Bacteriological, cytological and histopathological evaluation of the reproductive tract of slaughtered cows / Avaliação bacteriológica, citológica e histopatológica do trato reprodutivo de vacas abatidas

Reproductive diseases, mainly endometritis, are important hurdles in cattle raising, In the current study we evaluated gross, bacteriological, cytological, and histological findings from selected sites of the genital from 23 slaughtered cows and tested whether there is an association between these findings and the probability of reaching a reliable diagnosis. The results from the examinations of macroscopic aspects of uterine secretions, the cytological, bacteriological, and histopathological findings were then correlated. There was no significant correlation (P>0.05) of the statistical data from different parts of the genital tract. Trueperella pyogenes and Escherichia coli were isolated from the vagina in 3/23 cases. In only 2/23 samples Enterococcus faecalis and a gram-negative, oxidase-positive bacteria were isolated from the cervix uteri. Only Staphylococcus epidermidis, in 1/23 case, was isolated from the uterus. Histopathological findings in uterus from samples of Groups II (moderate lesions) and III (severe lesions) did not translated in grossly visible changes. Samples from reproductive tracts with secretion in the vagina and cervix uteri had no detectable changes in the other parameters analyzed from this portion. Uterus with positive bacterial culture had evidence of ascendant inflammation judging by the high granulocyte count in the three analyzed portions. This study reinforces that vaginitis and cervicitis in the cow diagnosed only by clinical examination does not reflect the real status of the uterine health. For this reason, treatment of uterine disorders should be conducted based on reliable tests to determine the appropriate therapy for each situation.(AU)

Doenças reprodutivas causam altas perdas econômicas nos rebanhos bovinos, sendo a endometrite uma das alterações mais relevantes. Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram avaliar a associação dos achados fisiopatológicos em exames macroscópicos, bacteriológicos, citológicos e histopatológicos nas porções do trato genital de 23 vacas abatidas, bem como avaliar a necessidade de associação destes exames para efetuar diagnóstico fidedigno. A avaliação macroscópica da secreção, os exames histopatológico, citológico e as bactérias identificadas foram correlacionados. Não houve associação (P>0,05) dos resultados nas diferentes porções do trato genital. Na vagina foram isoladas as bactérias Trueperella pyogenes e Escherichia coli. Na cérvix, em apenas 2/23 (8,6%) amostras isolou-se Enterococcus faecalis e gram negativo oxidase positiva. No útero houve isolamento apenas da bactéria Staphylococcus epidermidis. As amostras histopatológicas classificadas em grupo II e III não apresentaram alterações detectadas no exame macroscópico. As amostras com secreção não fisiológica na vagina e cérvix não apresentaram alterações nos outros exames na porção uterina. A amostra com cultura bacteriológica positiva no útero demonstrou uma infecção ascendente através da alta contagem de granulócitos nas três porções analisadas. O presente estudo reforça o conceito de que a vaginite e cervicite diagnosticadas pelo exame clinico na vaca não retratam o real status da saúde uterina e por esta razão, o tratamento do útero deve ser conduzido com critério, alicerçado nos exames complementares para definir a terapia adequada para cada situação.(AU)

Bacteriological, cytological and histopathological evaluation of the reproductive tract of slaughtered cows / Avaliação bacteriológica, citológica e histopatológica do trato reprodutivo de vacas abatidas

Reproductive diseases, mainly endometritis, are important hurdles in cattle raising, In the current study we evaluated gross, bacteriological, cytological, and histological findings from selected sites of the genital from 23 slaughtered cows and tested whether there is an association between these findings and the probability of reaching a reliable diagnosis. The results from the examinations of macroscopic aspects of uterine secretions, the cytological, bacteriological, and histopathological findings were then correlated. There was no significant correlation (P>0.05) of the statistical data from different parts of the genital tract. Trueperella pyogenes and Escherichia coli were isolated from the vagina in 3/23 cases. In only 2/23 samples Enterococcus faecalis and a gram-negative, oxidase-positive bacteria were isolated from the cervix uteri. Only Staphylococcus epidermidis, in 1/23 case, was isolated from the uterus. Histopathological findings in uterus from samples of Groups II (moderate lesions) and III (severe lesions) did not translated in grossly visible changes. Samples from reproductive tracts with secretion in the vagina and cervix uteri had no detectable changes in the other parameters analyzed from this portion. Uterus with positive bacterial culture had evidence of ascendant inflammation judging by the high granulocyte count in the three analyzed portions. This study reinforces that vaginitis and cervicitis in the cow diagnosed only by clinical examination does not reflect the real status of the uterine health. For this reason, treatment of uterine disorders should be conducted based on reliable tests to determine the appropriate therapy for each situation.(AU)

Doenças reprodutivas causam altas perdas econômicas nos rebanhos bovinos, sendo a endometrite uma das alterações mais relevantes. Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram avaliar a associação dos achados fisiopatológicos em exames macroscópicos, bacteriológicos, citológicos e histopatológicos nas porções do trato genital de 23 vacas abatidas, bem como avaliar a necessidade de associação destes exames para efetuar diagnóstico fidedigno. A avaliação macroscópica da secreção, os exames histopatológico, citológico e as bactérias identificadas foram correlacionados. Não houve associação (P>0,05) dos resultados nas diferentes porções do trato genital. Na vagina foram isoladas as bactérias Trueperella pyogenes e Escherichia coli. Na cérvix, em apenas 2/23 (8,6%) amostras isolou-se Enterococcus faecalis e gram negativo oxidase positiva. No útero houve isolamento apenas da bactéria Staphylococcus epidermidis. As amostras histopatológicas classificadas em grupo II e III não apresentaram alterações detectadas no exame macroscópico. As amostras com secreção não fisiológica na vagina e cérvix não apresentaram alterações nos outros exames na porção uterina. A amostra com cultura bacteriológica positiva no útero demonstrou uma infecção ascendente através da alta contagem de granulócitos nas três porções analisadas. O presente estudo reforça o conceito de que a vaginite e cervicite diagnosticadas pelo exame clinico na vaca não retratam o real status da saúde uterina e por esta razão, o tratamento do útero deve ser conduzido com critério, alicerçado nos exames complementares para definir a terapia adequada para cada situação.(AU)

Bacteriological, cytological and histopathological evaluation of the reproductive tract of slaughtered cows

ABSTRACT: Reproductive diseases, mainly endometritis, are important hurdles in cattle raising, In the current study we evaluated gross, bacteriological, cytological, and histological findings from selected sites of the genital from 23 slaughtered cows and tested whether there is an association between these findings and the probability of reaching a reliable diagnosis. The results from the examinations of macroscopic aspects of uterine secretions, the cytological, bacteriological, and histopathological findings were then correlated. There was no significant correlation (P>0.05) of the statistical data from different parts of the genital tract. Trueperella pyogenes and Escherichia coli were isolated from the vagina in 3/23 cases. In only 2/23 samples Enterococcus faecalis and a gram-negative, oxidase-positive bacteria were isolated from the cervix uteri. Only Staphylococcus epidermidis, in 1/23 case, was isolated from the uterus. Histopathological findings in uterus from samples of Groups II (moderate lesions) and III (severe lesions) did not translated in grossly visible changes. Samples from reproductive tracts with secretion in the vagina and cervix uteri had no detectable changes in the other parameters analyzed from this portion. Uterus with positive bacterial culture had evidence of ascendant inflammation judging by the high granulocyte count in the three analyzed portions. This study reinforces that vaginitis and cervicitis in the cow diagnosed only by clinical examination does not reflect the real status of the uterine health. For this reason, treatment of uterine disorders should be conducted based on reliable tests to determine the appropriate therapy for each situation.

RESUMO: Doenças reprodutivas causam altas perdas econômicas nos rebanhos bovinos, sendo a endometrite uma das alterações mais relevantes. Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram avaliar a associação dos achados fisiopatológicos em exames macroscópicos, bacteriológicos, citológicos e histopatológicos nas porções do trato genital de 23 vacas abatidas, bem como avaliar a necessidade de associação destes exames para efetuar diagnóstico fidedigno. A avaliação macroscópica da secreção, os exames histopatológico, citológico e as bactérias identificadas foram correlacionados. Não houve associação (P>0,05) dos resultados nas diferentes porções do trato genital. Na vagina foram isoladas as bactérias Trueperella pyogenes e Escherichia coli. Na cérvix, em apenas 2/23 (8,6%) amostras isolou-se Enterococcus faecalis e gram negativo oxidase positiva. No útero houve isolamento apenas da bactéria Staphylococcus epidermidis. As amostras histopatológicas classificadas em grupo II e III não apresentaram alterações detectadas no exame macroscópico. As amostras com secreção não fisiológica na vagina e cérvix não apresentaram alterações nos outros exames na porção uterina. A amostra com cultura bacteriológica positiva no útero demonstrou uma infecção ascendente através da alta contagem de granulócitos nas três porções analisadas. O presente estudo reforça o conceito de que a vaginite e cervicite diagnosticadas pelo exame clinico na vaca não retratam o real status da saúde uterina e por esta razão, o tratamento do útero deve ser conduzido com critério, alicerçado nos exames complementares para definir a terapia adequada para cada situação.

Hepatogenous chronic copper toxicosis associated with grazing Brachiaria decumbens in a goat

A case of hepatogenous chronic copper toxicosis associated with ingestion of Brachiaria decumbens in a 4-year-old female is reported in a goat from a herd of approximately 1,000 goats of different categories, all grazing in a pasture consisting exclusively of B. decumbens. The goat had chronic weight loss, dehydration, and apathy. Just prior to death it developed anemia, icterus and hemoglobinuria. Necropsy findings included marked icterus, enhanced lobular pattern and orange discoloration of the liver, pulmonary edema, distention of the gall bladder and hemoblobinuric nephrosis. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed marked random degeneration and necrosis of individual hepatocytes, marked bilestasis, intracytoplasmic hemosiderin in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, birefringent crystals with bile staining in the lumen of bile ducts, and sparse, randomly distributed foamy macrophages. Severe multifocal tubular degeneration and necrosis associated with multiple hyaline and coarsely granular hemoglobin casts were observed in the kidneys. Copper levels determined in liver and kidney samples by atomic absorption spectrophotometry were 410 ppm of liver dry matter and 34.4 ppm (kidney, dry matter). The gross, histopathological findings and copper analysis in the tissues of this goat led to a final diagnosis of hepatogenous chronic copper toxicosis associated with grazing of B. decumbens.

Hepatogenous chronic copper toxicosis associated with grazing Brachiaria decumbens in a goat

A case of hepatogenous chronic copper toxicosis associated with ingestion of Brachiaria decumbens in a 4-year-old female is reported in a goat from a herd of approximately 1,000 goats of different categories, all grazing in a pasture consisting exclusively of B. decumbens. The goat had chronic weight loss, dehydration, and apathy. Just prior to death it developed anemia, icterus and hemoglobinuria. Necropsy findings included marked icterus, enhanced lobular pattern and orange discoloration of the liver, pulmonary edema, distention of the gall bladder and hemoblobinuric nephrosis. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed marked random degeneration and necrosis of individual hepatocytes, marked bilestasis, intracytoplasmic hemosiderin in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, birefringent crystals with bile staining in the lumen of bile ducts, and sparse, randomly distributed foamy macrophages. Severe multifocal tubular degeneration and necrosis associated with multiple hyaline and coarsely granular hemoglobin casts were observed in the kidneys. Copper levels determined in liver and kidney samples by atomic absorption spectrophotometry were 410 ppm of liver dry matter and 34.4 ppm (kidney, dry matter). The gross, histopathological findings and copper analysis in the tissues of this goat led to a final diagnosis of hepatogenous chronic copper toxicosis associated with grazing of B. decumbens.(AU)

Spontaneous poisoning by Brachiaria decumbens in goats / Intoxicação espontânea por Brachiaria decumbens em caprinos

An outbreak of Brachiaria decumbens poisoning in goats in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, is described. Out of a herd of about 1,000 goats, seven goats died after showing photosensitivity (3 out 7 goats) and icterus (4/7). Other clinical signs included lethargy, dehydration and weight loss (7/7). At necropsy there was either hepatomegaly or liver atrophy; orange, yellow or gray discoloration - were observed in the liver of six goats. Two had accentuation of lobular pattern and punctate, linear or stellar fibrous depressions were randomly distributedover the capsular surface. Macroscopic changesattributedto liver failure consisting of hydropericardium (2/7) and ascites (2/7) were observed. Histologically, there was accumulation of refringent crystals in the bile ducts and infiltration of foamy macrophages in the liver of all goats. Foamy macrophages were also present in the hepatic and mesenteric lymph nodes of two goats. The diagnosis of B. decumbens poisoning was based on epidemiology, clinical signs, necropsy findings and histopathology.(AU)

Relata-se um surto de intoxicação por Brachiaria decumbens em caprinos no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul. De um rebanho de aproximadamente 1.000 caprinos, sete cabras morreram após apresentar fotossensibilização (3 de 7 cabras) e icterícia (4/7). Outros sinais clínicos incluíam apatia, desidratação e emagrecimento (7/7). Todas as cabras tinham alteração no tamanho do fígado - cinco estavam aumentados de volume e dois, diminuídos; o fígado de 6 cabras tinha alteração na cor - dois eram alaranjados, dois amarelados e dois, acinzentados; o fígado de duas cabras tinha acentuação do padrão lobular e outros dois apresentavam depressões fibrosas puntiformes, lineares ou estreladas, brancacentas distribuídas aleatoriamente pela superfície capsular. Adicionalmente, foram observadas alterações macroscópicas atribuídas à insuficiência hepática como hidropericárdio (2/7) e ascite (2/7). Alterações histopatológicas incluíam cristais refringentes nos ductos biliares e infiltrado de macrófagos espumosos no parênquima hepático de todas as cabras. Macrófagos espumosos também foram observados nos linfonodos mesentéricos e hepáticos em duas cabras. O diagnóstico de intoxicação por braquiária foi baseado na epidemiologia, achados clínicos, de necropsia e histopatológicos.(AU)

Granulomatous leptomeningitis in a goat associated with infection by Cryptococcus neoformans

A case of granulomatous leptomeningitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans is described in a 2-year-old mixed-breed, female goat which presented acute neurological signs including ataxia, nystagmus, bilateral blindness, opisthotonus, hyperesthesia, and spastic paresis of forelimbs. Granulomatous inflammation was detected in the pia arachnoid covering the frontal, parietal and occipital lobes of the telencephalon; cerebellum, thalamus, mesencephalon, pons, medulla, and cervical and thoracolumbar segments of the spinal cord. Yeast-like organisms with morphology compatible with Cryptococcus spp. were observed. A 350 base pair sequence was amplified from DNA extracted from the formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue. The amplified sequence matched 100% Cryptococcus neoformans. It is suggested that cryptococcal meningitis should be included in the differential diagnosis list of goat diseases with neurological signs such as ataxia, opisthotonus, nystagmus, hyperesthesia and spastic paresis.

Granulomatous leptomeningitis in a goat associated with infection by Cryptococcus neoformans

A case of granulomatous leptomeningitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans is described in a 2-year-old mixed-breed, female goat which presented acute neurological signs including ataxia, nystagmus, bilateral blindness, opisthotonus, hyperesthesia, and spastic paresis of forelimbs. Granulomatous inflammation was detected in the pia arachnoid covering the frontal, parietal and occipital lobes of the telencephalon; cerebellum, thalamus, mesencephalon, pons, medulla, and cervical and thoracolumbar segments of the spinal cord. Yeast-like organisms with morphology compatible with Cryptococcus spp. were observed. A 350 base pair sequence was amplified from DNA extracted from the formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue. The amplified sequence matched 100% Cryptococcus neoformans. It is suggested that cryptococcal meningitis should be included in the differential diagnosis list of goat diseases with neurological signs such as ataxia, opisthotonus, nystagmus, hyperesthesia and spastic paresis.(AU)

Renal encephalopathy due to acute renal failure in a goat

Renal encephalopathy was diagnosed in a 7-month-old male goat with a history of diarrhea and dehydration due to Eimeria sp. infection. The goat was treated with sulfadiazine before developing central nervous system (CNS) signs characterized by severe anorexia, salivation, tremors, inability to stand and depression. Biochemical parameters revealed high levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, 263.6 mg/dL and 2.9 mg/dL respectively. No gross pathological changes were observed at necropsy. Histopathological examination of the brain revealed large irregular empty spaces (status spongiosus) in the white matter of the brainstem, cerebellum, thalamus, basal nuclei and in the interface of white and grey matter in the cerebrum. There was severe multifocal renal tubular necrosis characterized by abundant deposits of basophilic granular material, frequently forming crystals that replaced the lost tubular epithelial cells and filled the lumina. The clinical-pathologic findings support to a diagnosis of encephalopathy due to acute renal failure.(AU)

Renal encephalopathy due to acute renal failure in a goat

Renal encephalopathy was diagnosed in a 7-month-old male goat with a history of diarrhea and dehydration due to Eimeria sp. infection. The goat was treated with sulfadiazine before developing central nervous system (CNS) signs characterized by severe anorexia, salivation, tremors, inability to stand and depression. Biochemical parameters revealed high levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, 263.6 mg/dL and 2.9 mg/dL respectively. No gross pathological changes were observed at necropsy. Histopathological examination of the brain revealed large irregular empty spaces (status spongiosus) in the white matter of the brainstem, cerebellum, thalamus, basal nuclei and in the interface of white and grey matter in the cerebrum. There was severe multifocal renal tubular necrosis characterized by abundant deposits of basophilic granular material, frequently forming crystals that replaced the lost tubular epithelial cells and filled the lumina. The clinical-pathologic findings support to a diagnosis of encephalopathy due to acute renal failure.