Atypical chronic copper poisoning in a sheep secondary to copper wire ingestion: case report / Intoxicação crônica por cobre atípica em ovino pelo consumo de fios de cobre: relato de caso

A 14-month-old female Texel sheep that came from a herd made up of 19 animals showed haemoglobinuria, apathy, and anorexia, and died two days after the start of the clinical signals. The sheep remained in a natural grassland, where trailers were repaired, and multiple copper wires were deposited on the pasture. The animal had tachycardia, tachypnoea, pale mucous membranes, groaning pain on abdominal palpation, circling, head pressing, intensely hemolyzed plasma, and intense azotaemia. The necropsy showed focally extensive oedema in the inguinal and medial region of pelvic limbs, kidneys dark brown, and liver diffusely yellow with an evident moderate diffuse lobular pattern. The abomasum had a considerable amount of enameled material of thickness, firm to the cut, with 1-5 mm (copper wires). Histopathological examination showed marked diffuse tubular and glomerular coagulative necrosis in the kidneys, in addition to neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells with moderate multifocal nephritis. The liver showed centrilobular necrosis, moderate hepatocellular edema, multifocal cholestasis, and in the lungs and brain mild to moderate diffuse edema. Copper content in the frozen liver (in natura) reached 1,598 mg/kg. Copper mesh ingestion led to sheep poisoning, which in this case was considered an atypical form of chronic primary copper poisoning.

Um ovino Texel de 14 meses de idade, que fazia parte de um rebanho de 19 animais, apresentou hemoglobinúria, apatia, anorexia e morreu dois dias após o início dos sinais clínicos. Os ovinos permaneciam em campo nativo, onde eram realizados consertos de trailers, e múltiplos fios de cobre ficavam depositados na pastagem. O animal apresentou taquicardia, taquipneia, mucosas pálidas, gemido de dor à palpação abdominal, além de andar em círculo, e pressão da cabeça contra obstáculos, plasma intensamente hemolisado e azotemia intensa. Na necropsia, havia edema na região inguinal e medial de membros pélvicos focalmente extenso, rins enegrecidos, e o fígado estava difusamente amarelado, com padrão lobular evidente difuso moderado. No abomaso, havia grande quantidade de material esmaltado, com 1-5mm de espessura, firme, que rangia ao ser cortado (fios de cobre). No exame histopatológico nos rins, havia necrose tubular e glomerular hemoglobinúrica difusa acentuada, além de nefrite de neutrófilios, macrófagos, linfócitos e plasmócitos multifocal moderada. No fígado, havia necrose centrolobular, tumefação hepatocelular e colestase multifocais moderadas; nos pulmões e no cérebro, edema difuso discreto a moderado. A dosagem de Cu no fígado revelou a presença de 1598mg/kg. A ingestão de malhas de cobre levou à intoxicação do ovino que, nesse caso, foi considerada uma forma atípica de intoxicação primária crônica por cobre.

Agentes tóxicos em ruminantes diagnosticados no Serviço de Anatomia Patológica da UFRRJ, Rio de Janeiro - Brasil / Toxic agents in ruminants diagnosed in the Pathological Anatomy Service of the UFRRJ, Rio de Janeiro - Brazil

Background: Toxic agents are chemical substances or physical agents that, when interacting with living organisms, cause harmful effects. For animals, toxic products include those intended to combat endo and ectoparasites, rodenticide products, and heavy metals. Minerals and dietary additives, even if essential to the animal, can become toxic agents, among which sodium chloride, copper, urea, and ionophore antibiotics stand out. This study aimed to survey the diagnoses of accidental poisoning in ruminants over 65 years as recorded in the files of the Pathological Anatomy Sector of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. Materials, Methods & Results: The diagnoses of poisoning by ticks, rodenticides, heavy metals, macro and micronutrients, and dietary additives in ruminants were made based on the association of epidemiological, clinical, and anatomopathological findings and, in some cases, by histochemical (rubeanic acid and Masson trichrome) and toxicological examinations. A review of data recorded over 65 years identified 372 poisonings in ruminants. Of these, 85.5% (318/372) were in bovine species and 14.5% (54/372) in goats, sheep, and buffaloes. The outbreak of poisoning by organophosphates resulted in the death of 16 cattle that ingested contaminated broken rice and corn. The spraying of this product on the bags was intended to control insects. Intoxication due to excessive administration of abamectin resulted in the intoxication of 16 calves, in two distinct farms. Toxicosis caused by coumarin derivatives resulted in the death of six cattle after accidental ingestion of these rodenticides near the pens. Arsenic poisoning occurred due to ingestion of ant poison, available in bone meal and a mineral salt, through baths with arsenic-based ticks, or in cases later confirmed by toxicological analysis, resulting in the death of 109 cattle. Sodium chloride toxicosis resulted in the death of 10 sheep...

Chronic copper poisoning in a sheep

Clinical History: A one-year-old female Texel sheep had anorexia and jaundice. After one day, the clinical condition progressed to lethargy, lateral recumbency, and death within hours. The sheep was part of a flock of 20 housed indoors and received an increasing amount of feed (specific for sheep) for the last two months.(AU)

Chronic copper poisoning in beef cattle in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil / Intoxicação crônica por cobre em bovinos de corte no Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil

Copper is an essential micromineral in animal feed; however, when consumed in excess, it can cause liver necrosis, hemolytic crisis, hemoglobinuric nephrosis and death in cattle. Although uncommon in this species, copper poisoning occurs as a result of exacerbated supplementation, deficiency of antagonist microminerals, or previous liver lesions. An outbreak of chronic copper poisoning is reported in semi-confined cattle after supplementation with 50 mg/Kg of dry matter copper. The cattle showed clinical signs characterized by anorexia, motor incoordination, loss of balance, jaundice, brownish or black urine, diarrhea and death, or were found dead, 10 to 302 days after consumption. Of the 35 cattle that died, 20 underwent necropsy, whose frequent findings were jaundice, enlarged liver with evident lobular pattern, black kidneys, and urinary bladder with brownish to blackish content. Microscopically, the liver showed vacuolar degeneration and/or zonal hepatocellular centrilobular or paracentral coagulative necrosis, in addition to cholestasis, mild periacinal fibrosis, apoptotic bodies, and mild to moderate mononuclear inflammation. Degeneration and necrosis of the tubular epithelium and intratubular hemoglobin cylinders were observed in the kidneys. Copper levels in the liver and kidneys ranged from 5,901.24 to 28,373.14 µmol/kg and from 303.72 to 14,021 µmol/kg, respectively. In conclusion, copper poisoning due to excessive nutritional supplementation is an important cause of jaundice, hemoglobinuria, and death in semi-confined cattle.(AU)

Cobre é um micromineral essencial, que quando em excesso induz necrose hepática, crise hemolítica, nefrose hemoglobínurica e morte em bovinos. As intoxicações, apesar de incomuns nessa espécie, ocorrem devido a suplementação exacerbada de cobre, pela deficiência de microminerais antagonistas ou secundária a lesão hepática prévia. Relata-se um surto de intoxicação crônica por cobre em bovinos semiconfinados após suplementação com 50mg/kg de cobre em matéria seca. Os bovinos manifestaram sinais clínicos caracterizados por anorexia, incoordenação motora, perda de equilíbrio, icterícia, urina acastanhada ou negra, diarreia e morte ou foram encontrados mortos, após 10 a 302 dias do início de consumo. De 35 bovinos que morreram 20 foram submetidos à necropsia sendo achada frequente icterícia, fígado aumentado e com padrão lobular evidente, rins pretos e bexiga urinária repleta de conteúdo acastanhado a enegrecida. Microscopicamente, no fígado havia degeneração vacuolar e ou necrose coagulativa hepatocelular zonal, centrolobular ou paracentral, além de degeneração vacuolar com corpúsculos de Councilman, colestase, fibrose periascinar leve, e inflamação de discreta a moderada. Nos rins havia degeneração e necrose do epitélio tubular assim como cilindros de hemoglobina intratubulares. Os níveis de cobre no fígado e rim foram de 5.901,24 a 28.373,14µmol/kg e 303,72 a 14.021µmol/kg respectivamente. A suplementação nutricional excessiva com cobre pode causar doença hemolítica com icterícia, hemoglobinúria e morte de bovinos mantidos em sistema de semiconfinamento.(AU)

Chronic copper poisoning in beef cattle in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil / Intoxicação crônica por cobre em bovinos de corte no Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil

Copper is an essential micromineral in animal feed; however, when consumed in excess, it can cause liver necrosis, hemolytic crisis, hemoglobinuric nephrosis and death in cattle. Although uncommon in this species, copper poisoning occurs as a result of exacerbated supplementation, deficiency of antagonist microminerals, or previous liver lesions. An outbreak of chronic copper poisoning is reported in semi-confined cattle after supplementation with 50 mg/Kg of dry matter copper. The cattle showed clinical signs characterized by anorexia, motor incoordination, loss of balance, jaundice, brownish or black urine, diarrhea and death, or were found dead, 10 to 302 days after consumption. Of the 35 cattle that died, 20 underwent necropsy, whose frequent findings were jaundice, enlarged liver with evident lobular pattern, black kidneys, and urinary bladder with brownish to blackish content. Microscopically, the liver showed vacuolar degeneration and/or zonal hepatocellular centrilobular or paracentral coagulative necrosis, in addition to cholestasis, mild periacinal fibrosis, apoptotic bodies, and mild to moderate mononuclear inflammation. Degeneration and necrosis of the tubular epithelium and intratubular hemoglobin cylinders were observed in the kidneys. Copper levels in the liver and kidneys ranged from 5,901.24 to 28,373.14 µmol/kg and from 303.72 to 14,021 µmol/kg, respectively. In conclusion, copper poisoning due to excessive nutritional supplementation is an important cause of jaundice, hemoglobinuria, and death in semi-confined cattle.(AU)

Cobre é um micromineral essencial, que quando em excesso induz necrose hepática, crise hemolítica, nefrose hemoglobínurica e morte em bovinos. As intoxicações, apesar de incomuns nessa espécie, ocorrem devido a suplementação exacerbada de cobre, pela deficiência de microminerais antagonistas ou secundária a lesão hepática prévia. Relata-se um surto de intoxicação crônica por cobre em bovinos semiconfinados após suplementação com 50mg/kg de cobre em matéria seca. Os bovinos manifestaram sinais clínicos caracterizados por anorexia, incoordenação motora, perda de equilíbrio, icterícia, urina acastanhada ou negra, diarreia e morte ou foram encontrados mortos, após 10 a 302 dias do início de consumo. De 35 bovinos que morreram 20 foram submetidos à necropsia sendo achada frequente icterícia, fígado aumentado e com padrão lobular evidente, rins pretos e bexiga urinária repleta de conteúdo acastanhado a enegrecida. Microscopicamente, no fígado havia degeneração vacuolar e ou necrose coagulativa hepatocelular zonal, centrolobular ou paracentral, além de degeneração vacuolar com corpúsculos de Councilman, colestase, fibrose periascinar leve, e inflamação de discreta a moderada. Nos rins havia degeneração e necrose do epitélio tubular assim como cilindros de hemoglobina intratubulares. Os níveis de cobre no fígado e rim foram de 5.901,24 a 28.373,14µmol/kg e 303,72 a 14.021µmol/kg respectivamente. A suplementação nutricional excessiva com cobre pode causar doença hemolítica com icterícia, hemoglobinúria e morte de bovinos mantidos em sistema de semiconfinamento.(AU)

Crise hemolítica em um cão com hepatite crônica associada ao cobre / Hemolytic crisis in a dog with copper-associated chronic hepatitis

Background: Copper is an essential micronutrient for the body to function properly. However, although it is a vital element,an excess of copper in the body is extremely toxic. Copper toxicity has been reported mainly in sheep. In dogs, clinicopathological signs of toxicity are characterized by chronic liver failure. This means that the hemolytic crisis so commonin sheep is a condition rarely associated with toxicity in dogs, so there are very few descriptions of this condition in theveterinary literature. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of hemolytic crisis in a dog with copper-associatedchronic hepatitis.Case: A medium-sized 6-year-old bitch was brought to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Maria,with clinical presentation of apathy, anorexia and red urine. A physical examination revealed mildly jaundiced mucosaand dark brown urine. A urinalysis indicated the presence of protein, bilirubin and occult blood. The blood count revealedhypochromic macrocytic anemia, leukocytosis due to left shift neutrophilia and thrombocytopenia. Serum biochemistryshowed elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. The animal was given a blood transfusiondue to the severity of her anemia, but her clinical condition worsened and she died, whereupon her body was sent for necropsy. This necropsy revealed conspicuous signs of jaundice, splenomegaly and altered liver and kidney color. The liverwas brownish, with its natural surface firm and slightly irregular. The kidneys were diffusely blackened. The urine wasdark brown. Fragments of different organs were collected, fixed in 10% buffered formalin solution, routinely processedfor histopathology and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. A histological dissection of the liver showed the hepatic lobesdissected by fibrosis, forming islands of hepatocytes and numerous lymphocytes and...

Crise hemolítica em um cão com hepatite crônica associada ao cobre / Hemolytic crisis in a dog with copper-associated chronic hepatitis

Background: Copper is an essential micronutrient for the body to function properly. However, although it is a vital element,an excess of copper in the body is extremely toxic. Copper toxicity has been reported mainly in sheep. In dogs, clinicopathological signs of toxicity are characterized by chronic liver failure. This means that the hemolytic crisis so commonin sheep is a condition rarely associated with toxicity in dogs, so there are very few descriptions of this condition in theveterinary literature. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of hemolytic crisis in a dog with copper-associatedchronic hepatitis.Case: A medium-sized 6-year-old bitch was brought to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Maria,with clinical presentation of apathy, anorexia and red urine. A physical examination revealed mildly jaundiced mucosaand dark brown urine. A urinalysis indicated the presence of protein, bilirubin and occult blood. The blood count revealedhypochromic macrocytic anemia, leukocytosis due to left shift neutrophilia and thrombocytopenia. Serum biochemistryshowed elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. The animal was given a blood transfusiondue to the severity of her anemia, but her clinical condition worsened and she died, whereupon her body was sent for necropsy. This necropsy revealed conspicuous signs of jaundice, splenomegaly and altered liver and kidney color. The liverwas brownish, with its natural surface firm and slightly irregular. The kidneys were diffusely blackened. The urine wasdark brown. Fragments of different organs were collected, fixed in 10% buffered formalin solution, routinely processedfor histopathology and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. A histological dissection of the liver showed the hepatic lobesdissected by fibrosis, forming islands of hepatocytes and numerous lymphocytes and...(AU)

The effects of heavy metals on the incidence of morphological deformities in Chironomidae (Diptera)

Streams in urban areas are strongly impacted by the input of organic matter and metals, for instance copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). These metals are essential for the aquatic biota, but when absorbed in excess they are toxic. In Chiro nomidae larvae, the deleterious effects of heavy metals can be ascertained by analyzing the morphological deformities of the larval mentum, a structure of the oral cavity. In this study, we evaluated I) the bioavailability of Cu and Zn in urban stream sediments and II) the relationship between Cu and Zn concentrations and the incidence of deformities in the mentum of Chironomus larvae. Chironomid flies were collected from four locations in two streams at an urban area in southern Brazil. They were identified and the incidence of deformities in the mentum was quantified. Sediment samples were collected at the same locations where larvae were collected, to quantify the bioavailable fractions of Cu and Zn. The concentrations of Cu in the sediment were similar between the collection sites. However, Zn concentrations varied among sites, being greater in the stretch directly influenced by the input of the organic waste. In total, 2,895 Chironomid larvae were collected. The incidence of deformities in the mentum was above 30% and was correlated with the concentrations of Cu (r = 0.68) and Zn (r = 0.87). This correlation indicates that the municipal waste that is thrown into the citys streams has influenced the occurrence of deformities.

The effects of heavy metals on the incidence of morphological deformities in Chironomidae (Diptera)

Streams in urban areas are strongly impacted by the input of organic matter and metals, for instance copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). These metals are essential for the aquatic biota, but when absorbed in excess they are toxic. In Chiro nomidae larvae, the deleterious effects of heavy metals can be ascertained by analyzing the morphological deformities of the larval mentum, a structure of the oral cavity. In this study, we evaluated I) the bioavailability of Cu and Zn in urban stream sediments and II) the relationship between Cu and Zn concentrations and the incidence of deformities in the mentum of Chironomus larvae. Chironomid flies were collected from four locations in two streams at an urban area in southern Brazil. They were identified and the incidence of deformities in the mentum was quantified. Sediment samples were collected at the same locations where larvae were collected, to quantify the bioavailable fractions of Cu and Zn. The concentrations of Cu in the sediment were similar between the collection sites. However, Zn concentrations varied among sites, being greater in the stretch directly influenced by the input of the organic waste. In total, 2,895 Chironomid larvae were collected. The incidence of deformities in the mentum was above 30% and was correlated with the concentrations of Cu (r = 0.68) and Zn (r = 0.87). This correlation indicates that the municipal waste that is thrown into the citys streams has influenced the occurrence of deformities.(AU)

Heavy metal poisoning in a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus)

Background: In recent decades the demand for unconventional pets has been relatively increasing, a situation that increasingly causes veterinarians to encounter these animals in medical and surgical practice. Of these animals, the birds stand out. Animals of the order Psittaciform are known as very curious and active creatures that have the tendency to chew objects in their environment. Among the several occurrences that lead this animal to attend the veterinary clinic, we highlight the poisoning by heavy metals, especially lead poisoning (Pb) and zinc (Zn). The objective of this work was to report a case of heavy metal intoxication in cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus).Case: A cockatiel was taken to the veterinarian with a history of apathy, motor incoordination, exacerbated water consumption and regurgitation. Complete anamnesis was instrumental in directing suspected heavy metal intoxication. Radiopaque particles were visualized through radiographic examination, suggesting heavy metal intoxication. The diagnosis was concluded through complementary examinations since the clinical symptoms are nonspecific. The treatment was intended to provide emergency intervention, avoid further absorption, use of antidotes, provide supportive measures and provide guidance to the owner. It can be concluded that the diagnosis and treatment were successful.Discussion: Metal poisoning can kill birds. The veterinarian should always seek the literature in order to perform the best support and treatment. For this, detailed history and detailed medical history must be taken into account, since the time of ingestion and the type of metal interfere with the therapeutic conduct. The use of imaging tests such as x-rays and ultrasound are essential to assist the clinician, especially in cases where the tutor does not know whether or not the animal has ingested an object.[...]

Heavy metal poisoning in a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus)

Background: In recent decades the demand for unconventional pets has been relatively increasing, a situation that increasingly causes veterinarians to encounter these animals in medical and surgical practice. Of these animals, the birds stand out. Animals of the order Psittaciform are known as very curious and active creatures that have the tendency to chew objects in their environment. Among the several occurrences that lead this animal to attend the veterinary clinic, we highlight the poisoning by heavy metals, especially lead poisoning (Pb) and zinc (Zn). The objective of this work was to report a case of heavy metal intoxication in cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus).Case: A cockatiel was taken to the veterinarian with a history of apathy, motor incoordination, exacerbated water consumption and regurgitation. Complete anamnesis was instrumental in directing suspected heavy metal intoxication. Radiopaque particles were visualized through radiographic examination, suggesting heavy metal intoxication. The diagnosis was concluded through complementary examinations since the clinical symptoms are nonspecific. The treatment was intended to provide emergency intervention, avoid further absorption, use of antidotes, provide supportive measures and provide guidance to the owner. It can be concluded that the diagnosis and treatment were successful.Discussion: Metal poisoning can kill birds. The veterinarian should always seek the literature in order to perform the best support and treatment. For this, detailed history and detailed medical history must be taken into account, since the time of ingestion and the type of metal interfere with the therapeutic conduct. The use of imaging tests such as x-rays and ultrasound are essential to assist the clinician, especially in cases where the tutor does not know whether or not the animal has ingested an object.[...](AU)

Heavy metal concentrations in free-living southern caracaras (Caracara plancus) in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Background: With the continuously increasing release of heavy metals in the environment, mostly from anthropogenic sources, there is a need to find ways of evaluating and managing the issuance of these contaminants and correct its damages. The birds being at the top of some food chains reflect the presence of metals in the environment, keeping this in perspective, raptors have been successfully used for heavy metals biomonitoring studies in the past. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) in the feathers and livers of free-living southern caracaras, live and dead, from Recife, Pernambuco state, Northeast of Brazil. Material, Methods & Results: Sixty-two feathers from live and dead southern caracaras and 21 livers from dead southern caracaras were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry for Hg and by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Cu. Concentrations of Cr and Cu elements were detected in all feather and liver samples analyzed from live and dead caracaras. There was no difference in the concentration of metals between feathers of dead and live caracaras: Pb (P = 0.3576), Cd (P = 0.0792), Cr (P = 0.5475), and Cu (P = 0.3603), but significant variation was observed for Hg (P = 0.0459). The highest concentrations of Pb (P < 0.0001) and Cr (P < 0.0001) were found in the feathers than in the liver. On the other hand, the highest concentrations of Cu were found in liver samples (P = 0.0011). No significant variation in the concentrations of Cd (P = 0.7770) and Hg (P = 0.3669) was found between feathers and liver samples. Discussion: Chromium, as well as Hg, and Cu have a high affinity for keratin, which may explain the higher concentrations of Cr in caracaras feathers in this research. Lead was detected in all liver samples analyzed. Elevated levels were also found in the feathers of dead (95.2%) and live (75.6%) caracaras.[...]

Heavy metal concentrations in free-living southern caracaras (Caracara plancus) in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Background: With the continuously increasing release of heavy metals in the environment, mostly from anthropogenic sources, there is a need to find ways of evaluating and managing the issuance of these contaminants and correct its damages. The birds being at the top of some food chains reflect the presence of metals in the environment, keeping this in perspective, raptors have been successfully used for heavy metals biomonitoring studies in the past. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) in the feathers and livers of free-living southern caracaras, live and dead, from Recife, Pernambuco state, Northeast of Brazil. Material, Methods & Results: Sixty-two feathers from live and dead southern caracaras and 21 livers from dead southern caracaras were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry for Hg and by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Cu. Concentrations of Cr and Cu elements were detected in all feather and liver samples analyzed from live and dead caracaras. There was no difference in the concentration of metals between feathers of dead and live caracaras: Pb (P = 0.3576), Cd (P = 0.0792), Cr (P = 0.5475), and Cu (P = 0.3603), but significant variation was observed for Hg (P = 0.0459). The highest concentrations of Pb (P < 0.0001) and Cr (P < 0.0001) were found in the feathers than in the liver. On the other hand, the highest concentrations of Cu were found in liver samples (P = 0.0011). No significant variation in the concentrations of Cd (P = 0.7770) and Hg (P = 0.3669) was found between feathers and liver samples. Discussion: Chromium, as well as Hg, and Cu have a high affinity for keratin, which may explain the higher concentrations of Cr in caracaras feathers in this research. Lead was detected in all liver samples analyzed. Elevated levels were also found in the feathers of dead (95.2%) and live (75.6%) caracaras.[...](AU)

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Free-Living Southern Caracaras (Caracara plancus) in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Background: With the continuously increasing release of heavy metals in the environment, mostly from anthropogenic sources, there is a need to find ways of evaluating and managing the issuance of these contaminants and correct its damages. The birds being at the top of some food chains reflect the presence of metals in the environment, keeping this in perspective, raptors have been successfully used for heavy metals biomonitoring studies in the past. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) in the feathers and livers of free-living southern caracaras, live and dead, from Recife, Pernambuco state, Northeast of Brazil.Material, Methods & Results: Sixty-two feathers from live and dead southern caracaras and 21 livers from dead southern caracaras were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry for Hg and by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Cu. Concentrations of Cr and Cu elements were detected in all feather and liver samples analyzed from live and dead caracaras. There was no difference in the concentration of metals between feathers of dead and live caracaras: Pb (P = 0.3576), Cd (P = 0.0792), Cr (P = 0.5475), and Cu (P = 0.3603), but significant variation was observed for Hg (P = 0.0459). The highest concentrations of Pb (P 0.0001) and Cr (P &l

Accumulative copper poisoning in sheep in Northeastern Brazil / Intoxicação cúprica acumulativa em ovinos no Nordeste brasileiro

Background: Despite the proven copper deficiency in several parts of Brazil, reports of acute and accumulative copper poisoning are increasing in ruminants. Sheep are known to be far more sensible to copper toxicity than cattle, but the sensibility of goats is not quite known. The present paper aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratorial and pathological findings of two outbreaks of accumulative copper poisoning in sheep fed poultry litter in Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, and to compare these findings with national outbreaks. Cases: Two outbreaks of copper poisoning occurred in the municipalities of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte [outbreak 1], and Icapuí, Ceará [outbreak 2], Brazil. A total of 35 sheep [outbreak 1] and 190 small ruminants (175 sheep and 15 goats) [outbreak 2] were fed poultry litter. First clinical signs of poisoning started after two months of litter consumption. Main clinical signs were apathy, jaundice, hepatomegaly, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dark urine. Clinical evolution varied between one and eight days. Laboratorial findings in ill animals consisted of anemia, highly increased serum AST and GGT activities and urea and creatinine levels; whilst in the non symptomatic sheep and one goat revealed high and light GGT increase, respectively. Poultry litter analysis revealed levels of 449, 2610, 414 and 333 mg/kg of [...]

Accumulative copper poisoning in sheep in Northeastern Brazil / Intoxicação cúprica acumulativa em ovinos no Nordeste brasileiro

Background: Despite the proven copper deficiency in several parts of Brazil, reports of acute and accumulative copper poisoning are increasing in ruminants. Sheep are known to be far more sensible to copper toxicity than cattle, but the sensibility of goats is not quite known. The present paper aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratorial and pathological findings of two outbreaks of accumulative copper poisoning in sheep fed poultry litter in Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, and to compare these findings with national outbreaks. Cases: Two outbreaks of copper poisoning occurred in the municipalities of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte [outbreak 1], and Icapuí, Ceará [outbreak 2], Brazil. A total of 35 sheep [outbreak 1] and 190 small ruminants (175 sheep and 15 goats) [outbreak 2] were fed poultry litter. First clinical signs of poisoning started after two months of litter consumption. Main clinical signs were apathy, jaundice, hepatomegaly, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dark urine. Clinical evolution varied between one and eight days. Laboratorial findings in ill animals consisted of anemia, highly increased serum AST and GGT activities and urea and creatinine levels; whilst in the non symptomatic sheep and one goat revealed high and light GGT increase, respectively. Poultry litter analysis revealed levels of 449, 2610, 414 and 333 mg/kg of [...](AU)

Utilização de sal mineral rico em molibdênio na prevenção da intoxicação cúprica acumulativa em ovinos - microminerais hepáticos / Use of molybdenum rich mineral mix in the prevention of cumulative cooper poisoning in sheep - hepatic microminerals

Este estudo avaliou a capacidade de um sal mineral rico em molibdênio (Mo) em prevenir a intoxicação cúprica acumulativa (ICA), mediante a análise das variáveis clínicas e dos teores de cobre (Cu) e Mo hepático. Foram utilizados 25 ovinos cruzados da raça Ile-de-France, aleatoriamente distribuídos igualmente em cinco grupos, em que o grupo 1 recebia dieta contendo 80% de volumoso e 20% de concentrado, os grupos 2 e 3 recebiam 50% de volumoso e 50% de concentrado, e os grupos 4 e 5 recebiam a mesma dieta dos grupos 2 e 3, com a adição diária de 150mg de sulfato de Cu. Os grupos 1, 3 e 5 recebiam sal mineral contendo 300ppm de Mo. Foram realizadas três biópsias hepáticas para determinação de Cu, Mo e Zn. Três ovinos do grupo 4 e um do grupo 5 manifestaram ICA. Não houve diferença na frequência de mortalidade entre os grupos (P=0,56). Os teores de Cu hepático nos ovinos com ICA (2450ppm) foram superiores aos que não intoxicaram (1518ppm). Quanto maior a ingestão de Mo na dieta, menor foi o acúmulo de Cu hepático ao término do experimento (r = -0,72).(AU)

The aim of this project is to evaluate the capacity of a molybdenum-rich mineral salt in the prevention of cumulative cooper poisoning (CCP) in sheep, through clinical and hepatic copper and molybdenum concentrations. Twenty five crossbreed Ile-de-France sheep were randomly distributed equally into five groups. Group 1 received a 80% forage and 20% concentrate diet, groups 2 and 3 received a 50% forage and 50% concentrate diet, and groups 4 and 5 received the same diet as groups 2 and 3 with a daily supplementation of 150 mg of copper sulfate. Groups 1, 3 and 5 received a mineral salt with 300 ppm of molybdenum. Three times during the experiment a liver biopsy was carried out to evaluate the degree of copper accumulation. Three sheep from group 4 and one sheep from group 5 showed a clinical picture of CCP. There was no difference in the frequency of mortality between groups 4 and 5 (P=0.56). The liver copper concentration was higher in sheep with CCP (2450 ppm) compared to sheep that did not present CCP (1518 ppm). The higher the ingestion of molybdenum in the diet the lower the liver copper concentration at the end of the experiment (r=-0.72).(AU)

Utilização de sal mineral rico em molibdênio na prevenção da intoxicação cúprica acumulativa em ovinos - microminerais hepáticos / Use of molybdenum rich mineral mix in the prevention of cumulative cooper poisoning in sheep - hepatic microminerals

Este estudo avaliou a capacidade de um sal mineral rico em molibdênio (Mo) em prevenir a intoxicação cúprica acumulativa (ICA), mediante a análise das variáveis clínicas e dos teores de cobre (Cu) e Mo hepático. Foram utilizados 25 ovinos cruzados da raça Ile-de-France, aleatoriamente distribuídos igualmente em cinco grupos, em que o grupo 1 recebia dieta contendo 80% de volumoso e 20% de concentrado, os grupos 2 e 3 recebiam 50% de volumoso e 50% de concentrado, e os grupos 4 e 5 recebiam a mesma dieta dos grupos 2 e 3, com a adição diária de 150mg de sulfato de Cu. Os grupos 1, 3 e 5 recebiam sal mineral contendo 300ppm de Mo. Foram realizadas três biópsias hepáticas para determinação de Cu, Mo e Zn. Três ovinos do grupo 4 e um do grupo 5 manifestaram ICA. Não houve diferença na frequência de mortalidade entre os grupos (P=0,56). Os teores de Cu hepático nos ovinos com ICA (2450ppm) foram superiores aos que não intoxicaram (1518ppm). Quanto maior a ingestão de Mo na dieta, menor foi o acúmulo de Cu hepático ao término do experimento (r = -0,72).(AU)

The aim of this project is to evaluate the capacity of a molybdenum-rich mineral salt in the prevention of cumulative cooper poisoning (CCP) in sheep, through clinical and hepatic copper and molybdenum concentrations. Twenty five crossbreed Ile-de-France sheep were randomly distributed equally into five groups. Group 1 received a 80% forage and 20% concentrate diet, groups 2 and 3 received a 50% forage and 50% concentrate diet, and groups 4 and 5 received the same diet as groups 2 and 3 with a daily supplementation of 150 mg of copper sulfate. Groups 1, 3 and 5 received a mineral salt with 300 ppm of molybdenum. Three times during the experiment a liver biopsy was carried out to evaluate the degree of copper accumulation. Three sheep from group 4 and one sheep from group 5 showed a clinical picture of CCP. There was no difference in the frequency of mortality between groups 4 and 5 (P=0.56). The liver copper concentration was higher in sheep with CCP (2450 ppm) compared to sheep that did not present CCP (1518 ppm). The higher the ingestion of molybdenum in the diet the lower the liver copper concentration at the end of the experiment (r=-0.72).(AU)

Chronic copper toxicity in sheep fed grape marc / Intoxicação crônica por cobre em ovinos alimentados com bagaço de uva

Background: Sheep are very sensitive to excess copper, and therefore, cases of poisoning are frequently seen in this species. The chronic form of poisoning is the most often reported in this species, and is characterized by a subclinical stage, in which copper accumulates in the liver for weeks or even months, and an acute phase, which progresses with the release of hepatic copper in the bloodstream, culminating in intravascular hemolysis, anemia, jaundice and hemoglobinuria. The aim of this paper is to describe an outbreak of chronic copper poisoning in Texel sheep, fed grape marc. Case: A visit to a farm located in Westfalia, Rio Grande do Sul was performed in order to investigate the cause of the death of 15 Texel sheep of different ages, out of a flock of 75 animals, in the interval of one month. The sheep were fed on grape marc, native grass and corn bran. Clinical signs of hemoglobinuria and apathy were recorded in the affected sheep. Two sheep were necropsied (Sheep 1 and 2), and fragments of tissues were collected in 10% formalin solution and processed in routine histological techniques. The slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin technique, and additionally, the liver slides were stained with rubeanic acid and Prussian blue. Fragments of the liver of the sheep submitted to necropsy, as well as samples of grape marc that the sheep were consuming were taken to...(AU)

Chronic copper toxicity in sheep fed grape marc / Intoxicação crônica por cobre em ovinos alimentados com bagaço de uva

Background: Sheep are very sensitive to excess copper, and therefore, cases of poisoning are frequently seen in this species. The chronic form of poisoning is the most often reported in this species, and is characterized by a subclinical stage, in which copper accumulates in the liver for weeks or even months, and an acute phase, which progresses with the release of hepatic copper in the bloodstream, culminating in intravascular hemolysis, anemia, jaundice and hemoglobinuria. The aim of this paper is to describe an outbreak of chronic copper poisoning in Texel sheep, fed grape marc. Case: A visit to a farm located in Westfalia, Rio Grande do Sul was performed in order to investigate the cause of the death of 15 Texel sheep of different ages, out of a flock of 75 animals, in the interval of one month. The sheep were fed on grape marc, native grass and corn bran. Clinical signs of hemoglobinuria and apathy were recorded in the affected sheep. Two sheep were necropsied (Sheep 1 and 2), and fragments of tissues were collected in 10% formalin solution and processed in routine histological techniques. The slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin technique, and additionally, the liver slides were stained with rubeanic acid and Prussian blue. Fragments of the liver of the sheep submitted to necropsy, as well as samples of grape marc that the sheep were consuming were taken to...