Response of cows with osteomalacia grazing sub-tropical native pastures to phosphorus supplementation with loose mineral mix or feed blocks.

Osteomalacia outbreaks often occur in cattle grazing native pastures in regions with endemic phosphorous (P) deficiency. This study evaluated the responses of two groups of cows, initially with clinical signs of chronic P deficiency, to P supplements (100 g P/kg) offered ad libitum for 13 weeks as a loose mineral mix (LMM group) or the same mineral mix offered as blocks (BMM group). Half of the cows in each group were categorized as 'with' or 'without' severe osteopenia according to a test that depended on the resistance to penetration of a needle through the left lateral process of the L4-L5 lumbar vertebra. The groups grazed two paddocks that were switched each 3 weeks. The liveweight, supplement intakes, and the P-concentrations in soil, forage, blood, and external cortical bone (ECB) of the ribs were measured. The bicarbonate-extractable P in soil was 3.5 mg/kg. The mean of total P in forage (0.95 g/kg/DM), inorganic P in serum (iP, 0.96 mmol/L), and total P in the ECB of the ribs (85 mg/mL) at the beginning of the experiment were all low and consistent with severe chronic P deficiency. The P supplementation allowed clinical recovery in 18/20 cows with their serum and ECB P and calcium approaching normal values and in the two remaining cows the only sign was abnormal gait. Cows consumed more of the LMM than BMM supplement (means 8.3 and 6.6 g P/day, respectively). After 13 weeks cows initially classified as 'with severe osteopenia' and supplemented with LMM had higher (P < 0.05) final liveweight (difference = 21.6 kg), iP (difference = 0.74 mmol/L), bone Ca (difference = 65.7 mg/mL) and bone P (difference = 26.5 mg/mL) concentrations and lower (P < 0.01) final serum Ca/iP ratio (difference = -0.65) than cows with severe osteopenia but supplemented with BMM. The treatment of severe P deficiency cows grazing P deficient sub-tropical grasslands by P supplementation for 13 weeks was more effective with LMM than BMM.

Eimeria spp. in dairy calves in Uruguay. Identification, dynamics of oocyst excretion and association with the age of calves.

Eimeria bovis, Eimeria zuernii, Eimeria ellipsoidalis, Eimeria auburnensis, Eimeria canadensis and Eimeria alabamensis were identified on different dairy farms in Uruguay. The most prevalent species were E. bovis and E. zuernii, which were mainly found in the feces of calves with diarrhea. The dynamics of oocyst excretion were evaluated via the weekly determination of oocysts per gram (OPG) values in fecal samples from 97 calves over seven months. Three groups of calves were formed according to their age in days: Group 1 (1-20 days old), Group 2 (21-40 days old) and Group 3 (41-65 days old). In Group 1, the median OPG was zero, and the maximum OPG was 1,680. In Group 2, the median OPG was between zero and 8,240, and the maximum OPG was 428,800. In Group 3, the median OPG was between zero and 220, and the maximum OPG was 16,000. For the evaluation of the relationship between OPG and age group, a proportional odds model was built. Two samples from 60 bovines evaluated in Group 2 and in Group 3 were selected. OPG was categorized as negative, moderate (lower than or equal to 4,000) or high (greater than 4,000). Calves of Group 2 (21-40 days old) were significantly (p < 0.001) more affected by eimeriosis than calves of Group 3 (41-65 days old). Considering that diarrhea in calves is a multifactorial disease, eimeriosis should be considered when evaluating the control measures for diarrhea syndrome, particularly in calves of 21-40 days of age.

Erratic migration of Ascaridia hermaphrodita (Nematoda: Ascaridida) in a blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) from illegal wildlife trade: case report / [Migração errática de Ascaridia hermaphrodita (Nematoda: Ascaridida) em papagaio-verdadeiro (Amazona aestiva) oriundo do comércio ilegal: relato de caso]

Ascaridiasis by Ascaridia hermaphrodita is a common parasitic disease in blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) and the contamination occurs by ingestion of eggs. Illegal trade of wild birds can increase the frequency of visceral erratic migration by this parasite. Hence, this report describes the erratic migration of A. hermaphrodita and associated lesions in a blue-fronted Amazon parrot. This is a retrospective study, which originated from several apprehension of illegal birds in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Necropsy revealed intense intestinal ascarid infestation. Hepatic lesions were also observed associated with the parasite migration. Stereoscopy allowed the identification of the morphology of the parasites. Summarizing, this condition in wild birds is not fully understood and may be associated with illegal trade.(AU)

Ascaridíase por Ascaridia hermaphrodita é uma doença parasitária comum em papagaios-verdadeiros. Sua contaminação ocorre pela ingestão de ovos. O tráfico de aves silvestres pode facilitar a migração errática visceral desse parasita. Este relato descreve a migração errática de A. hermaphrodita e lesões associadas em papagaio-verdadeiro. Trata-se de um relato retrospectivo, analisado a partir de uma série de apreensões de aves no estado da Paraíba, Brasil. A necropsia revelou intensa infestação ascarídea intestinal. Também foram observadas lesões hepáticas em uma ave, associadas à migração do parasita. A estereoscopia permitiu distinguir a morfologia dos parasitas. Resumidamente, essa condição em aves silvestres é pouco conhecida e pode ser considerada, inclusive, associada à comercialização ilegal.(AU)

Thyroid parafollicular cell hyperplasia and carcinoma in a sheep with enzootic calcinosis due to Nierembergia rivularis poisoning / [Hiperplasia e carcinoma de células parafoliculares da tireóide em ovino com calcinose enzoótica associada a intoxicação por Nierembergia rivularis]

Calcinose enzoótica, causada por Nierembergia rivularis, no Uruguai, e Nierembergia veitchii, no Brasil, é uma doença caracterizada por mineralização de tecidos moles, hiperplasia das células parafoliculares da tireoide e elevação nos níveis de cálcio e fósforo. Descreve-se um caso de hiperplasia e carcinoma de células parafoliculares bilateral em um ovino de quatro anos, com calcinose enzoótica associada à intoxicação por Nierembergia rivularis. O diagnóstico histológico de hiperplasia e carcinoma de células parafoliculares é suportado pelas marcações imuno-histoquímicas positivas para calcitonina, peptídeo relacionado ao gene da calcitonina e enolase neurônio específica. Como a hiperplasia de células parafoliculares é uma lesão pré-neoplásica induzida por hipercalcemia, sugere-se que a hipercalcemia crônica causada pela intoxicação por N. rivularis pode ter induzido hiperplasia de células parafoliculares seguida de transformação em carcinoma, neste caso. Os efeitos carcinogênicos das plantas calcinogênicas no sistema endócrino devem ser melhor explorados.(AU)

Pythiosis in cats in northeastern Brazil.

The epidemiological, clinical and anatomopathological aspects of pythiosis in cats in northeastern Brazil are described. From January 2000 to December 2018 the Laboratory of Animal Pathology of the Federal University of Campina Grande received 1928 tissue samples of cats, three of which were diagnosed as pythiosis. Grossly, the cats showed a multinodular mass in the oral cavity associated with facial deformity (case 1), a large multinodular mass thickening the jejunum wall (case 2), and an ulcerated nodule in the skin at the base of the tail (case 3). Histologically, pyogranulomatous inflammation and necrosis, with intralesional predominantly negatively stained hyphae, were observed in all cases. Immunohistochemistry for Pythium insidiosum revealed strong immunolabelling of the hyphae. The diagnosis of pythiosis was based on the epidemiological, clinical and anatomopathological findings, and was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Although uncommon in cats, pythiosis should be readily considered as a differential diagnosis of chronic pyogranulomatous infections of the gastrointestinal tract and skin, especially in endemic areas, where the disease is often diagnosed in other animal species.

An extensive field study reveals the circulation of new genetic variants of subtype 1a of bovine viral diarrhea virus in Uruguay.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a major pathogen worldwide, causing significant economic losses to the livestock sector. In Uruguay, BVDV seroprevalence at the farm level is >80%. In this work, 2546 serum, blood or tissue samples collected from animals suspected of being affected by BVD between 2015 and 2017 were analyzed by reverse transcription PCR and sequencing. Analysis of the BVDV genomic regions 5'UTR/Npro, Npro and E2 revealed that BVDV-1a, 1i and 2b circulate in the country, with BVDV-1a being the most prevalent subtype. Population dynamics studies revealed that BVDV-1a has been circulating in our herds since ~1990. This subtype began to spread and evolve, accumulating point mutations at a rate of 3.48 × 10-3 substitutions/site/year, acquiring specific genetic characteristics that gave rise to two local genetic lineages of BVDV-1a. These lineages are divergent from those circulating worldwide, as well as the vaccine strain currently used in Uruguay. The most notable differences between field and vaccine strains were found in the E2 glycoprotein, suggesting that the amino acid substitutions could result in failure of cross-protection/neutralization after vaccination. This is the first study that compares Uruguayan BVDV field and vaccine strains with other BVDV strains from throughout the world. The results obtained in this study will be very useful for developing a suitable immunization program for BVDV in Uruguay by identifying local field strains as candidates for vaccine development.

Identification of equine herpesvirus type 1 as cause of abortion in mares in Southern Brazil / Identificação do herpesvirus equino tipo 1 como causa de abortos em éguas no sul do Brasil

Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo dos casos suspeitos de aborto por herpesvírus equino observados na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul entre 1978 e 2016. Foram revisados os protocolos de necropsia do Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas resgatando-se os dados epidemiológicos, lesões macroscópicas e histológicas de cada caso. Foram observados dois surtos da enfermidade com prevalência entre 5,7% e 50% nos diferentes estabelecimentos, e dois casos individuais. Em todos os casos foram enviados fragmentos de órgãos fetais formolizados. Histologicamente, em todos os casos foram observados focos de necrose no fígado, pulmão e baço e presença de corpúsculos de inclusão acidofílico em hepatócitos, células epiteliais pulmonares e leucócitos. A imuno-histoquímica utilizando anticorpo policlonal comercial para herpesvirus equino-1 (EHV-1) revelou marcação positiva em todos os casos. Além disso, foi extraído DNA dos tecidos emblocados em parafina dos casos e submetidos à técnica de nested-PCR seguida de sequenciamento genômico dos amplicons em duas amostras. Estes achados indicam, que EHV-1 deve ser considerado como diagnóstico diferencial em casos de aborto em equinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul.(AU)

Urocystitis and Ureteritis in Holstein Calves with Septicaemia Caused by Salmonella enterica Serotype Dublin.

Salmonellosis is an enteric or multisystemic disease of global distribution that affects numerous animal species. Although Salmonella enterica has been associated with urinary tract lesions in man, information on urocystitis/ureteritis in cattle caused by salmonellae is lacking. This communication describes lesions of the inferior urinary tract in four Holstein calves with septicaemia caused by S. enterica subsp. enterica serotype Dublin. Examination of the urinary bladder revealed either diffuse irregular thickening (three cases) or petechiation (one case) of the mucosa. On histopathological examination, urocystitis with submucosal histiocytic, lymphocytic and plasmacytic infiltration and neutrophil transmigration through the urothelium was noted in all cases. In one case, a fibrinosuppurative ureteritis was detected. Salmonella Dublin was identified by culture, 16S rDNA sequencing and serotyping and Salmonella antigen was detected intralesionally by immunohistochemistry. Other lesions, indicative of septicaemia included hepatitis, enteritis, pericarditis, splenitis, lymphadenitis and pneumonia. We conclude that S. Dublin can be uropathogenic in cattle with septicaemia.

Prevalence and viability of group A rotavirus in dairy farm water sources.

AIM: To analyse group A rotavirus (RVA) environmental contamination in waters used for calves' consumption and to assess viral viability in dairy farm water sources. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed 202 samples of water used for calves' consumption and RVA was detected by RT-qPCR in 35·1% (95% CI: 28·9-42·0%). A marked pattern of seasonality was observed with higher frequency of detection in colder than warmer months (P = 0·002). There was no association between viral load and season or between the number of milking cows in the herd and the detection of RVA in the farm. The viability of the RVA particles detected was confirmed by isolation of RVA in cell culture from 5 of 10 water samples. Furthermore, an RVA waterborne outbreak of neonatal calf diarrhoea was described. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that RVA is frequent in dairy farm waters, and that the virus is infectious and capable of generating a diarrhoea outbreak. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Neonatal diarrhoea syndrome leads to economic losses to the livestock industry worldwide. To determine transmission routes is essential to take action in this regard and reduce the impact that this syndrome has for the livestock production. The results obtained in this work alert the dairy industry and highlight that mitigation strategies are crucial to improve the microbiological quality of this water.

Laryngeal Neuropathy in Adult Goats With Copper Deficiency.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the cause of a neurological syndrome characterized by stridor in adult goats with clinical signs of copper deficiency. The main clinical signs consisted of apathy, emaciation, pale mucous membranes, mucous nasal discharge, dyspnea, severe achromotrichia, diffuse alopecia, torpor, ataxia, and stridor. When the goats were forced to move, the stridor increased. In a herd of 194 Toggenburg goats, 10 adult goats with clinical signs of copper deficiency were removed from the herd and divided into 2 groups: group 1, which consisted of 4 nannies and 1 buck with stridor, and group 2, which consisted of 4 nannies and 1 buck without stridor. Group 3, used as a control, consisted of 5 adult goats from another flock without any clinical signs of disease. The mean serum copper concentrations were 1.3 ± 0.3 µmol/L in group 1, 8.1 ± 1.1 µmol/L in group 2, and 11.3 ± 2.2 µmol/L in group 3. The mean serum iron concentrations were 42.3 ± 14.2 µmol/L in group 1, 39.1 ± 8.2 µmol/L in group 2, and 20.6 ± 6.1 µmol/L in group 3. The main histological lesions in goats from group 1 were axonal degeneration of the recurrent laryngeal nerves and atrophy of the muscles of vocal folds and of the dorsal cricoarytenoid and right and left cricothyroid muscles. Goats with ataxia had neuronal degeneration and necrosis of cerebellar Purkinje cells and of the cranial cervical ganglion. We concluded that the stridor was caused by axonal degeneration of the recurrent laryngeal nerves due to the severe copper deficiency.

Morte súbita causada por ruptura de aneurisma em aorta em ruminantes / Sudden death caused by aortic aneurysm rupture in ruminants

De um total de 2.088 ruminantes necropsiados no Laboratório de Patologia Animal da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande durante o período de janeiro de 2003 a dezembro de 2015, 803 (38,45%) eram bovinos, 651 (31,18%) ovinos e 634 (30,37%) caprinos. Desses, dois caprinos (0,31%), um ovino (0,15%) e um bovino (0,12%) foram diagnosticados com ruptura de artéria aorta devido à presença de aneurismas, correspondendo a 0,19% das causas de morte em ruminantes. O caso 1 ocorreu em um caprino que apresentava bom estado corporal e foi encontrado morto pelo proprietário; o caso 2, em um caprino com diagnóstico clínico presuntivo de linfadenite caseosa; o caso 3, em um ovino que foi encontrado morto pelo proprietário; e o caso 4, em um bovino com histórico de timpanismo recidivante. Em todos os casos, a morte ocorreu rapidamente por choque hipovolêmico. Os principais achados macroscópicos na necropsia foram hemotórax ou hemoperitônio e a ruptura na artéria aorta. Nos caprinos, abscessos foram visualizados microscopicamente e estavam associados à presença de bactérias, o que sugere infecção por Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. No ovino, não foram observadas lesões que pudessem elucidar a causa do aneurisma, por isso foi considerado de provável origem idiopática. No bovino, não foi possível estabelecer a causa, mas a presença do aneurisma dificultava a eructação dos gases da fermentação ruminal, caracterizando um quadro de timpanismo secundário. Aneurismas ocorrem de forma esporádica em caprinos, ovinos e bovinos e devem ser considerados como uma importante causa de morte súbita.(AU)

From a total of 2,088 necropsied ruminants in the Laboratory of Animal Pathology of Federal University of Campina Grande during the period from January 2003 to December 2015, 803 (38.45%) were cattle, 651 (31.18%) sheep, and 634 (30.37%) goats. Of these, two goats (0.31%), one sheep (0.15%) and one bovine (0.12%) were diagnosed with rupture of aorta due to the presence of aneurysms, corresponding to 0.19% of causes of death in ruminants. Case 1 occurred in a goat that had good body condition and was found dead by the owner, case 2 occurred in a goat that had clinical presumptive diagnosis of caseous lymphadenitis, case 3 occurred in a sheep who was found dead by the owner, and case 4 occurred in a cow with a history of recurrent bloating. In all cases, death occurred rapidly by hypovolemic shock. The macroscopic findings at necropsy were hemothorax or hemoperitoneum and the rupture in the aorta artery. In goats, abscesses were viewed microscopically and they were associated with the presence of bacteria, suggesting for Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection. In the sheep, lesions that could explain the cause of the aneurysm were not observed, so we consider the aneurisma as idiopathic. In the cow, it was not possible to establish the cause, but the presence of the aneurysm hampered eructation of ruminal gases, causing secondary bloat. Aneurysms occur sporadically in goats, sheep and cattle and must be regarded as an important cause of sudden death.(AU)

Isolation and Characterization of Madariaga Virus from a Horse in Paraíba State, Brazil.

Madariaga virus (MADV), the new species designation for the South American isolates of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), is genetically divergent and substantially different in ecology and pathogenesis from North American EEEV strains. We isolated and characterized a MADV isolate obtained from a horse in Brazil. Our results support previous phylogenetic studies showing there are three genetically distinct MADV lineages. The MADV isolate from Paraíba State belongs to the South American lineage III and is closely related to Peruvian, Colombian and Venezuelan isolates.

Pythiosis in the Nasal Cavity of Horses.

Two cases of nasal pythiosis are reported in horses from the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. From January 1986 to December 2015, the Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Federal University of Campina Grande received 830 equine samples, 156 (18.79%) of which were diagnosed with pythiosis. Of these, two horses (1.28%), a male and a female adult cross-breed, had lesions in the nasal cavity. Both horses had access to water reservoirs. Clinically, they had swelling in the rhinofacial region and a serosanguineous nasal discharge. Macroscopically, in case 1, the lesion affected the nasal vestibule, extending to the alar cartilage and nasal septum. In case 2, the lesion extended through the turbinates and the meatuses of the nasal cavity, as well as the ethmoid region. In both cases, the lesions were characterized by having a yellow-grey granular surface with cavitations of different sizes containing coral-like masses of necrotic tissue (kunkers). Histologically, multifocal necrotizing eosinophilic rhinitis associated with hyphae (2-8 µm) similar to Pythium insidiosum were observed. In case 2, the lesions extended to the muscle, cartilage and bone adjacent to the nasal cavity and lungs. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. It is concluded that nasal pythiosis occurs sporadically in horses in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil where cutaneous pythiosis is prevalent.

Clinical Presentation Resembling Mucosal Disease Associated with 'HoBi'-like Pestivirus in a Field Outbreak.

The genus Pestivirus of the family Flaviviridae consists of four recognized species: Bovine viral diarrhoea virus 1 (BVDV-1), Bovine viral diarrhoea virus 2 (BVDV-2), Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and Border disease virus (BDV). Recently, atypical pestiviruses ('HoBi'-like pestiviruses) were identified in batches of contaminated foetal calf serum and in naturally infected cattle with and without clinical symptoms. Here, we describe the first report of a mucosal disease-like clinical presentation (MD) associated with a 'HoBi'-like pestivirus occurring in a cattle herd. The outbreak was investigated using immunohistochemistry, antibody detection, viral isolation and RT-PCR. The sequence and phylogenetic analysis of 5'NCR, N(pro) and E2 regions of the RT-PCR positive samples showed that four different 'HoBi'-like strains were circulating in the herd. The main clinical signs and lesions were observed in the respiratory and digestive systems, but skin lesions and corneal opacity were also observed. MD characteristic lesions and a pestivirus with cytopathic biotype were detected in one calf. The present study is the first report of a MD like presentation associated with natural infection with 'HoBi'-like pestivirus. This report describes the clinical signs and provides a pathologic framework of an outbreak associated with at least two different 'HoBi'-like strains. Based on these observations, it appears that these atypical pestiviruses are most likely underdiagnosed in Brazilian cattle.

Cutaneous pythiosis in a goat.

Pythiosis is reported for the first time in a goat. The affected goat had daily access to an aquatic environment and had developed an ulcerative lesion on the skin of the left hindlimb. Microscopically, there were dermal pyogranulomas with 'negatively stained' hyphae, which were identified immunohistochemically as Pythium insidiosum.

Skeletal dysplasia with craniofacial deformity and disproportionate dwarfism in hair sheep of northeastern Brazil.

This paper reports a newly described form of skeletal dysplasia affecting Brazilian hair sheep of the Cabugi breed. This breed is characterized by having a short head and in some cases the animals are smaller and more compact than sheep of similar breeds. Lambs born with craniofacial abnormalities and dwarfism that die at 2-6 months of age are frequent in this breed. In a flock of 68 ewes and three rams of the Cabugi breed, 134 lambs were born over a 4-year period. Of these, 14 (10.4%) had marked cranial abnormalities and dwarfism and died or were humanely destroyed, 43 (32%) had a normal face and 77 (57.5%) had the short face characteristic of the breed. Dwarf lambs were much smaller than normal, with short legs, a domed head with retruded muzzle and protruded mandible, sternal deformities and exophthalmic eyes situated more laterally in the face than normal. Microscopical examination of long bones of the limbs, bones of the base of the skull and vertebrae showed no lesions. Bones from four affected lambs and one control lamb were macerated for morphometric examination. Although the length of the spinal cord was similar, there was disproportionate shortening of the appendicular bones, particularly the distal segments. Thus the disease was defined as a skeletal dysplasia characterized by craniofacial deformity and disproportionate dwarfism. It is suggested that the disease is inherited as an incomplete dominant trait. The shortened face, which is a feature of the Cabugi breed, may represent the heterozygous state and the more severe, often lethal, dwarfism may occur in homozygotes.

Nasal and cutaneous aspergillosis in a goat.

Nasal and cutaneous aspergillosis is reported in an adult goat. The clinical signs were severe respiratory distress due to partial nasal obstruction, bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge, skin nodules on the ears and dorsal nasal region and focal depigmentation of the ventral commissure of the right nostril. At necropsy examination, sagittal sectioning of the head revealed a yellow irregular mass extending from the nasal vestibule to the frontal portion of the nasal cavity. Microscopically, there was pyogranulomatous rhinitis and dermatitis, with numerous intralesional periodic acid-Schiff-positive fungal hyphae morphologically suggestive of Aspergillus spp. Aspergillus niger was isolated by microbiological examination.

Pulmonary and hepatic lesions caused by the dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid-producing plants Crotalaria juncea and Crotalaria retusa in donkeys.

The effects and susceptibility of donkeys to Crotalaria juncea and Crotalaria retusa poisoning were determined at high and low doses. Seeds of C. juncea containing 0.074% of dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids (DHPAs) (isohemijunceines 0.05%, trichodesmine 0.016%, and junceine 0.008%) were administered to three donkeys at 0.3, 0.6 and 1 g/kg body weight (g/kg) daily for 365 days. No clinical signs were observed and, on liver and lung biopsies, the only lesion was a mild liver megalocytosis in the donkeys ingesting 0.6 and 1 g/kg/day. Two other donkeys that received daily doses of 3 and 5 g seed/kg showed initial respiratory signs 70 and 40 days after the start of the administration, respectively. The donkeys were euthanized following severe respiratory signs and the main lung lesions were proliferation of Clara cells and interstitial fibrosis. Three donkeys ingested seeds of C. retusa containing 5.99% of monocrotaline at daily doses of 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 g/kg for 365 days. No clinical signs were observed and, on liver and lung biopsies, the only lesion was moderate liver megalocytosis in each of the three donkeys. One donkey that received a single dose of 5 g/kg of C. retusa seeds and another that received 1 g/kg daily for 7 days both showed severe clinical signs and died with diffuse centrilobular liver necrosis. No lung lesions were observed. Another donkey that received a single dose of 2.5 g/kg of C. retusa seeds showed no clinical signs. The hepatic and pneumotoxic effects observed are consistent with an etiology involving DHPAs. Furthermore, the occurrence of lung or liver lesions correlates with the type of DHPAs contained in the seeds. Similarly as has been reported for horses, the data herein suggest that in donkeys some DHPAs are metabolized in the liver causing liver disease, whereas others are metabolized in the lung by Clara cells causing lung disease.

Periacinar liver fibrosis caused by Tephrosia cinerea in sheep.

Tephrosia cinerea has been associated with ascites and liver fibrosis in sheep in Brazil. The dried plant was fed ad libitum to three sheep for 55-80 days. Three additional sheep were used as controls. All the treated sheep presented with hypoalbuminemia and increased γ-glutamyltransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities. Anorexia, apathy, rough coat, ascites, and emaciation were observed after 45-60 days of feeding with T. cinerea. At necropsy 55-80 days after feeding of the plant commenced, the treated sheep had ascites, hydrothorax and hydropericardium, and their livers were firm and whitish, with a nodular surface. Histologically, the main hepatic lesions were periacinar fibrosis associated with hemorrhages and necrosis. On electron microscopy, a severe swelling of sinusoidal endothelial cells, frequently obstructing the lumen of the sinusoid was observed. The space of Disse was compressed by the swollen endothelial cells and microvilli usually present on the surface of hepatocytes adjacent to the space of Disse were not apparent. Dense bundles of collagen fibers were present in the spaces of Disse and within the sinusoids between profiles of swollen endothelial cells. It is concluded that T. cinerea causes periacinar fibrosis, similar to poisoning by Galenia africana in sheep and goats and veno-occlusive disease in different species.

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa in goats.

Clinical, histopathological and ultrastructural findings of caprine dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) with autosomal recessive inheritance are reported. The goats presented with exungulation, erosions, crusts and scars on the skin and ulcers in the oral cavity. Microscopically, the skin showed subepidermal separation with clefts filled occasionally with clear eosinophilic fluid, cellular debris or neutrophils. Ultrastructurally, the site of blister formation was the sublamina densa in the epidermal basement membrane zone. In skin with blister formation and in clinically uninvolved skin, the basal lamina was preserved, but the anchoring fibrils were sparse and rudimentary. A twin brother of an affected kid was mated over 5 years with his mother; three out of the 10 kids born presented with epidermolysis bullosa, indicating that the disease has an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. It is suggested that the disease is similar to human severe generalized recessive DEB.