolando breed in Tocantins State.Case: A male mixed-breed (Holstein-Friesian × Gir) calf, born from natural mating in the municipality of Araguaína,Tocantins, was clinically assessed in the Sector of Ruminant Clinical Medicine of the Federal University of Tocantinsat 2 months of age. The owner reported that the animal exhibited difficulty in suckling after birth and that on inspectionof the oral cavity, he observed changes in the tongue and mandible. Clinical examination of the oral cavity revealed thepresence of a bifid tongue and abnormal fusion of the mandible in the region of the lower incisive teeth. It was decided toperform a surgical procedure with the aim of improving the animals quality of life because the owner wanted to keep itin the farm. An incision was made, followed by removal of the medial rims of the two tines of the tongue, and synthesiswas performed, joining the ventral rims of the tongue, beginning at the root and ending at the apex.Discussion: The observed lesions are compatible with bifid tongue and mandibular fissure, both previously reported inother species. The literature has no reports of bifid tongue in bovines. The etiology of fetal malformations is still unclear,and the primary causes known in Brazil include...(AU)

Reduction glossoplasty in a calf with bifid tongue

Background: Fetal malformations are characterized by anatomical changes that compromise an organ or system. Tongueformation in bovines occurs with the fusion of three structures at the end of the fourth week of gestation, and any failureduring this stage of embryonic development may lead to tongue malformation. Bifid tongue, also called glossoschisis, is arare congenital abnormality in any species and is characterized by incomplete fusion of the lateral tongue buds, resultingin a deep groove in the midline of the tongue. The objective of this study was to describe a case of bifid tongue and theprocedure of reduction glossoplasty in a calf of the Girolando breed in Tocantins State.Case: A male mixed-breed (Holstein-Friesian × Gir) calf, born from natural mating in the municipality of Araguaína,Tocantins, was clinically assessed in the Sector of Ruminant Clinical Medicine of the Federal University of Tocantinsat 2 months of age. The owner reported that the animal exhibited difficulty in suckling after birth and that on inspectionof the oral cavity, he observed changes in the tongue and mandible. Clinical examination of the oral cavity revealed thepresence of a bifid tongue and abnormal fusion of the mandible in the region of the lower incisive teeth. It was decided toperform a surgical procedure with the aim of improving the animal’s quality of life because the owner wanted to keep itin the farm. An incision was made, followed by removal of the medial rims of the two tines of the tongue, and synthesiswas performed, joining the ventral rims of the tongue, beginning at the root and ending at the apex.Discussion: The observed lesions are compatible with bifid tongue and mandibular fissure, both previously reported inother species. The literature has no reports of bifid tongue in bovines. The etiology of fetal malformations is still unclear,and the primary causes known in Brazil include...

Weight gain comparison between heifers fed colostrum or whole milk until weaning

Background: The milk-feeding phase, wherein whole milk is the natural food, is critical to calf development, health, andvitality. However, feeding milk to calves is costly in the rearing system because the milk supplied to calves is not sold. Infarms in which the average production is high, excess colostrum and transitional milk are produced that are used to feedcalves until weaning. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of heifers exclusively fed colostrum(including transitional milk) or raw whole milk.Materials, Methods & Results: Immediately after their birth, 83 ear-tagged healthy Holstein Friesian heifers adequatelyreceiving the initial colostrum were separated into two experimental groups. Group 1 (n = 34) was fed only fresh whole milkand group 2 (n = 49) was fed only colostrum diluted in water at a 2:1 ratio. Colostrum was removed from cows until the fifthday after birth and was stored in sanitized disposable plastic bottles, stored in a freezer at -20°C and before administration,the colostrum was thawed. Liquid diets were administered using a bottle twice a day during the first month, namely 2 L inthe morning and 2 L in the afternoon. During the second month, the heifers were fed 4 L once a day in the morning. Theheifers had access to an enclosure with fodder, in addition to concentrate specifically for heifers, which was placed in anindividual trough daily. The leftovers were weighed at the end of the afternoon. The heifers were abruptly weaned whenthey reached a daily intake of 1 kg of concentrate. The heifers were individually weighed at birth and at 30, 60, 90, 120,150, and 180 days. The average weights were 40.4, 54.1, 74.5, 95.1, 108.2, and 126.1 kg in group 1 and 45.4, 58.4, 78.2,95.9, 110.8, and 125.1 kg in group 2. The use of diluted colostrum was satisfactory...

Weight gain comparison between heifers fed colostrum or whole milk until weaning

Background: The milk-feeding phase, wherein whole milk is the natural food, is critical to calf development, health, andvitality. However, feeding milk to calves is costly in the rearing system because the milk supplied to calves is not sold. Infarms in which the average production is high, excess colostrum and transitional milk are produced that are used to feedcalves until weaning. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of heifers exclusively fed colostrum(including transitional milk) or raw whole milk.Materials, Methods & Results: Immediately after their birth, 83 ear-tagged healthy Holstein Friesian heifers adequatelyreceiving the initial colostrum were separated into two experimental groups. Group 1 (n = 34) was fed only fresh whole milkand group 2 (n = 49) was fed only colostrum diluted in water at a 2:1 ratio. Colostrum was removed from cows until the fifthday after birth and was stored in sanitized disposable plastic bottles, stored in a freezer at -20°C and before administration,the colostrum was thawed. Liquid diets were administered using a bottle twice a day during the first month, namely 2 L inthe morning and 2 L in the afternoon. During the second month, the heifers were fed 4 L once a day in the morning. Theheifers had access to an enclosure with fodder, in addition to concentrate specifically for heifers, which was placed in anindividual trough daily. The leftovers were weighed at the end of the afternoon. The heifers were abruptly weaned whenthey reached a daily intake of 1 kg of concentrate. The heifers were individually weighed at birth and at 30, 60, 90, 120,150, and 180 days. The average weights were 40.4, 54.1, 74.5, 95.1, 108.2, and 126.1 kg in group 1 and 45.4, 58.4, 78.2,95.9, 110.8, and 125.1 kg in group 2. The use of diluted colostrum was satisfactory...(AU)

Lesions caused by Africanized honeybee stings in three cattle in Brazil

We report three cases of stings by Africanized bees in cattle in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Erythema, subcutaneous edema, necrosis accompanied by skin detachment, and subsequent skin regeneration were observed, especially on the head and dewlap. Histopathological examinations performed 45 days later revealed complete skin reepithelialization with moderate dermal fibrosis. The clinical picture and differential diagnosis are discussed in the present manuscript, with a focus on photosensitization, which causes cutaneous lesions on the head (sequela) with cicatricial curving of the ears and can be very similar to what is observed in cattle attacked by swarms of bees. The distinction between photosensitization and bee sting lesions can be made with a focus on history and clinical and pathological aspects.(AU)

Lesions caused by Africanized honeybee stings in three cattle in Brazil

We report three cases of stings by Africanized bees in cattle in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Erythema, subcutaneous edema, necrosis accompanied by skin detachment, and subsequent skin regeneration were observed, especially on the head and dewlap. Histopathological examinations performed 45 days later revealed complete skin reepithelialization with moderate dermal fibrosis. The clinical picture and differential diagnosis are discussed in the present manuscript, with a focus on photosensitization, which causes cutaneous lesions on the head (sequela) with cicatricial curving of the ears and can be very similar to what is observed in cattle attacked by swarms of bees. The distinction between photosensitization and bee sting lesions can be made with a focus on history and clinical and pathological aspects.

Intoxicação natural e experimental por Metternichia princeps (Solanaceae) em caprinos / Natural and experimental poisoning by Metternichia princeps (Solanaceae) in goats

From 2007 to 2009 a nephrotoxic disease of subacute course and high mortality in goats occurred on a farm in the county of Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro. Metternichia princeps, a plant of the Solanaceae family, was suspected to be the cause. Through experiments in goats the clinical-pathological picture of poisoning by the plant and the lethal dose were established. For the experiments 12 young and adult goats of different races, both sexes and with weights above 15 kg were used. The goats that received 30g/kg in 5 days, 15g/kg in 3 days, single doses of 10g/kg and 5g/kg, all died. Of two goats that received single doses of 2.5g/kg, one died but the other did not show any clinical sign; a goat that received the single dose of 1.25g/kg also did not show any symptom of poisoning. First clinical signs were observed from 7 hours to 46h45min after the plant intake. The clinical course varied from 3h6min to 126h40min. First clinical signs were loss of appetite, adipsia, apathy and reluctance to move. After the animals entered in sternal decubitus and when they were placed in standing position, they kept their front limbs flexed, supported only by the posterior limbs on the floor until evolving into flexion of all four limbs followed by lateral decubitus. Postmortem examination revealed edema of the perirenal adipose tissue, pale kidneys which on the cut-surface showed whitish stripes from the cortex to the medullar area. At histopathology, severe coagulative necrosis of epithelial cells of the kidney tubules was seen. Compared with the natural cases, the goats experimentally poisoned by M. princeps, presented a similar clinic-pathological picture. By these experiments it could be proved that Metternichia princeps is the toxic plant that causes a nephrotoxic disease in goats in the Rio de Janeiro area; the minor lethal dose was 2,5g/kg in the experiments.(AU)

Entre os anos de 2007 e 2009 ocorreu uma doença nefrotóxica de evolução subaguda com alta mortandade em caprinos em uma propriedade no município de Itaguaí, estado do Rio de Janeiro. Levantou-se a suspeita de que Metternichia princeps, planta pertencente à família Solanaceae, seria a causa. Através de experimentação em caprinos o quadro clínico-patológico de intoxicação por esta planta e a dose letal foram estabelecidos. Na experimentação foram utilizados 12 caprinos de diferentes raças, de ambos os sexos, jovens a adultos, com pesos acima de 15 kg. Os animais que receberam as doses de 30g/kg em 5 dias, 15g/kg em 3 dias, doses únicas de 10g/kg e de 5g/kg, morreram. Dos três animais que receberam as doses únicas de 2,5g/kg, dois morreram e um não apresentou sinais clínicos e o animal que recebeu a dose única de 1,25g/kg, também não apresentou sinais clínicos. O início dos sinais clínicos após a administração da planta variou entre 7h e 46h45min. A evolução variou entre 3h6min e 126h40min. Os primeiros sinais clínicos apresentados foram inapetência, adipsia, apatia e relutância ao movimento. Em seguida os animais entravam em decúbito esternal e ao serem colocados em estação, mantinham os membros anteriores flexionados, apoiavam apenas os posteriores no chão até evoluírem para flexão dos quatro membros e seguia-se o decúbito lateral. À necropsia destacaram-se o edema de tecido adiposo perirrenal, rins pálidos e, ao corte, com estriação esbranquiçada desde o córtex até a região medular. À histopatologia foi verificada acentuada necrose coagulativa das células epiteliais dos túbulos uriníferos. Comparativamente aos casos naturais, os caprinos intoxicados experimentalmente por M. princeps apresentaram quadro clínico-patológico semelhante. Desta maneira foi comprovado que Metternichia princeps é responsável pela doença nefrotóxica em caprinos no Rio de Janeiro; a menor dose que causou a morte dos caprinos nos experimentos foi 2,5g/kg.(AU)

Intoxicação por monofluoroacetato em animais / Monofluoroacetate poisoning in animals

O monofluoroacetato (MF) ou ácido monofluoroacético é utilizado na Austrália e Nova Zelândia no controle populacional de mamíferos nativos ou exóticos. O uso desse composto é proibido no Brasil, devido ao risco de intoxicação de seres humanos e de animais, uma vez que a substância permanece estável por décadas. No Brasil casos recentes de intoxicação criminosa ou acidental têm sido registrados. MF foi identificado em diversas plantas tóxicas, cuja ingestão determina "morte súbita"; de bovinos na África do Sul, Austrália e no Brasil. O modo de ação dessa substância baseia-se na formação do fluorocitrato, seu metabólito ativo, que bloqueia competitivamente a aconitase e o ciclo de Krebs, o que reduz produção de ATP. As espécies animais têm sido classificadas nas quatro Categorias em função do efeito provocado por MF: (I) no coração, (II) no sistema nervoso central (III) sobre o coração e sistema nervoso central ou (IV) com sintomatologia atípica. Neste trabalho, apresenta-se uma revisão crítica atualizada sobre essa substância. O diagnóstico da intoxicação por MF é realizado pelo histórico de ingestão do tóxico, pelos achados clínicos e confirmado por exame toxicológico. Uma forma peculiar de degeneração hidrópico-vacuolar das células epiteliais dos túbulos uriníferos contorcidos distais tem sido considerada como característica dessa intoxicação em algumas espécies. O tratamento da intoxicação por MF é um desafio, pois ainda não se conhece um agente capaz de reverte-la de maneira eficaz; o desfecho geralmente é fatal.(AU)

Monofluoroacetate (MF) or monofluoroacetic acid is used in Australia and New Zealand for control of native or exotic mammals. The compounds are prohibited in Brazil, as they remain stable for decades and as risk for poisoning of animals and men exists. Cases of criminal and accidental poisonings have been reported in the country. MF was identified in several poisonous plants, the ingestion of which causes "sudden death"; in cattle in South Africa, Australia and Brazil. The poisoning leads in the Krebs cycle to the formation of fluorocitrate, its active metabolite, what competitively blocks aconitase in the cycle, with decrease in the production of ATP. Animal species have been classified into four categories regarding the effects caused by MF: (I) on heart, (II) heart and central nervous system, (III) central nertvous system or (IV) with atypical symptoms. In this paper, we present an updated critical review on MF poisoning. The diagnosis is made through the history of ingestion of the poison, by clinical findings and confirmation through toxicological examination. Vacuolarhydropic degeneration of the epithelial cells of the distal convoluted kidney tubules has been considered as characteristic of the poisoning in animal species. The treatment of MF poisoning is a challenge, since there is still not known any agent that effectively can reverse the poisoning, which generally is fatal.(AU)