Crotalaria spectabilis poisoning in horses fed contaminating oats.

The present report describes the clinical and pathological changes induced by the consumption of oats contaminated with Crotalaria spectabilis seeds by horses. Eighty horses were exposed to oats containing 10 g/kg of C. spectabilis seeds with 0.46% pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and 21 horses died within a 6-month period. Clinical signs included jaundice, apathy, a hypotonic tongue, ataxia, hyporexia, weight loss, aimless wandering, violent behavior, and proprioceptive deficits. Pathological findings were predominant in the liver and included periportal bridging fibrosis, megalocytosis, centrilobular necrosis, and bile stasis. Other findings were Alzheimer's type II astrocytes in the cortex, midbrain, basal nuclei, brainstem and pons; multifocal edema and hemorrhage in the lungs; and degeneration and necrosis of the tubular epithelium of kidneys. Horses are highly sensitive to pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing plants, and the observed clinical and pathological findings are typical of this poisoning. The seeds were planted, and botanical identification of the adult plants confirmed the diagnosis of C. spectabilis poisoning.

Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae) poisoning in cattle grazing in Brazil.

Palicourea marcgravii is the most important poisonous plant of cattle in Brazil. It contains monofluoroacetic acid and causes sudden death associated with exercise. Herein, we describe the temporal and spatial distribution of the toxic disease. The survey was based on the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological data of the Setor de Anatomia Patológica (SAP) of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRuralRJ) to report outbreaks of poisoning by P. marcgravii, from 1953 to 2018. Clinical signs were peracute and included labored breathing, loss of balance, muscle tremors, lateral recumbency, and limb paddling. Gross lesions such as congestion of large vessels and edema and pulmonary congestion were observed. Multifocal areas of vacuolar hydropic degeneration of distal contorted tubule cells with nuclear pyknosis were observed in the kidneys. The plant is found in forests, and the poisoning occurs mainly after clearing forests for pasture, in areas of natural forest recovery called "capoeira," which provide a favorable environment for maintaining P. marcgravii growth. Outbreaks of P. marcgravii poisoning coincided with periods of creation of large deforested pastures in the Southeast and Midwest regions of Brazil, and the poisoning should be considered an additional risk after deforestation. The most effective prophylaxis is fencing off the forest areas that contain these plants.

A volatolomic approach using cerumen as biofluid to diagnose bovine intoxication by Stryphnodendron rotundifolium.

An innovative volatolomic approach employs the detection of biomarkers present in cerumen (earwax) to identify cattle intoxication by Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart., Fabaceae (popularly known as barbatimão). S. rotundifolium is a poisonous plant with the toxic compound undefined and widely distributed throughout the Brazilian territory. Cerumen samples from cattle of two local Brazilian breeds ('Curraleiro Pé-Duro' and 'Pantaneiro') were collected during an experimental intoxication protocol and analyzed using headspace (HS)/GC-MS followed by multivariate analysis (genetic algorithm for a partial least squares, cluster analysis, and classification and regression trees). A total of 106 volatile organic metabolites were identified in the cerumen samples of bovines. The intoxication by S. rotundifolium influenced the cerumen volatolomic profile of the bovines throughout the intoxication protocol. In this way, it was possible to detect biomarkers for cattle intoxication. Among the biomarkers, 2-octyldecanol and 9-tetradecen-1-ol were able to discriminate all samples between intoxicated and nonintoxicated bovines. The cattle intoxication diagnosis by S. rotundifolium was accomplished by applying the cerumen analysis using HS/GC-MS, in an easy, accurate, and noninvasive way. Thus, the proposed bioanalytical chromatography protocol is a useful tool in veterinary applications to determine this kind of intoxication.

Micrografía analítica de semillas de Cebil (Anadenanthera colubrina var. Cebil (Griseb.) Altschul, Fabaceae) y Chamico (Datura ferox L., Solanaceae), empleadas como drogas alucinógenas en Argentina / Analytical micrography of seeds of Cebil (Anadenanthera colubrina var. Cebil (Griseb.) Altschul, Fabaceae) and Chamico (Datura ferox L., Solanaceae), employed as hallucinogenic drugs in Argentina

Resumen La micrografía analítica es una herramienta útil para la identificación de restos vegetales en muestras de material trozado o molido que no podrían ser identificadas de forma morfológica. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer los caracteres mi- crográficos de las semillas de Cebil (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Griseb.) Altschul, Leguminosae) y Chamico (Datura ferox L., Solanaceae), con el fin de proporcionar parámetros empleables para su identificación en un contexto forense y toxicológico. Los caracteres micrográficos relacionados con el tegumento exterior y las esclereidas fueron los más indicados para diferenciar entre ambas especies.

Abstract Analytical micrography is a useful tool for the identification of plant parts that can't be identified for its morphological characters. The aim of this work is to obtain micrographic characters of Cebil (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Griseb.) Altschul, Leguminosae) and Chamico (Datura ferox L., Solanaceae) seeds for its identification in a toxicological and forensic context. The most suitable micrographic features were the ones related with exterior testa and the stone cells.

Intoxicação crônica por Pteridium arachnoideum em bovinos no nordeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Chronic poisoning by bracken fern (Pteridium arachnoideum) in cattle in the northeast region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Pteridium spp., popularmente conhecida como samambaia, comumente encontrada em solos ácidos, arenosos e de baixa fertilidade. A intoxicação ocorre quando os animais passam por privação alimentar ou ingestão acidental. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar a ocorrência de dois casos de intoxicação crônica por samambaia em bovinos na região nordeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Ambos os casos cursaram com sinais clínicos de disfagia, halitose, salivação e presença de tumores na orofaringe. A baixa oferta e qualidade de forragem, superlotação das áreas de pasto, manejo inadequado das pastagens, a presença de Pteridium arachnoideum, os sinais clínicos em conjunto com os achados de necropsia e o exame histopatológico confirmaram o diagnóstico de intoxicação crônica.(AU)

Pteridium spp., commonly known as fern, is commonly found in acidic, sandy and low fertility soils. Poisoning occurs when animals go through food deprivation or accidental ingestion. The objective of this study is to report the occurrence of two cases of chronic intoxication in cattle in the northeast region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Both cases had clinical signs of dysphagia, halitosis, salivation and the presence of tumors in the oropharynx. Low supply and quality of forage, overcrowding of pasture areas, inadequate pasture management, presence of Pteridium arachnoideum, clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological of lesions confirmed the diagnosis of chronic intoxication.(AU)

Intoxicação crônica por Pteridium arachnoideum em bovinos no nordeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Chronic poisoning by bracken fern (Pteridium arachnoideum) in cattle in the northeast region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Pteridium spp., popularmente conhecida como samambaia, comumente encontrada em solos ácidos, arenosos e de baixa fertilidade. A intoxicação ocorre quando os animais passam por privação alimentar ou ingestão acidental. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar a ocorrência de dois casos de intoxicação crônica por samambaia em bovinos na região nordeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Ambos os casos cursaram com sinais clínicos de disfagia, halitose, salivação e presença de tumores na orofaringe. A baixa oferta e qualidade de forragem, superlotação das áreas de pasto, manejo inadequado das pastagens, a presença de Pteridium arachnoideum, os sinais clínicos em conjunto com os achados de necropsia e o exame histopatológico confirmaram o diagnóstico de intoxicação crônica.

Pteridium spp., commonly known as fern, is commonly found in acidic, sandy and low fertility soils. Poisoning occurs when animals go through food deprivation or accidental ingestion. The objective of this study is to report the occurrence of two cases of chronic intoxication in cattle in the northeast region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Both cases had clinical signs of dysphagia, halitosis, salivation and the presence of tumors in the oropharynx. Low supply and quality of forage, overcrowding of pasture areas, inadequate pasture management, presence of Pteridium arachnoideum, clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological of lesions confirmed the diagnosis of chronic intoxication.

Suspected poisoning in beef cattle from ingestion of Prosopis nigra pods in north-western Argentina.

The aim of this paper was to present the first report of Prosopis nigra poisoning of cattle in Argentina. Outbreaks occurred in five farms located in Salta and Santiago del Estero provinces. All animals were examined, euthanized and necropsied. Clinical signs included tongue protrusion, twitches and tremors of muscles of mastication, weight loss and lethargy. Severe atrophy of the masseter, buccinator and lingual muscles was observed, along with neuronal vacuolation in the nuclei of the trigeminal, facial, and hypoglossus nerves. These findings and the clinical signs are consistent with results obtained in animals, spontaneously and experimentally intoxicated with Prosopis juliflora in previous studies. Several species of this genus are native to Argentina. Farmers should be warned about the suspected toxicity by Prosopis nigra, since this species has wide geographical distribution in the country.

Lily poisoning in domestic cats

Background: Cases of plant intoxication in small animals are observed frequently in the domestic environment, mainlybecause most dogs and cats live in households and occasionally have access to streets and rural areas. Among such toxicagents, ornamental plants of the genus Lilium and Hemerocallis, which are potentially nephrotoxic to the feline species,are highlighted. Affected cats start presenting clinical signs 1-6 h after plant ingestion. Renal failure takes place in 12-72h, and death may occur in an interval ranging from three to seven days. The objective of this article is to describe theepidemiological, clinical and pathological findings of lily (Lilium sp.) poisoning in two cats.Case: The aspects of lily poisoning in two cats are described (cat #1 and cat #2). Cat #1 was a 3-year-old, mixed breedfemale cat, which presented a clinical history of anorexia, apathy, drooling, vomiting and polydipsia. Serum biochemicalanalysis revealed creatinine elevation (21.2 mg/dL), as well as hyperphosphatemia (19 mg/dL). Seventy-two h after theonset of clinical signs, renal failure progressed to anuria, followed by death. The second animal of this report (cat #2) wasa 2-year-old, mixed-breed male cat. The animal was found dead by the owner without displaying any previous clinicalsigns. Cats #1 and #2 ingested leaves of lily, which were present in their households as ornamental plants. At necropsy, thekidneys of both cats presented mild enlargement. Moderate perirenal edema was also noted. Cat #1 showed morphologicextrarenal uremic lesions, characterized by ulcers in the oral mucosa and in the margin of the tongue ventral surface. Microscopic lesions observed in both cases were similar and compatible with acute toxic nephropathy. Histologically, severeepithelial cell degeneration and necrosis of proximal and distal convoluted tubules were noted. Other renal microscopicfindings included hyaline... (AU)

Lily poisoning in domestic cats

Background: Cases of plant intoxication in small animals are observed frequently in the domestic environment, mainlybecause most dogs and cats live in households and occasionally have access to streets and rural areas. Among such toxicagents, ornamental plants of the genus Lilium and Hemerocallis, which are potentially nephrotoxic to the feline species,are highlighted. Affected cats start presenting clinical signs 1-6 h after plant ingestion. Renal failure takes place in 12-72h, and death may occur in an interval ranging from three to seven days. The objective of this article is to describe theepidemiological, clinical and pathological findings of lily (Lilium sp.) poisoning in two cats.Case: The aspects of lily poisoning in two cats are described (cat #1 and cat #2). Cat #1 was a 3-year-old, mixed breedfemale cat, which presented a clinical history of anorexia, apathy, drooling, vomiting and polydipsia. Serum biochemicalanalysis revealed creatinine elevation (21.2 mg/dL), as well as hyperphosphatemia (19 mg/dL). Seventy-two h after theonset of clinical signs, renal failure progressed to anuria, followed by death. The second animal of this report (cat #2) wasa 2-year-old, mixed-breed male cat. The animal was found dead by the owner without displaying any previous clinicalsigns. Cats #1 and #2 ingested leaves of lily, which were present in their households as ornamental plants. At necropsy, thekidneys of both cats presented mild enlargement. Moderate perirenal edema was also noted. Cat #1 showed morphologicextrarenal uremic lesions, characterized by ulcers in the oral mucosa and in the margin of the tongue ventral surface. Microscopic lesions observed in both cases were similar and compatible with acute toxic nephropathy. Histologically, severeepithelial cell degeneration and necrosis of proximal and distal convoluted tubules were noted. Other renal microscopicfindings included hyaline...

Enzootic calcinosis in horses grazing Solanum glaucophyllum in Argentina.

Solanum glaucophyllum, a toxic plant known for its calcinogenic effects, causes enzootic calcinosis in ruminant and monogastric animals. We describe an outbreak of enzootic calcinosis that occurred in a herd of 110 horses grazing pastureland heavily contaminated with S. glaucophyllum in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Ten horses developed clinical signs, and 6 horses died. Clinical signs included abnormal gait (stiff-legged action, short strides), stiffness, thoracolumbar kyphosis, reluctance to move, wide stance, chronic weight loss, weakness, recumbency, and difficulty standing. Autopsy of 2 horses revealed severe mineralization of the aorta, pulmonary arteries, heart, and lungs, consistent with enzootic calcinosis. Although horses usually have very selective grazing behavior, under food restriction conditions, they can ingest the toxic plants and can develop the disease. Enzootic calcinosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in horses grazing S. glaucophyllum-invaded pasturelands with compatible clinical signs and lesions.

Photosensitization in cattle caused by spontaneous and experimentally ingestion of Stryphnodendron fissuratum

Background: Stryphnodendron fissuratum is a tree from the Brazilian Cerrado. Its fruit is toxic to cattle and can cause clinical digestive signs, hepatogenous photosensitization, and abortion. Cases of poisoning in cattle, goats and guinea pigs have been experimentally reproduced; however, photosensitization could not be reproduced. The aim of this work was to describe an outbreak of natural poisoning and experimental reproduction in cattle, both with hepatogenous photosensitization.Materials, Methods & Results: Its described and natural outbreak and an experimental poisoning. In the outbreak, three bovines in the acute phase and three in the chronic phase were examined. Blood samples were collected from all of these animals in order to measure serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), urea, and creatinine. The first three animals underwent necropsy and histopathological evaluation. The experiment was conducted with two nine-month-old calves that received an oral paste made with crushed S. fissuratum fruits mixed with water. These fruits were collected at a farm at which cattle poisoning cases had occurred. Blood samples were collected in order to measure serum levels of AST, GGT, urea, and creatinine, before plant administration and then daily during the experimental period. Skin biopsies were taken before plant administration and new one after the first signs of skin lesions. The natural outbreak affected 52 of 160 bovine (31 calves and 21 cows) in the lot. Two calves and 14 cows died. Clinical signs consisted of depression, ataxia, incoordination, behavioral changes, decubitus, and death. One animal that died and 36 others that recovered had photodermatitis. Necropsy findings in the animals consisted of bad corporal condition, pale kidneys, evidence of liver lobular pattern, dry rumen contents, and full bladder.[...](AU)

Photosensitization in cattle caused by spontaneous and experimentally ingestion of Stryphnodendron fissuratum

Background: Stryphnodendron fissuratum is a tree from the Brazilian Cerrado. Its fruit is toxic to cattle and can cause clinical digestive signs, hepatogenous photosensitization, and abortion. Cases of poisoning in cattle, goats and guinea pigs have been experimentally reproduced; however, photosensitization could not be reproduced. The aim of this work was to describe an outbreak of natural poisoning and experimental reproduction in cattle, both with hepatogenous photosensitization.Materials, Methods & Results: Its described and natural outbreak and an experimental poisoning. In the outbreak, three bovines in the acute phase and three in the chronic phase were examined. Blood samples were collected from all of these animals in order to measure serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), urea, and creatinine. The first three animals underwent necropsy and histopathological evaluation. The experiment was conducted with two nine-month-old calves that received an oral paste made with crushed S. fissuratum fruits mixed with water. These fruits were collected at a farm at which cattle poisoning cases had occurred. Blood samples were collected in order to measure serum levels of AST, GGT, urea, and creatinine, before plant administration and then daily during the experimental period. Skin biopsies were taken before plant administration and new one after the first signs of skin lesions. The natural outbreak affected 52 of 160 bovine (31 calves and 21 cows) in the lot. Two calves and 14 cows died. Clinical signs consisted of depression, ataxia, incoordination, behavioral changes, decubitus, and death. One animal that died and 36 others that recovered had photodermatitis. Necropsy findings in the animals consisted of bad corporal condition, pale kidneys, evidence of liver lobular pattern, dry rumen contents, and full bladder.[...]

Natural and experimental poisoning by Cestrum laevigatum (Solanaceae) among cattle in the Agreste region of Paraíba, Brazil / Intoxicação natural e experimental por Cestrum laevigatum (Solanaceae) em bovinos no Agreste da Paraíba, Brasil

An outbreak of natural poisoning by Cestrum laevigatum was reported among cattle in the Agreste region of Paraíba, which affected six out of 20 animals. Four animals were found dead and two presented clinical signs, including, dyspnea, drooling, jugular vein engorgement, muscle tremors and ataxia, which subsequently progressed to recumbence and death. An experimental poisoning was performed in two bovines who were administered single doses of 35 g kg-1 and 50 g kg-1 body weight (BW), respectively, of fresh leaves and fruits. The animal that received 35 g kg-1 BW had mild clinical signs, consisting of apathy, salivation and reduced ruminal movements with recovery 30 hours after the onset of initial signs. The animal that received 50 g kg-1 BW showed apathy, dry stool, drooling, hyperexcitability, head pressing, opisthotonos, nystagmus, miosis, jugular and episcleral vessel engorgement, ruminal atony, muscle tremors, ataxia, falling, seizures, and sternal recumbence, followed by lateral recumbence, with death occurring 21 hours and 37 minutes after ingestion. The enzyme activities of aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase in the serum increased significantly 18 hours after the administration of the plant. The primary gross lesions in the natural and experimental cases were enlarged livers, with rounded edges and accentuation of the lobular pattern on the capsular and cut surfaces.Histopathology revealed diffuse centrilobular coagulative necrosis with hemorrhages and congestion,and the presence of degenerated hepatocytes in the midzonal regions. Based on the epidemiologicaland clinicopathological data, we concluded that C. laevigatum was responsible for an acute hepatotoxicdisease among cattle in the Agreste region of Paraíba.(AU)

Relata-se um surto de intoxicação natural por Cestrum laevigatum em bovinos na Região Agreste da Paraíba que acometeu seis bovinos de um grupo de 20. Quatro animais foram encontrados mortos e dois apresentando sinais clínicos, com dispneia, hipersalivação, ingurgitamento das jugulares, tremores musculares e incoordenação, evoluindo para decúbito e morte, sendo posteriormente submetidos à necropsia. Foi realizada a intoxicação experimental em dois bovinos que receberam doses únicas, correspondente a 35g kg-1 e 50g kg-1 de peso corporal (PC) de folhas e frutos frescos. O bovino que recebeu 35g kg-1 PC apresentou alterações clínicas leves, que consistiam em apatia, salivação e redução dos movimentos ruminais com recuperação 30 horas após o início dos sinais. Já no bovino que recebeu 50g kg-1 PC observou-se apatia, ressecamento das fezes, hipersalivação, hiperexcitabilidade, pressão da cabeça contra objetos, opistótono, nistagmo, miose, ingurgitamento das jugulares e dos vasos episclerais, atonia ruminal, tremores musculares, quedas, incoordenação, convulsões e decúbito esternal, seguido de decúbito lateral com morte 21h e 37min após a administração da planta. As atividades séricas de aspartato aminotransferase e gama-glutamiltransferase começaram a apresentar alterações significativas 18 horas após a administração da planta. As principais alterações macroscópicas nos animais naturalmente eexperimentalmente intoxicados foram observadas no fígado, caracterizando-se por aumento de volumedo órgão, com bordas arredondadas e com acentuação do padrão lobular na superfície capsular e decorte. A avaliação histopatológica revelou necrose de coagulação centrolobular difusa, associada ahemorragias e congestão, com degeneração dos hepatócitos das regiões mediozonais. Com base nosdados epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos, conclui-se que C. laevigatum é responsável por doençahepatotóxica aguda em bovinos no Agreste da Paraíba.(AU)

Swainsonine-induced lysosomal storage disease in goats caused by the ingestion of Sida rodrigoi Monteiro in North-western Argentina.

There are numerous poisonous plants that can induce intralysosomal accumulation of glycoproteins and neurologic syndromes. Here we describe for the first time, a disease caused by ingesting Sida rodrigoi Monteiro in goats in North-western Argentina. The animals showed weight loss, indifference to the environment, unsteady gait and ataxia. Histopathologic studies showed vacuolization in cells of various organs, mainly in the CNS. The material deposited in the cells was positive for LCA (Lens culinaris agglutinin), WGA (Triticum vulgaris agglutinin), sWGA (succinyl-Triticum vulgaris agglutinin) and Con-A (Concanavalia ensiformis agglutinin) lectins. Finally, toxic levels of swansonine were identified in the plant. The present investigation allowed to recognize S. rodrigoi Monteiro poisoning as a plant induced α-mannosidosis.

Natural and experimental poisoning by Cestrum laevigatum (Solanaceae) among cattle in the Agreste region of Paraíba, Brazil / Intoxicação natural e experimental por Cestrum laevigatum (Solanaceae) em bovinos no Agreste da Paraíba, Brasil

An outbreak of natural poisoning by Cestrum laevigatum was reported among cattle in the Agreste region of Paraíba, which affected six out of 20 animals. Four animals were found dead and two presented clinical signs, including, dyspnea, drooling, jugular vein engorgement, muscle tremors and ataxia, which subsequently progressed to recumbence and death. An experimental poisoning was performed in two bovines who were administered single doses of 35 g kg-1 and 50 g kg-1 body weight (BW), respectively, of fresh leaves and fruits. The animal that received 35 g kg-1 BW had mild clinical signs, consisting of apathy, salivation and reduced ruminal movements with recovery 30 hours after the onset of initial signs. The animal that received 50 g kg-1 BW showed apathy, dry stool, drooling, hyperexcitability, head pressing, opisthotonos, nystagmus, miosis, jugular and episcleral vessel engorgement, ruminal atony, muscle tremors, ataxia, falling, seizures, and sternal recumbence, followed by lateral recumbence, with death occurring 21 hours and 37 minutes after ingestion. The enzyme activities of aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase in the serum increased significantly 18 hours after the administration of the plant. The primary gross lesions in the natural and experimental cases were enlarged livers, with rounded edges and accentuation of the lobular pattern on the capsular and cut surfaces.Histopathology revealed diffuse centrilobular coagulative necrosis with hemorrhages and congestion,and the presence of degenerated hepatocytes in the midzonal regions. Based on the epidemiologicaland clinicopathological data, we concluded that C. laevigatum was responsible for an acute hepatotoxicdisease among cattle in the Agreste region of Paraíba.

Relata-se um surto de intoxicação natural por Cestrum laevigatum em bovinos na Região Agreste da Paraíba que acometeu seis bovinos de um grupo de 20. Quatro animais foram encontrados mortos e dois apresentando sinais clínicos, com dispneia, hipersalivação, ingurgitamento das jugulares, tremores musculares e incoordenação, evoluindo para decúbito e morte, sendo posteriormente submetidos à necropsia. Foi realizada a intoxicação experimental em dois bovinos que receberam doses únicas, correspondente a 35g kg-1 e 50g kg-1 de peso corporal (PC) de folhas e frutos frescos. O bovino que recebeu 35g kg-1 PC apresentou alterações clínicas leves, que consistiam em apatia, salivação e redução dos movimentos ruminais com recuperação 30 horas após o início dos sinais. Já no bovino que recebeu 50g kg-1 PC observou-se apatia, ressecamento das fezes, hipersalivação, hiperexcitabilidade, pressão da cabeça contra objetos, opistótono, nistagmo, miose, ingurgitamento das jugulares e dos vasos episclerais, atonia ruminal, tremores musculares, quedas, incoordenação, convulsões e decúbito esternal, seguido de decúbito lateral com morte 21h e 37min após a administração da planta. As atividades séricas de aspartato aminotransferase e gama-glutamiltransferase começaram a apresentar alterações significativas 18 horas após a administração da planta. As principais alterações macroscópicas nos animais naturalmente eexperimentalmente intoxicados foram observadas no fígado, caracterizando-se por aumento de volumedo órgão, com bordas arredondadas e com acentuação do padrão lobular na superfície capsular e decorte. A avaliação histopatológica revelou necrose de coagulação centrolobular difusa, associada ahemorragias e congestão, com degeneração dos hepatócitos das regiões mediozonais. Com base nosdados epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos, conclui-se que C. laevigatum é responsável por doençahepatotóxica aguda em bovinos no Agreste da Paraíba.

Poisoning of sheep by Vernonia plantaginoides (Less.) Hieron in Uruguay.

Vernonia plantaginoides (Less.) Hieron, previously known as Vernonia squarrosa, is a rhizomatous subshrub with purple flowers that is prevalent in the natural grassland of Uruguay, Argentina, and southern Brazil. We report an outbreak of V. plantaginoides (yuyo moro) intoxication in sheep in Treinta y Tres Department, northeastern Uruguay. A total of 54 of 463 (12%) recently weaned lambs died 2-7 days after entering a natural pasture that had been invaded by sprouting V. plantaginoides The first cases were found dead. Affected lambs showed marked jaundice, edema of the face, ears, and eyelids, and severe photodermatitis. At the autopsies of 3 lambs, the carcass was yellow, the liver was enlarged with a marked acinar pattern ("nutmeg liver"), and hemorrhages were observed on serous membranes. Microscopic lesions were characterized by diffuse periacinar hepatocellular necrosis and cholemic nephrosis. Three female lambs were experimentally dosed with the aerial parts of V. plantaginoides collected immediately after the outbreak. The lamb that was dosed once with 40 g/kg body weight died after 36 h with severe hepatic necrosis. The lamb dosed with 20 g/kg daily for 4 days showed clinical signs and microscopic lesions in the liver with multiple apoptotic hepatocytes in the periacinar zone. The third lamb, dosed with 30, 17, and 15 g/kg daily over 3 days, respectively, showed transient clinical signs and a rise in liver enzymes, but recovered, and no lesions were found postmortem. These results demonstrate that V. plantaginoides was responsible for severe field outbreaks of poisoning in sheep in Uruguay.

Biópsia hepática como método diagnóstico para intoxicação por plantas que contém swainsonina / Liver biopsy as diagnostic method for poisoning by swainsonina-containing plants

Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar a técnica de biópsia hepática como um teste de valor diagnóstico para intoxicações por plantas que contém swainsonina. Para isso, reproduziu-se experimentalmente a doença com as folhas secas de Ipomoea marcellia contendo 0,02% de swainsonina em caprinos. O Grupo I foi constituído por 6 caprinos que receberam a planta misturada a ração na dose de 4g/kg (0,8mg de swainsonina/kg) até a observação dos primeiros sinais clínicos neurológicos. Outros dois caprinos que não receberam a planta na dieta constituíram o grupo controle (Grupo II). Foram realizadas biópsias hepáticas pela técnica percutânea cega com agulha de Menghini, no dia zero e com intervalos semanais nos caprinos do experimento. As biópsias hepáticas foram fixadas em formol tamponado 10%, processadas rotineiramente, coradas pela hematoxilina-eosina e histoquímica de lectinas. Vacuolização hepatocelular similar àquelas descritas em caso de doença de depósito lisossomal foram identificadas em todos os caprinos do Grupo I no 7º dia de experimento nas amostras coradas pela hematoxilina-eosina. Em relação à histoquímica de lectinas, marcações consistentes foram obtidas com as lectinas Concanavalia ensiformis (Con-A) e Triticum vulgaris (WGA). Concluiu-se que a avaliação histológica rotineira de biópsias hepáticas pode ser usada no diagnóstico de intoxicações por plantas que contem swainsonina, mesmo em caprinos que não apresentam sinais clínicos, e que a histoquímica de lectinas pode ser usada como método diagnóstico complementar.

With the aim to investigate the use of hepatic biopsies for the diagnosis of poisoning by swainsonine-containing plants, dry leaves of Ipomoea marcellia containing 0.02% of swainsonine were administered to goats. Group I, with six goats, ingested 4g/kg of dry plant (0.8mg of swainsonina/kg) daily until the observation of the first neurologic signs. Two goats that did not receive the plant were used as control (Group II). Hepatic biopsies with the Menghini needle were performed by the percutaneous technique at day zero and at weekly intervals after the start of the administration of I. marcellia. Biopsy samples were fixed in 10% formaline, processed routinely, and stained by hematoxilin-eosin and by lectins histochemistry. Hepatocellular vacuolization similar to those described in cases of lysosomal storage disease were identified in all goats of Group I from the seven day of plant consumption in the samples satained with hematoxylin-eosin. Using lectin histochemistry, consistent labellings were observed with Concanavalia ensiformis (Con-A) e Triticum vulgaris (WGA). It is concluded that routinely histological evaluation of liver biopsies can be used in the diagnosis of poisoning by swainsonine containing plants, even in goats without clinical signs, and lectin histochemistry which can be used as supplementary diagnostic method.

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

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

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

Spontaneous poisoning by Hovenia dulcis in dairy cattle in Southwest Parana, Brazil.

Livestock poisoning by plants is a frequent occurrence which determines severe losses, such as the fall in the milk and meat production, the cost of expensive treatments, the state of immunosuppression, or even the animal's death. Cattle ingest toxic plants only when there is food shortage, when they cannot select what they eat, or when they ingest food for preference, which is the case of Hovenia dulcis fruits, very rich in sucrose. This plant is widely distributed in the southern and southeastern Brazilian regions. In literature, there are some cases of severe human liver injury associated with a long-term of H. dulcis leaf and fruit tea intake, and only one report regarding spontaneous poisoning of goats caused by this plant ingestion. However, its toxic effects associated with spontaneous ingestion by cattle have never been reported. This paper reports the first case of spontaneous poisoning in cattle by H. dulcis, which occurred in a dairy farm in southwest Paraná, Brazil. Three cattle individuals showed anorexia, ruminal atony, severe diarrhea and neurological tournament, head pressing, blindness, ataxia, and circling. The necropsy of the animals was done, and the remaining alterations were restricted to the digestive system and brain. The clinical signs presented by the animals are characteristic of polioencephalomalacia (PEM), caused by changes in the thiamine metabolism. Furthermore, clinical signs, gross, and microscopic lesions as well as the large amount of the plant throughout the digestive segment led to a diagnosis.