Primary Photosensitization by Chamaecrista serpens in Santa Inês Sheep.

This study aimed to clarify the type of photosensitization induced by C. serpens and to verify if the plant remains toxic after being collected and stored. Eight crossbred sheep, aged between 6 and 36 months, were divided into three groups (G1 to G3). Over 30 days, daily, G1 received an exclusive diet of C. serpens, and G2 and G3 received 10 g/kg/BW and 20 g/kg/BW, respectively. Two other sheep were used as controls (CG). Before administration, the plant had been harvested every 15 days. Liver biopsies and blood samples were taken from all sheep on day zero and weekly. All sheep that received the plant developed clinical signs of photosensitization, and no changes were observed in the serum activities of AST and GGT. On day 30, all sheep except Ov1 from G1 and Ov7 were euthanized and necropsied. All sheep that received the plant developed clinical signs. Macroscopic or histologic lesions were not observed in the liver. Ov 1 recovered 13 days after the end of ingestion. These results demonstrated that C. serpens causes primary photosensitization. It is advisable to avoid grazing on pastures invaded by the plant or to remove them from the pastures immediately after observing the first signs.

Accidental monensin poisoning in buffaloes in Bahia, Brazil / Intoxicação acidental por monensina em búfalos na Bahia, Brasil

Monensin is an ionophore antibiotic (IA) widely used for growth promotion and weight gain in the production of ruminants. However, it has caused intoxication in several species, including buffaloes, mainly because of the ignorance or disrespect of the recommendations for use in each animal species. The objective of this study was to describe, for the first time, clinical-epidemiological and anatomopathological data of an outbreak of accidental poisoning by monensin in buffalos and rediscuss the recommendation of the use of IA in the production of this species. The outbreak affected 21 adult buffaloes after consumption of remains from a feed formulated on the farm and whose constituents were mixed by hand. Clinical and first death signs were observed 24 hours after ingestion of this food. In general, the clinical picture was characterized by muscle weakness, tremors, difficulty in locomotion, and decubitus. Fifteen buffaloes presented clinical signs of poisoning (71.5% morbidity), followed by death (100% lethality), after acute to subacute evolution (<24h to 96h). Laboratory tests indicated elevated serum activity of creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes. Three buffaloes underwent necropsy, and samples from several organs were collected for histopathological examination. The main injuries found were hyaline degeneration and multifocal segmental necrosis in the skeletal and cardiac striated muscles (myopathy and degenerative-necrotic multifocal multifocal-necrotic cardiopathy). The diagnosis was confirmed by the toxicological evaluation of suspected ration remains, which detected 461.67mg/kg of monensin. The death of 71.5% buffaloes in this lot occurred due to a succession of errors, which included faults in the formulation of the ration and, above all, due to the use of monensin in a highly sensitive species. Despite the possible beneficial effects of IA use as a dietary supplement for buffaloes, we are of the opinion that IAs should never be used in bubalinoculture since any increment in production does not compensate for the imminent risk of death due to a small safety margin for this species and the absence of antidotes.(AU)

Monensina é um antibiótico ionóforo (AI) amplamente empregado na produção de ruminantes para promoção de crescimento e ganho de peso, mas que tem causado intoxicação em diversas espécies, incluindo os búfalos, principalmente, pelo desconhecimento ou desrespeito das recomendações de uso e às particularidades de cada espécie animal. Objetivou-se descrever, pela primeira vez na Bahia, dados clínico-epidemiológicos e anatomopatológicos de um surto de intoxicação acidental por monensina em búfalos e rediscutir a recomendação do uso de AI na produção de bubalinos. O surto acometeu um lote de 21 búfalos adultos após consumo de sobras de uma ração para bovinos formulada na fazenda e cujos constituintes eram misturados à mão. Os sinais clínicos e primeiros óbitos foram observados 24 horas após a ingestão dessa ração. O quadro clínico, em geral, se caracterizou por fraqueza muscular, tremores, dificuldade de locomoção e decúbito. Quinze búfalos apresentaram sinais clínicos de intoxicação (morbidade 71,5%), seguido de morte (letalidade 100%), após evolução aguda a subaguda (<24h até 96h). Exames laboratoriais indicaram acentuada elevação na atividade sérica das enzimas CPK e AST. Três búfalos foram necropsiados, sendo coletadas amostras de diversos órgãos para exame histopatológico. A principal lesão encontrada foi degeneração hialina e necrose segmentar multifocal nos músculos estriados esqueléticos e cardíacos (miopatia e cardiopatia degenerativo-necrótica tóxica multifocal polifásica). O diagnóstico foi confirmado pela avaliação toxicológica das sobras da ração suspeita, que detectou 461,67mg/kg de monensina. A morte de 71,5% dos búfalos deste lote ocorreu devido a uma sucessão de erros, que incluíram falhas na formulação da ração e, sobretudo, devido ao uso da monensina em uma espécie altamente sensível. Enfatizamos que, apesar dos possíveis efeitos benéficos do uso AIs como suplemento dietético para bubalinos, somos da opinião que os AIs nunca devem ser empregados na bubalinocultura, uma vez que os eventuais incrementos na produção não compensam o risco iminente de morte, devido a pequena margem de segurança para essa espécie e a inexistência de antídotos.(AU)

Accidental monensin poisoning in buffaloes in Bahia, Brazil / Intoxicação acidental por monensina em búfalos na Bahia, Brasil

Monensin is an ionophore antibiotic (IA) widely used for growth promotion and weight gain in the production of ruminants. However, it has caused intoxication in several species, including buffaloes, mainly because of the ignorance or disrespect of the recommendations for use in each animal species. The objective of this study was to describe, for the first time, clinical-epidemiological and anatomopathological data of an outbreak of accidental poisoning by monensin in buffalos and rediscuss the recommendation of the use of IA in the production of this species. The outbreak affected 21 adult buffaloes after consumption of remains from a feed formulated on the farm and whose constituents were mixed by hand. Clinical and first death signs were observed 24 hours after ingestion of this food. In general, the clinical picture was characterized by muscle weakness, tremors, difficulty in locomotion, and decubitus. Fifteen buffaloes presented clinical signs of poisoning (71.5% morbidity), followed by death (100% lethality), after acute to subacute evolution (<24h to 96h). Laboratory tests indicated elevated serum activity of creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes. Three buffaloes underwent necropsy, and samples from several organs were collected for histopathological examination. The main injuries found were hyaline degeneration and multifocal segmental necrosis in the skeletal and cardiac striated muscles (myopathy and degenerative-necrotic multifocal multifocal-necrotic cardiopathy). The diagnosis was confirmed by the toxicological evaluation of suspected ration remains, which detected 461.67mg/kg of monensin. The death of 71.5% buffaloes in this lot occurred due to a succession of errors, which included faults in the formulation of the ration and, above all, due to the use of monensin in a highly sensitive species. Despite the possible beneficial effects of IA use as a dietary supplement for buffaloes, we are of the opinion that IAs should never be used in bubalinoculture since any increment in production does not compensate for the imminent risk of death due to a small safety margin for this species and the absence of antidotes.

Monensina é um antibiótico ionóforo (AI) amplamente empregado na produção de ruminantes para promoção de crescimento e ganho de peso, mas que tem causado intoxicação em diversas espécies, incluindo os búfalos, principalmente, pelo desconhecimento ou desrespeito das recomendações de uso e às particularidades de cada espécie animal. Objetivou-se descrever, pela primeira vez na Bahia, dados clínico-epidemiológicos e anatomopatológicos de um surto de intoxicação acidental por monensina em búfalos e rediscutir a recomendação do uso de AI na produção de bubalinos. O surto acometeu um lote de 21 búfalos adultos após consumo de sobras de uma ração para bovinos formulada na fazenda e cujos constituintes eram misturados à mão. Os sinais clínicos e primeiros óbitos foram observados 24 horas após a ingestão dessa ração. O quadro clínico, em geral, se caracterizou por fraqueza muscular, tremores, dificuldade de locomoção e decúbito. Quinze búfalos apresentaram sinais clínicos de intoxicação (morbidade 71,5%), seguido de morte (letalidade 100%), após evolução aguda a subaguda (<24h até 96h). Exames laboratoriais indicaram acentuada elevação na atividade sérica das enzimas CPK e AST. Três búfalos foram necropsiados, sendo coletadas amostras de diversos órgãos para exame histopatológico. A principal lesão encontrada foi degeneração hialina e necrose segmentar multifocal nos músculos estriados esqueléticos e cardíacos (miopatia e cardiopatia degenerativo-necrótica tóxica multifocal polifásica). O diagnóstico foi confirmado pela avaliação toxicológica das sobras da ração suspeita, que detectou 461,67mg/kg de monensina. A morte de 71,5% dos búfalos deste lote ocorreu devido a uma sucessão de erros, que incluíram falhas na formulação da ração e, sobretudo, devido ao uso da monensina em uma espécie altamente sensível. Enfatizamos que, apesar dos possíveis efeitos benéficos do uso AIs como suplemento dietético para bubalinos, somos da opinião que os AIs nunca devem ser empregados na bubalinocultura, uma vez que os eventuais incrementos na produção não compensam o risco iminente de morte, devido a pequena margem de segurança para essa espécie e a inexistência de antídotos.

Accidental monensin poisoning in buffaloes in Bahia, Brazil

ABSTRACT: Monensin is an ionophore antibiotic (IA) widely used for growth promotion and weight gain in the production of ruminants. However, it has caused intoxication in several species, including buffaloes, mainly because of the ignorance or disrespect of the recommendations for use in each animal species. The objective of this study was to describe, for the first time, clinical-epidemiological and anatomopathological data of an outbreak of accidental poisoning by monensin in buffalos and rediscuss the recommendation of the use of IA in the production of this species. The outbreak affected 21 adult buffaloes after consumption of remains from a feed formulated on the farm and whose constituents were mixed by hand. Clinical and first death signs were observed 24 hours after ingestion of this food. In general, the clinical picture was characterized by muscle weakness, tremors, difficulty in locomotion, and decubitus. Fifteen buffaloes presented clinical signs of poisoning (71.5% morbidity), followed by death (100% lethality), after acute to subacute evolution ( 24h to 96h). Laboratory tests indicated elevated serum activity of creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes. Three buffaloes underwent necropsy, and samples from several organs were collected for histopathological examination. The main injuries found were hyaline degeneration and multifocal segmental necrosis in the skeletal and cardiac striated muscles (myopathy and degenerative-necrotic multifocal multifocal-necrotic cardiopathy). The diagnosis was confirmed by the toxicological evaluation of suspected ration remains, which detected 461.67mg/kg of monensin. The death of 71.5% buffaloes in this lot occurred due to a succession of errors, which included faults in the formulation of the ration and, above all, due to the use of monensin in a highly sensitive species. Despite the possible beneficial effects of IA use as a dietary supplement for buffaloes, we are of the opinion that IAs should never be used in bubalinoculture since any increment in production does not compensate for the imminent risk of death due to a small safety margin for this species and the absence of antidotes.

RESUMO: Monensina é um antibiótico ionóforo (AI) amplamente empregado na produção de ruminantes para promoção de crescimento e ganho de peso, mas que tem causado intoxicação em diversas espécies, incluindo os búfalos, principalmente, pelo desconhecimento ou desrespeito das recomendações de uso e às particularidades de cada espécie animal. Objetivou-se descrever, pela primeira vez na Bahia, dados clínico-epidemiológicos e anatomopatológicos de um surto de intoxicação acidental por monensina em búfalos e rediscutir a recomendação do uso de AI na produção de bubalinos. O surto acometeu um lote de 21 búfalos adultos após consumo de sobras de uma ração para bovinos formulada na fazenda e cujos constituintes eram misturados à mão. Os sinais clínicos e primeiros óbitos foram observados 24 horas após a ingestão dessa ração. O quadro clínico, em geral, se caracterizou por fraqueza muscular, tremores, dificuldade de locomoção e decúbito. Quinze búfalos apresentaram sinais clínicos de intoxicação (morbidade 71,5%), seguido de morte (letalidade 100%), após evolução aguda a subaguda ( 24h até 96h). Exames laboratoriais indicaram acentuada elevação na atividade sérica das enzimas CPK e AST. Três búfalos foram necropsiados, sendo coletadas amostras de diversos órgãos para exame histopatológico. A principal lesão encontrada foi degeneração hialina e necrose segmentar multifocal nos músculos estriados esqueléticos e cardíacos (miopatia e cardiopatia degenerativo-necrótica tóxica multifocal polifásica). O diagnóstico foi confirmado pela avaliação toxicológica das sobras da ração suspeita, que detectou 461,67mg/kg de monensina. A morte de 71,5% dos búfalos deste lote ocorreu devido a uma sucessão de erros, que incluíram falhas na formulação da ração e, sobretudo, devido ao uso da monensina em uma espécie altamente sensível. Enfatizamos que, apesar dos possíveis efeitos benéficos do uso AIs como suplemento dietético para bubalinos, somos da opinião que os AIs nunca devem ser empregados na bubalinocultura, uma vez que os eventuais incrementos na produção não compensam o risco iminente de morte, devido a pequena margem de segurança para essa espécie e a inexistência de antídotos.

A dicephalus calf: anatomical, pathological and radiographic aspects

Congenital malformations are morphofunctional abnormalities of tissues and organs that can occur during embryonic or fetal development in all animal species. Among these, dicephalus is characterized by the development of an individual with two heads and two necks, due to the total duplication of facial, cranial, and brain structures. Reports of dicephalus in cattle are scarce and do not normally emphasize radiographic and bone anatomy characteristics. The objective was to describe a case of a stillborn dicephalus calf. The duplication of the head, brain, neck, and two thoracic vertebral columns, isolated from each other, with 13 vertebrae each was verified radiographically. There were 13 pairs of ribs, the ones on the right side articulated with the thoracic spine on the right and the left ones with the spine on the left. Caudally at T13, there was only one lumbar spine, sacral and coccygeal. In the ventrodorsal projection, L1, L2, L3, and L6 had the shape of a butterfly (suggestive of hemivertebrae). At necropsy, in addition to craniocervical and spinal morphological changes, collapsed lungs, duplication of the heart with anastomosis between the aortic arches of the hearts, and duplication of the upper digestive tract were observed. Additionally, there was arthrogryposis of the pelvic limbs. Corpse maceration, followed by the skeletal assembly, showed the bone changes previously observed and confirmed the suspicion of hemivertebrae.

A dicephalus calf: anatomical, pathological and radiographic aspects

Congenital malformations are morphofunctional abnormalities of tissues and organs that can occur during embryonic or fetal development in all animal species. Among these, dicephalus is characterized by the development of an individual with two heads and two necks, due to the total duplication of facial, cranial, and brain structures. Reports of dicephalus in cattle are scarce and do not normally emphasize radiographic and bone anatomy characteristics. The objective was to describe a case of a stillborn dicephalus calf. The duplication of the head, brain, neck, and two thoracic vertebral columns, isolated from each other, with 13 vertebrae each was verified radiographically. There were 13 pairs of ribs, the ones on the right side articulated with the thoracic spine on the right and the left ones with the spine on the left. Caudally at T13, there was only one lumbar spine, sacral and coccygeal. In the ventrodorsal projection, L1, L2, L3, and L6 had the shape of a butterfly (suggestive of hemivertebrae). At necropsy, in addition to craniocervical and spinal morphological changes, collapsed lungs, duplication of the heart with anastomosis between the aortic arches of the hearts, and duplication of the upper digestive tract were observed. Additionally, there was arthrogryposis of the pelvic limbs. Corpse maceration, followed by the skeletal assembly, showed the bone changes previously observed and confirmed the suspicion of hemivertebrae.(AU)

Hepatogenous photosensitization in ruminants and horses caused by the ingestion of Chamaecrista serpens in Brazil.

This study aimed to describe the first reports of outbreaks of hepatogenous photosensitization in cattle, sheep, and horses caused by spontaneous ingestion of Chamaecrista serpens, as well as to reproduce poisoning in sheep experimentally. Eleven photodermatitis outbreaks of unknown cause occurred in cattle, sheep and horses on nine farms in the semiarid region of Bahia, northeastern Brazil, between July 2017 and July 2020. Cutaneous lesions of photosensitization initiated until one week after the animals were introduced in paddocks invaded by the plant at the beginning of the rainy season. The photosensitive skin lesions were progressive and consisted of hyperemia, edema, ulcerative-crusted lesions with necrosis, especially in non-pigmented skin areas. The lesions in young animals were more severe. The animals avoided the sun and exhibited hyporexia, weight loss, restlessness, irritability, and severe itching. An experimental study was made using seven sheep, and resulted in photodermatitis, similar to that observed in the natural poisoning, seven days after the beginning of plant ingestion. Two sheep were reserved for the control group. Serum biochemistry changes indicated liver injury caused by the plant. Skin biopsies and liver biopsy guided by ultrasound were performed. The one sheep that had more pronounced skin lesions was euthanized and necropsied. At the necropsy, the liver was enlarged, diffusely pale, and firm, with an evident lobular pattern and an empty gallbladder. Histopathology revealed similar skin and liver lesions in samples from biopsies and the necropsy. There was a marked disorganization of the cords of hepatocytes associated with degenerative necrotic changes on the liver. The cutaneous injuries included orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis, acanthosis, and extensive areas of epidermic necrosis and ulceration. Three sheep were protected from sunlight and the lesions regressed within 45 days after the plant's consumption ceased. In conclusion, C. serpens causes hepatogenous photosensitization in ruminants and horses, and should be included in the list of differential diagnoses in cases of photosensitive dermatitis.

Chondrodysplasia Bulldog type in cattle in the state of Bahia, Brazil

Chondrodysplasia is a congenital or hereditary disorder of the endochondral ossification that results in several degrees of disproportionate dwarfism. Reports of this disease are scarce in the national literature and do not emphasize radiographic characteristics. The goal of this study was to describe the clinicopathological and radiographic aspects of a case of Bulldog type chondrodysplasia in a crossbred bovine fetus in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The fetus exhibited arounded and disproportionate skull, bilateral exophthalmos, inferior brachygnathism, partial tongue protrusion, extremely short limbs, short vertebral column and ventral abdominal hernia. Radiographic evaluation revealed that the diaphysis were the only calcified bone portions of the limbs, that the vertebral column was shortened without vertebral spinal processes and that there was craniofacial disproportion. Microscopic of the femur showed an irregular epiphyseal plaque, formed by denseclusters of chondrocytes with absence of growth plate zones. The metaphysis was markedly short and consisted of thick bony trabeculae, surrounded by cartilaginous islands. It was concluded that fetuses with Bulldog type chondrodysplasia exhibit slight morphological and radiographic variation according to the affected breed and that the gene carrier of chondrodysplasia is present in the miniature Jersey and Punganur population in the state of Bahia.(AU)

Chondrodysplasia Bulldog type in cattle in the state of Bahia, Brazil

Chondrodysplasia is a congenital or hereditary disorder of the endochondral ossification that results in several degrees of disproportionate dwarfism. Reports of this disease are scarce in the national literature and do not emphasize radiographic characteristics. The goal of this study was to describe the clinicopathological and radiographic aspects of a case of Bulldog type chondrodysplasia in a crossbred bovine fetus in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The fetus exhibited arounded and disproportionate skull, bilateral exophthalmos, inferior brachygnathism, partial tongue protrusion, extremely short limbs, short vertebral column and ventral abdominal hernia. Radiographic evaluation revealed that the diaphysis were the only calcified bone portions of the limbs, that the vertebral column was shortened without vertebral spinal processes and that there was craniofacial disproportion. Microscopic of the femur showed an irregular epiphyseal plaque, formed by denseclusters of chondrocytes with absence of growth plate zones. The metaphysis was markedly short and consisted of thick bony trabeculae, surrounded by cartilaginous islands. It was concluded that fetuses with Bulldog type chondrodysplasia exhibit slight morphological and radiographic variation according to the affected breed and that the gene carrier of chondrodysplasia is present in the miniature Jersey and Punganur population in the state of Bahia.

Cattle diseases in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil: a 24-year survey (1995-2018) / Doenças de bovinos em Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil: uma pesquisa de 24 anos (1995-2018)

We reviewed the records of 5,083 cattle necropsies performed from January 1995 to December 2018 and filed at the Laboratory of Anatomic Pathology (LAP) of the "Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul" (UFMS). These necropsies were performed either by LAP-UFMS faculty (22.33%) or by field veterinary practitioners (77.67%) who subsequently submitted material for histological evaluation at the LAP-UFMS. Conclusive diagnoses were reached in 46.21% of the protocols (2,349 cases), and approximately 65% of the cases were classified as inflammatory or parasitic diseases, with rabies being the most diagnosed disease (20.82% of total conclusive diagnosis). There were a large number of protocols in which the diagnosis was of nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis of unknown cause (NSMUC). Those were the main differentials for rabies and bovine herpesvirus-5 necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME); that is, the number of rabies cases may be even higher if one considers that many cases of NSMUC might be undiagnosed rabies cases. Toxic and toxic-infectious diseases were the second most prevalent category, and botulism cases represented 41% of this category. The other categories corresponded to less than 20% of the total diagnoses and were distributed in decreasing order of frequency as degenerative diseases (9.79%), diseases caused by physical agents (3.87%), other diseases (2.13%), neoplasms and tumor-like lesions (1.79%), metabolic or nutritional disorders (1.75%) and congenital malformations (0.64%). The large number of inconclusive diagnoses was mainly due to improper conditions of mailed-in material for histopathological evaluation, namely, nonrepresentative samples of all organs, autolysis, and the absence of epidemiological and clinical-pathological information.(AU)

Em um levantamento sobre doenças de bovinos, revisamos os protocolos de 5.083 necropsias de bovinos realizadas no período de janeiro de 1995 a dezembro de 2018 e arquivados no Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica (LAP) da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS). Essas necropsias foram realizadas pelos veterinários e professores do LAP-UFMS (22,33%) ou por médicos veterinários de campo (77,67%) que, posteriormente, submeteram ao LAP-UFMS material para avaliação histológica. Diagnósticos foram conclusivos em 46,21% dos casos protocolados (2349), e aproximadamente 65% deles foram classificados como doenças inflamatórias ou parasitárias, sendo a raiva a doença mais diagnosticada (20,82% dos diagnósticos conclusivos). Havia um grande número de protocolos nos quais o diagnóstico era de encefalite/meningoencefalite não supurativa de causa indeterminada, para o qual os dois principais diferenciais são raiva e meningoencefalite necrosante por herpesvírus bovino; isso sugere que o número de casos de raiva pode ser ainda maior, se considerarmos que muitos destes podem ser casos de raiva não diagnosticados adequadamente. As doenças tóxicas e toxi-infecciosas foram a segunda categoria mais prevalente; dentre elas, os casos de botulismo compuseram 41%. As demais categorias corresponderam a menos de 20% do total de diagnósticos e foram distribuídas em ordem decrescente de frequência, em doenças degenerativas (9,79%), doenças causadas por agentes físicos (3,87%), outras doenças (2,13%), neoplasmas e lesões tumoriformes (1,79%), distúrbios metabólicos ou nutricionais (1,75%) e malformações congênitas (0,64%). O grande número de diagnósticos inconclusivos deveu-se principalmente às condições inadequadas do material enviado ao LAP-FAMEZ para avaliação histopatológica, ou seja, amostras não representativas de todos os órgãos, autolisadas ou acompanhadas de poucas de informações epidemiológicas e clínico-patológicas.(AU)

Cattle diseases in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil: a 24-year survey (1995-2018) / Doenças de bovinos em Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil: uma pesquisa de 24 anos (1995-2018)

We reviewed the records of 5,083 cattle necropsies performed from January 1995 to December 2018 and filed at the Laboratory of Anatomic Pathology (LAP) of the "Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul" (UFMS). These necropsies were performed either by LAP-UFMS faculty (22.33%) or by field veterinary practitioners (77.67%) who subsequently submitted material for histological evaluation at the LAP-UFMS. Conclusive diagnoses were reached in 46.21% of the protocols (2,349 cases), and approximately 65% of the cases were classified as inflammatory or parasitic diseases, with rabies being the most diagnosed disease (20.82% of total conclusive diagnosis). There were a large number of protocols in which the diagnosis was of nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis of unknown cause (NSMUC). Those were the main differentials for rabies and bovine herpesvirus-5 necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME); that is, the number of rabies cases may be even higher if one considers that many cases of NSMUC might be undiagnosed rabies cases. Toxic and toxic-infectious diseases were the second most prevalent category, and botulism cases represented 41% of this category. The other categories corresponded to less than 20% of the total diagnoses and were distributed in decreasing order of frequency as degenerative diseases (9.79%), diseases caused by physical agents (3.87%), other diseases (2.13%), neoplasms and tumor-like lesions (1.79%), metabolic or nutritional disorders (1.75%) and congenital malformations (0.64%). The large number of inconclusive diagnoses was mainly due to improper conditions of mailed-in material for histopathological evaluation, namely, nonrepresentative samples of all organs, autolysis, and the absence of epidemiological and clinical-pathological information.(AU)

Em um levantamento sobre doenças de bovinos, revisamos os protocolos de 5.083 necropsias de bovinos realizadas no período de janeiro de 1995 a dezembro de 2018 e arquivados no Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica (LAP) da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS). Essas necropsias foram realizadas pelos veterinários e professores do LAP-UFMS (22,33%) ou por médicos veterinários de campo (77,67%) que, posteriormente, submeteram ao LAP-UFMS material para avaliação histológica. Diagnósticos foram conclusivos em 46,21% dos casos protocolados (2349), e aproximadamente 65% deles foram classificados como doenças inflamatórias ou parasitárias, sendo a raiva a doença mais diagnosticada (20,82% dos diagnósticos conclusivos). Havia um grande número de protocolos nos quais o diagnóstico era de encefalite/meningoencefalite não supurativa de causa indeterminada, para o qual os dois principais diferenciais são raiva e meningoencefalite necrosante por herpesvírus bovino; isso sugere que o número de casos de raiva pode ser ainda maior, se considerarmos que muitos destes podem ser casos de raiva não diagnosticados adequadamente. As doenças tóxicas e toxi-infecciosas foram a segunda categoria mais prevalente; dentre elas, os casos de botulismo compuseram 41%. As demais categorias corresponderam a menos de 20% do total de diagnósticos e foram distribuídas em ordem decrescente de frequência, em doenças degenerativas (9,79%), doenças causadas por agentes físicos (3,87%), outras doenças (2,13%), neoplasmas e lesões tumoriformes (1,79%), distúrbios metabólicos ou nutricionais (1,75%) e malformações congênitas (0,64%). O grande número de diagnósticos inconclusivos deveu-se principalmente às condições inadequadas do material enviado ao LAP-FAMEZ para avaliação histopatológica, ou seja, amostras não representativas de todos os órgãos, autolisadas ou acompanhadas de poucas de informações epidemiológicas e clínico-patológicas.(AU)

Toxicity of the different vegetative stages of Amorimia pubiflora to sheep.

Toxic plants containing monofluoroacetate (MFA) cause sudden death in livestock in Australia, South Africa and Brazil, causing economic losses to producers. The objective of this study was to determine the amount of MFA present in young leaves, mature leaves, senescent leaves, and seeds of Amorimia pubiflora harvested at different times of the year and to determine their toxic effect on sheep. Samples of Amorimia pubiflora were collected during April, August and December of 2015 and March of 2016, separated according to the vegetative stage (young leaves, seeds, mature leaves, and senescent leaves), dried in an oven, and administered in daily doses of 5 g/kg/body weight (bw) of fresh leaves to sheep through ruminal cannulae. The experiment was divided into four stages according to the time of collection of the plant so that each sheep received a different vegetative stage of the plant (young leaves, mature leaves, and senescent leaves). Only in the second stage of the experiment was it possible to collect A. pubiflora seeds, which were administered using the same method used for the administration of the leaves. The sheep were dosed with the plant until they showed clinical signs of toxicosis or until the plant was no longer available. Aliquots of leaves and seeds of A. pubiflora were analyzed for MFA concentration. The seeds and young leaves had higher concentrations of MFA than did the mature (harvested in August and December) and senescent (harvested in December) leaves. However, all vegetative stages of the plant were toxic and caused fatal poisoning. The results of our study showed that A. pubiflora is toxic to sheep even when MFA concentrations are low, demonstrating that the presence of this substance is a risk factor for the occurrence of poisoning. Knowing the toxic principle and its variations allow us to determine the conditions for the occurrence of plant toxicosis as well as possible treatment, control, and prophylaxis methods, contributing significantly to the reduction of economic losses on farms due to plant poisoning.

Cattle diseases in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil: a 24-year survey (1995-2018)

ABSTRACT: We reviewed the records of 5,083 cattle necropsies performed from January 1995 to December 2018 and filed at the Laboratory of Anatomic Pathology (LAP) of the Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS). These necropsies were performed either by LAP-UFMS faculty (22.33%) or by field veterinary practitioners (77.67%) who subsequently submitted material for histological evaluation at the LAP-UFMS. Conclusive diagnoses were reached in 46.21% of the protocols (2,349 cases), and approximately 65% of the cases were classified as inflammatory or parasitic diseases, with rabies being the most diagnosed disease (20.82% of total conclusive diagnosis). There were a large number of protocols in which the diagnosis was of nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis of unknown cause (NSMUC). Those were the main differentials for rabies and bovine herpesvirus-5 necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME); that is, the number of rabies cases may be even higher if one considers that many cases of NSMUC might be undiagnosed rabies cases. Toxic and toxic-infectious diseases were the second most prevalent category, and botulism cases represented 41% of this category. The other categories corresponded to less than 20% of the total diagnoses and were distributed in decreasing order of frequency as degenerative diseases (9.79%), diseases caused by physical agents (3.87%), other diseases (2.13%), neoplasms and tumor-like lesions (1.79%), metabolic or nutritional disorders (1.75%) and congenital malformations (0.64%). The large number of inconclusive diagnoses was mainly due to improper conditions of mailed-in material for histopathological evaluation, namely, nonrepresentative samples of all organs, autolysis, and the absence of epidemiological and clinical-pathological information.

RESUMO: Em um levantamento sobre doenças de bovinos, revisamos os protocolos de 5.083 necropsias de bovinos realizadas no período de janeiro de 1995 a dezembro de 2018 e arquivados no Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica (LAP) da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS). Essas necropsias foram realizadas pelos veterinários e professores do LAP-UFMS (22,33%) ou por médicos veterinários de campo (77,67%) que, posteriormente, submeteram ao LAP-UFMS material para avaliação histológica. Diagnósticos foram conclusivos em 46,21% dos casos protocolados (2349), e aproximadamente 65% deles foram classificados como doenças inflamatórias ou parasitárias, sendo a raiva a doença mais diagnosticada (20,82% dos diagnósticos conclusivos). Havia um grande número de protocolos nos quais o diagnóstico era de encefalite/meningoencefalite não supurativa de causa indeterminada, para o qual os dois principais diferenciais são raiva e meningoencefalite necrosante por herpesvírus bovino; isso sugere que o número de casos de raiva pode ser ainda maior, se considerarmos que muitos destes podem ser casos de raiva não diagnosticados adequadamente. As doenças tóxicas e toxi-infecciosas foram a segunda categoria mais prevalente; dentre elas, os casos de botulismo compuseram 41%. As demais categorias corresponderam a menos de 20% do total de diagnósticos e foram distribuídas em ordem decrescente de frequência, em doenças degenerativas (9,79%), doenças causadas por agentes físicos (3,87%), outras doenças (2,13%), neoplasmas e lesões tumoriformes (1,79%), distúrbios metabólicos ou nutricionais (1,75%) e malformações congênitas (0,64%). O grande número de diagnósticos inconclusivos deveu-se principalmente às condições inadequadas do material enviado ao LAP-FAMEZ para avaliação histopatológica, ou seja, amostras não representativas de todos os órgãos, autolisadas ou acompanhadas de poucas de informações epidemiológicas e clínico-patológicas.

Economic impact of an outbreak of botulism in a cattle feedlot / Impacto econômico de um surto de botulismo em confinamento de bovinos

Botulism is a febrile disease, fatal in most cases, which affects the muscles of locomotion, chewing, and swallowing, as well as the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, causing flaccid paralysis and respiratory arrest. In bovines, the etiology is due to the ingestion of neurotoxins types C and D formed by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum in an animal or vegetal substance, during decomposition. Vaccination is one of the most effective prophylactic means to prevent this disease. In this study, an outbreak of botulism was evaluated in a feedlot with 6,300 finishing cattle, wherein 25 died as a consequence of contracting this disease. The economic losses resulting from the deaths were analyzed, and economic analysis was conducted, involving the estimated cost of vaccination for the whole herd under risk, with the objective of evaluating whether this prophylactic practice is a viable action plan. The financial loss due to the deaths resulting from botulism in the case studied was found to be R$55,560.00, equivalent to 0.39% of the total monetary value of the herd. The cost of immunizing the entire herd under risk was 14.06% (for toxins exclusive to toxins C and D) and 22.22% (for polyvalent vaccines against clostridiosis) of the financial loss incurred as a consequence of the recorded deaths. It was concluded that botulism is a disease that can cause a significant economic impact on intensive livestock production systems, and that vaccination is an economically viable prophylactic action if performed with adequate sanitary planning.(AU)

O botulismo é uma doença afebril, fatal na maioria dos casos, que afeta os músculos da locomoção, mastigação, deglutição e também o diafragma e os músculos intercostais, causando paralisia flácida e parada respiratória. Nos bovinos a etiologia é devido à ingestão de neurotoxinas tipos C e D previamente formadas pela bactéria Clostridium botulinum em matéria animal ou vegetal em decomposição. A vacinação é um dos meios profiláticos mais eficazes para prevenir esta doença. Neste trabalho, estudou-se um surto de botulismo em um confinamento com 6300 bovinos em terminação, no qual 25 morreram devido a esta doença. Foram analisadas as perdas econômicas em consequência das mortes, e por meio do percentual do prejuízo contabilizado, foi realizada uma análise econômica referente ao custo estimado da vacinação para todo do rebanho sob-risco com o objetivo de avaliar se esta prática profilática é um plano de ação viável. Como resultado, o prejuízo financeiro devido às mortes resultantes do botulismo no caso estudado foi de R$ 55.560,00 o equivalente a 0,39% do valor monetário total do rebanho. O custo da vacinação para imunizar todo o rebanho sob-risco foi equivalente a 14,06% (para vacinas exclusivas para toxinas C e D) e 22,22% (para vacinas polivalentes contra clostridioses) relativo ao prejuízo financeiro em consequência dos óbitos registrados. Concluiu-se que o botulismo é uma doença que pode provocar impacto econômico significativo em sistemas de corte intensivos em bovinos, e que, a vacinação é um meio profilático economicamente viável se for realizada por meio de um planejamento sanitário adequado.(AU)

Economic impact of an outbreak of botulism in a cattle feedlot / Impacto econômico de um surto de botulismo em confinamento de bovinos

Botulism is a febrile disease, fatal in most cases, which affects the muscles of locomotion, chewing, and swallowing, as well as the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, causing flaccid paralysis and respiratory arrest. In bovines, the etiology is due to the ingestion of neurotoxins types C and D formed by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum in an animal or vegetal substance, during decomposition. Vaccination is one of the most effective prophylactic means to prevent this disease. In this study, an outbreak of botulism was evaluated in a feedlot with 6,300 finishing cattle, wherein 25 died as a consequence of contracting this disease. The economic losses resulting from the deaths were analyzed, and economic analysis was conducted, involving the estimated cost of vaccination for the whole herd under risk, with the objective of evaluating whether this prophylactic practice is a viable action plan. The financial loss due to the deaths resulting from botulism in the case studied was found to be R$55,560.00, equivalent to 0.39% of the total monetary value of the herd. The cost of immunizing the entire herd under risk was 14.06% (for toxins exclusive to toxins C and D) and 22.22% (for polyvalent vaccines against clostridiosis) of the financial loss incurred as a consequence of the recorded deaths. It was concluded that botulism is a disease that can cause a significant economic impact on intensive livestock production systems, and that vaccination is an economically viable prophylactic action if performed with adequate sanitary planning.(AU)

O botulismo é uma doença afebril, fatal na maioria dos casos, que afeta os músculos da locomoção, mastigação, deglutição e também o diafragma e os músculos intercostais, causando paralisia flácida e parada respiratória. Nos bovinos a etiologia é devido à ingestão de neurotoxinas tipos C e D previamente formadas pela bactéria Clostridium botulinum em matéria animal ou vegetal em decomposição. A vacinação é um dos meios profiláticos mais eficazes para prevenir esta doença. Neste trabalho, estudou-se um surto de botulismo em um confinamento com 6300 bovinos em terminação, no qual 25 morreram devido a esta doença. Foram analisadas as perdas econômicas em consequência das mortes, e por meio do percentual do prejuízo contabilizado, foi realizada uma análise econômica referente ao custo estimado da vacinação para todo do rebanho sob-risco com o objetivo de avaliar se esta prática profilática é um plano de ação viável. Como resultado, o prejuízo financeiro devido às mortes resultantes do botulismo no caso estudado foi de R$ 55.560,00 o equivalente a 0,39% do valor monetário total do rebanho. O custo da vacinação para imunizar todo o rebanho sob-risco foi equivalente a 14,06% (para vacinas exclusivas para toxinas C e D) e 22,22% (para vacinas polivalentes contra clostridioses) relativo ao prejuízo financeiro em consequência dos óbitos registrados. Concluiu-se que o botulismo é uma doença que pode provocar impacto econômico significativo em sistemas de corte intensivos em bovinos, e que, a vacinação é um meio profilático economicamente viável se for realizada por meio de um planejamento sanitário adequado.(AU)

Healing of brain lesions in sheep recovered from amprolium-induced polioencephalomalacia / Cicatrização das lesões cerebrais em ovinos recuperados de polioencefalomalacia induzida por amprólio

To evaluate the outcome of acute lesions in the brains of sheep that completely clinically recover from acute polioencephalomalacia (PEM), ten sheep were used in this experiment. Eight of those sheep received varying doses of amprolium to induce PEM. Four sheep were treated intramuscularly with 40mg/kg/body weight with thiamine to allow recovery and four sheep were left untreated. Two control sheep did not receive either amprolium or thiamine and were kept along with the other eight sheep for the duration of the experiment. Except for the two drugs, the diet and water source were the same for the ten sheep. Two sheep receiving high daily doses of amprolium and one sheep receiving a lower dose had acute deaths and developed acute brain lesions consisting of neuronal laminar cortical necrosis (red neurons), edema, reactive astrocytes, swollen endothelial cells and gitter cells infiltration. Four sheep that recovered from lower doses of amprolium-induced PEM after being treated with thiamine and another one that recovered spontaneously were euthanatized six months after clinical recovery and had gross changes consisting of segmental absence of cortical tissue. Histologically these segmental cortex-deprived areas corresponded to quasi-empty spaces where only vessels and gitter cells existed. No changes were seen in the brains of the two control sheep.(AU)

Para avaliar a evolução das lesões agudas no cérebro de ovinos que se recuperam clinicamente de polioencefalomalacia aguda (PEM), dez ovinos foram usados neste experimento. Oito desses ovinos receberam doses variáveis de amprólio para induzir PEM. Quatro ovinos foram tratados intramuscularmente com 40mg/kg/peso corporal de tiamina para permitir a recuperação, e outros quatro ficaram sem tratamento. Dois ovinos controles não receberam amprólio nem tiamina e foram mantidos com os outros oito ovinos durante a duração do experimento. Exceto pelas duas drogas, a dieta e a fonte de água eram as mesmas para os dez ovinos. Dois ovinos que receberam doses diárias altas de amprólio, e um que recebeu doses menores, tiveram mortes agudas e desenvolveram lesões cerebrais constituídas por necrose neuronal laminar cortical (neurônios vermelhos), edema, tumefação de células endoteliais, astrócitos reativos, tumefação de células endoteliais e infiltração por células gitter. Quatro ovinos que se recuperam da PEM induzida por amprólio, após tratamento com tiamina, e outro que se recuperou espontaneamente, permaneceram clinicamente normais e foram submetidos a eutanásia seis meses após a recuperação clínica. Na necropsia, apresentavam alterações macroscópicas caracterizadas por ausência segmentar de tecido corticocerebral. Histologicamente, essas áreas privadas de tecido cortical consistiam de espaços praticamente vazios onde apenas vasos e células gitter eram vistos. Não foram encontradas alterações no encéfalo das duas ovelhas controle.(AU)

Healing of brain lesions in sheep recovered from amprolium-induced polioencephalomalacia / Cicatrização das lesões cerebrais em ovinos recuperados de polioencefalomalacia induzida por amprólio

To evaluate the outcome of acute lesions in the brains of sheep that completely clinically recover from acute polioencephalomalacia (PEM), ten sheep were used in this experiment. Eight of those sheep received varying doses of amprolium to induce PEM. Four sheep were treated intramuscularly with 40mg/kg/body weight with thiamine to allow recovery and four sheep were left untreated. Two control sheep did not receive either amprolium or thiamine and were kept along with the other eight sheep for the duration of the experiment. Except for the two drugs, the diet and water source were the same for the ten sheep. Two sheep receiving high daily doses of amprolium and one sheep receiving a lower dose had acute deaths and developed acute brain lesions consisting of neuronal laminar cortical necrosis (red neurons), edema, reactive astrocytes, swollen endothelial cells and gitter cells infiltration. Four sheep that recovered from lower doses of amprolium-induced PEM after being treated with thiamine and another one that recovered spontaneously were euthanatized six months after clinical recovery and had gross changes consisting of segmental absence of cortical tissue. Histologically these segmental cortex-deprived areas corresponded to quasi-empty spaces where only vessels and gitter cells existed. No changes were seen in the brains of the two control sheep.(AU)

Para avaliar a evolução das lesões agudas no cérebro de ovinos que se recuperam clinicamente de polioencefalomalacia aguda (PEM), dez ovinos foram usados neste experimento. Oito desses ovinos receberam doses variáveis de amprólio para induzir PEM. Quatro ovinos foram tratados intramuscularmente com 40mg/kg/peso corporal de tiamina para permitir a recuperação, e outros quatro ficaram sem tratamento. Dois ovinos controles não receberam amprólio nem tiamina e foram mantidos com os outros oito ovinos durante a duração do experimento. Exceto pelas duas drogas, a dieta e a fonte de água eram as mesmas para os dez ovinos. Dois ovinos que receberam doses diárias altas de amprólio, e um que recebeu doses menores, tiveram mortes agudas e desenvolveram lesões cerebrais constituídas por necrose neuronal laminar cortical (neurônios vermelhos), edema, tumefação de células endoteliais, astrócitos reativos, tumefação de células endoteliais e infiltração por células gitter. Quatro ovinos que se recuperam da PEM induzida por amprólio, após tratamento com tiamina, e outro que se recuperou espontaneamente, permaneceram clinicamente normais e foram submetidos a eutanásia seis meses após a recuperação clínica. Na necropsia, apresentavam alterações macroscópicas caracterizadas por ausência segmentar de tecido corticocerebral. Histologicamente, essas áreas privadas de tecido cortical consistiam de espaços praticamente vazios onde apenas vasos e células gitter eram vistos. Não foram encontradas alterações no encéfalo das duas ovelhas controle.(AU)

Economic impact of an outbreak of botulism in a cattle feedlot

ABSTRACT: Botulism is a febrile disease, fatal in most cases, which affects the muscles of locomotion, chewing, and swallowing, as well as the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, causing flaccid paralysis and respiratory arrest. In bovines, the etiology is due to the ingestion of neurotoxins types C and D formed by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum in an animal or vegetal substance, during decomposition. Vaccination is one of the most effective prophylactic means to prevent this disease. In this study, an outbreak of botulism was evaluated in a feedlot with 6,300 finishing cattle, wherein 25 died as a consequence of contracting this disease. The economic losses resulting from the deaths were analyzed, and economic analysis was conducted, involving the estimated cost of vaccination for the whole herd under risk, with the objective of evaluating whether this prophylactic practice is a viable action plan. The financial loss due to the deaths resulting from botulism in the case studied was found to be R$55,560.00, equivalent to 0.39% of the total monetary value of the herd. The cost of immunizing the entire herd under risk was 14.06% (for toxins exclusive to toxins C and D) and 22.22% (for polyvalent vaccines against clostridiosis) of the financial loss incurred as a consequence of the recorded deaths. It was concluded that botulism is a disease that can cause a significant economic impact on intensive livestock production systems, and that vaccination is an economically viable prophylactic action if performed with adequate sanitary planning.

RESUMO: O botulismo é uma doença afebril, fatal na maioria dos casos, que afeta os músculos da locomoção, mastigação, deglutição e também o diafragma e os músculos intercostais, causando paralisia flácida e parada respiratória. Nos bovinos a etiologia é devido à ingestão de neurotoxinas tipos C e D previamente formadas pela bactéria Clostridium botulinum em matéria animal ou vegetal em decomposição. A vacinação é um dos meios profiláticos mais eficazes para prevenir esta doença. Neste trabalho, estudou-se um surto de botulismo em um confinamento com 6300 bovinos em terminação, no qual 25 morreram devido a esta doença. Foram analisadas as perdas econômicas em consequência das mortes, e por meio do percentual do prejuízo contabilizado, foi realizada uma análise econômica referente ao custo estimado da vacinação para todo do rebanho sob-risco com o objetivo de avaliar se esta prática profilática é um plano de ação viável. Como resultado, o prejuízo financeiro devido às mortes resultantes do botulismo no caso estudado foi de R$ 55.560,00 o equivalente a 0,39% do valor monetário total do rebanho. O custo da vacinação para imunizar todo o rebanho sob-risco foi equivalente a 14,06% (para vacinas exclusivas para toxinas C e D) e 22,22% (para vacinas polivalentes contra clostridioses) relativo ao prejuízo financeiro em consequência dos óbitos registrados. Concluiu-se que o botulismo é uma doença que pode provocar impacto econômico significativo em sistemas de corte intensivos em bovinos, e que, a vacinação é um meio profilático economicamente viável se for realizada por meio de um planejamento sanitário adequado.

Healing of brain lesions in sheep recovered from amprolium-induced polioencephalomalacia

ABSTRACT: To evaluate the outcome of acute lesions in the brains of sheep that completely clinically recover from acute polioencephalomalacia (PEM), ten sheep were used in this experiment. Eight of those sheep received varying doses of amprolium to induce PEM. Four sheep were treated intramuscularly with 40mg/kg/body weight with thiamine to allow recovery and four sheep were left untreated. Two control sheep did not receive either amprolium or thiamine and were kept along with the other eight sheep for the duration of the experiment. Except for the two drugs, the diet and water source were the same for the ten sheep. Two sheep receiving high daily doses of amprolium and one sheep receiving a lower dose had acute deaths and developed acute brain lesions consisting of neuronal laminar cortical necrosis (red neurons), edema, reactive astrocytes, swollen endothelial cells and gitter cells infiltration. Four sheep that recovered from lower doses of amprolium-induced PEM after being treated with thiamine and another one that recovered spontaneously were euthanatized six months after clinical recovery and had gross changes consisting of segmental absence of cortical tissue. Histologically these segmental cortex-deprived areas corresponded to quasi-empty spaces where only vessels and gitter cells existed. No changes were seen in the brains of the two control sheep.

RESUMO: Para avaliar a evolução das lesões agudas no cérebro de ovinos que se recuperam clinicamente de polioencefalomalacia aguda (PEM), dez ovinos foram usados neste experimento. Oito desses ovinos receberam doses variáveis de amprólio para induzir PEM. Quatro ovinos foram tratados intramuscularmente com 40mg/kg/peso corporal de tiamina para permitir a recuperação, e outros quatro ficaram sem tratamento. Dois ovinos controles não receberam amprólio nem tiamina e foram mantidos com os outros oito ovinos durante a duração do experimento. Exceto pelas duas drogas, a dieta e a fonte de água eram as mesmas para os dez ovinos. Dois ovinos que receberam doses diárias altas de amprólio, e um que recebeu doses menores, tiveram mortes agudas e desenvolveram lesões cerebrais constituídas por necrose neuronal laminar cortical (neurônios vermelhos), edema, tumefação de células endoteliais, astrócitos reativos, tumefação de células endoteliais e infiltração por células gitter. Quatro ovinos que se recuperam da PEM induzida por amprólio, após tratamento com tiamina, e outro que se recuperou espontaneamente, permaneceram clinicamente normais e foram submetidos a eutanásia seis meses após a recuperação clínica. Na necropsia, apresentavam alterações macroscópicas caracterizadas por ausência segmentar de tecido corticocerebral. Histologicamente, essas áreas privadas de tecido cortical consistiam de espaços praticamente vazios onde apenas vasos e células gitter eram vistos. Não foram encontradas alterações no encéfalo das duas ovelhas controle.

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.