José Augusto Bastos Afonso

The objective was to analyze the mRNA expression of leptin, leptin receptor (ObRb), adiponectin, adiponectin receptor (AdipoR1), and resistin in the placental tissue of cows with and without hyperketonemia, relating it to their metabolic profile. Samples were collected from 135 cows during birth, divided into two groups: G1: without hyperketonemia ( n = 120) and G2: with hyperketonemia ( n = 15). Biochemical and hormonal indicators and insulin sensitivity were evaluated. Placental fragments were analyzed by qPCR. The variables were tested for normality and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was applied. The significance level was 5%. Cows with hyperketonemia showed increased concentrations of NEFA ( p = 0.0002), urea ( p = 0.0302), higher expressions of leptin ( p = 0.0174) and ObRb ( p < 0.0001), while healthy cows showed higher expression of AdipoR1 ( p < 0.0001) and resistin ( p = 0.0435). Glucose concentrations were lower in G2 ( p = 0.0132), as were the percentages of RQUICKI _βHB ( p < 0.0001). Among the varying degrees of correlations between the variables, the following stand out: positive correlation of leptin expression with β-Hydroxybutyrate and ObRb expression; positive correlation of ObRb expression with β-hydroxybutyrate, NEFA, GGT and AST, and negative correlation with glucose; positive correlation of AdipoR1 expression with glucose, RQUICK and RQUICK _βHB , and negative correlation with β-Hydroxybutyrate, NEFA and GGT. Gene expression analysis of adipokines in the placenta is a promising tool to understand their role in metabolic regulation in cows, especially in the dynamics of hyperketonemia. It is concluded that the placental production of these hormones has an important contribution to metabolic conditions in the transition period, bringing implications for the physiology, health and productivity of females.

Depending on the side in which the abomasal displacement occurs, abomasal displacement (AD) can be classified into different types, that directly influence clinical and laboratory alterations. The objective of this study was to analyze the main risk factors, clinical manifestations, and laboratory alterations (energy, hormonal, mineral and enzymatic profile) of cows with different types of AD. We included 104 cows, attended at the Garanhuns Cattle Clinic, Campus of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, diagnosed with AD, with 67 cases of left AD (G2), 25 of right AD (G3), and 12 of abomasal volvulus (G4). The control group (G1) consisted of 19 clinically healthy cows. Quantitative data were tested using the ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests, and categorical variables were subjected to Fisher's exact test. A correlation study was carried out between quantitative variables within the groups and all analyses considered p <0.05. Among the risk factors identified, the intensified rearing system (96.15 %), breed (holstein [50.0 %]), and the number of parity (≤ 2 parity [49.04 %]) stand out. Among the clinical findings, dehydration, tachycardia, ruminal tympany, and abdominal distension were more frequent in animals from G3 and G4. Analysis of the energy profile demonstrated an increase in the levels of NEFAs, glucose, and cortisol in animals with AD compared to cows in the control group. Hypocalcemia and hypokalemia were observed in animals with AD, and hyperlactatemia was more pronounced in G4. A clinical-surgical intervention was performed in 86.54 % of animals, with a positive outcome in 76.92 % of cases, with no difference regarding the type of AD. Given the results, it is possible to verify the influence of the type of AD on the intensity of clinical-laboratory alterations, with greater implications for abomasal volvulus, with the predisposing factors for occurrence being identifiable and subject to appropriate control and prevention methods.

Resumo A depender do antímero em que ocorre a paratopia abomasal o deslocamento de abomaso (DA) pode ser classificado em diferentes tipos que influenciam diretamente as alterações clínicolaboratoriais. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os principais fatores de risco, manifestações clínicas e alterações laboratoriais (perfil energético, hormonal, mineral e enzimático) de vacas com diferentes tipos de DA. Foram utilizadas 104 vacas atendidas na Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns, Campus da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, diagnosticadas com DA, sendo 67 casos de DA a esquerda (G2), 25 de DA a direita (G3) e 12 de vólvulo abomasal (G4). O grupo controle (G1) foi composto por 19 vacas clinicamente saudáveis. Os dados quantitativos foram testados pelos testes de ANOVA ou Kruskal-Wallis, enquanto as variáveis categóricas foram submetidas ao teste exato de Fisher. Foi realizado um estudo de correlação entre variáveis quantitativas dentro dos grupos e todas as análises consideraram p<0,05. Dentre os fatores de risco identificados destacamse o sistema intensificado de criação (96,15 %), a raça (holandesa [50,0 %]), e número de partos (≤ 2 partos [49,04 %]). Dentre os achados clínicos, a desidratação, taquicardia, timpania ruminal e distensão abdominal foram mais frequentes nos animais do G3 e G4. A análise do perfil energético demonstrou elevação nos níveis de AGNEs, glicose e cortisol dos animais com DA em comparação com as vacas do grupo controle. Hipocalcemia e hipocalemia foram constatados nos animais com DA, e a hiperlactatemia foi mais acentuada no G4. A intervenção clínica-cirúrgica foi realizada em 86,54 % dos animais, com um desfecho positivo em 76,92 % dos casos, sem diferença quanto ao tipo de DA. Diante dos resultados, é possível constatar a influência do tipo de DA na intensidade das alterações clínico-laboratoriais, com maiores implicações no vólvulo abomasal, sendo os fatores predisponentes para sua ocorrência identificáveis e passíveis de métodos de controle e prevenção adequados.

Ocular and periocular neoplasms in cattle are of great clinical and economic significance, with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being the most prevalent. The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of neoplasms in these regions in cattle from the Agreste region of Pernambuco by evaluating 45 cases (25 retrospective and 20 prospective), including clinical, epidemiological, and morphological data. SCC was the most frequent tumor (n = 43), with one case of papilloma also observed. In addition, one ocular dermoid, a non-neoplastic lesion, was identified. SCC was mainly located in the third eyelid, with lesions smaller than 3 cm, exclusively affecting adult females of dairy breeds. Microscopically, according to a multifactorial classification system, grade 1 tumors were predominant. The presence of multinucleated and basal cells was noted in neoplasms with relatively aggressive biological behavior. In the prospective cases, clinical progression could be followed, with records of recurrence and economic losses for farmers. Neoplasms larger than 3 cm were associated with relatively poor biological behavior, suggesting the importance of early clinical diagnosis for prognosis. The results reinforce the relevance of incorporating epidemiological, clinical, and morphological factors into lesion staging, aiming to improve the grading system used in this study for application to ocular carcinomas in cattle. As neoplasias oculares e perioculares em bovinos são de grande importância clínica e econômica, destacando-se o carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE). Objetivou-se com esse estudo analisar a ocorrência de neoplasias destas regiões em bovinos do Agreste de Pernambuco, por meio da análise de 45 casos (25 retrospectivos e 20 prospectivos), incluindo seus dados clínicos, epidemiológicos e morfológicos. O CCE foi o tumor mais frequente (n=43), com um caso de papiloma também observado. Adicionalmente, foi identificado um dermoide ocular, uma lesão não neoplásica. O CCE estava localizado principalmente na terceira pálpebra, com lesões menores que 3 cm, acometendo exclusivamente fêmeas adultas de raças leiteiras. Microscopicamente, predominaram tumores grau 1, conforme classificação multifatorial. Foi observada a presença de células multinucleadas e células basais em neoplasias de pior comportamento biológico. Nos casos prospectivos, foi possível acompanhar a evolução clínica, com registro de recidivas e perdas econômicas dos produtores. As neoplasias maiores que 3 cm foram associadas ao pior comportamento biológico, sugerindo a importância do diagnóstico clínico precoce para o prognóstico. Os resultados reforçam a importância da adição de fatores epidemiológicos, clínicos e morfológicos para estadiamento das lesões visando aperfeiçoar o sistema de graduação usado neste estudo para a aplicação em carcinomas oculares em bovinos.

We investigated the microbiological etiology of umbilical infections in clinically scored lambs. A total of 128 lambs showing signs of umbilical infection and 41 showing no umbilical signs were sampled. All microorganisms were identified by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility/resistance patterns of bacteria were assessed. Among the diseased animals and those without umbilical signs, 214 and 116 species of microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) were identified, respectively. Escherichia coli (11.21%) was the most prevalent microorganism and showed a significant association (p= 0.0039) with moderate (score 2) and severe (score 3) scores for umbilical infection. In lambs without clinical signs of umbilical infection, a predominance of Desemzia incerta was observed. Diseased lambs that exhibited clinical complications showed a high mortality rate (58%). Additionally, a significant association (p< 0.001) was observed between moderate and severe scores and poor prognosis. Bacterial multidrug resistance was observed in 20% (36/182) of isolates. To our knowledge, some bacteria were identified for the first time as primary agents of umbilical infections in lambs, and clinical scoring was applied for the first time in newborn lambs with omphalopathies. Our findings reveal a high complexity of microorganisms in umbilical infections in lambs, identified by mass spectrometry, with a predominance of E. coli in cases of moderate to severe severity scores, and an association between clinical complications and high mortality.

The objective of this study was to report clinical, epidemiological, and anatomopathological data in cattle affected by colitis and perforating ulcerative typhlitis with peritonitis; three (n=3) bovines affected by colitis and two (n=2) with ulcerative typhlocolitis. Clinically, apathy stood out, accompanied by difficulty in exploring the abdominal organs through rectal palpation because of low mobility of the organs due to adhesions. The animals died, and, on necroscopic examination, diffuse, fibrinous purulent peritonitis was recorded due to perforating, multifocal ulcerated areas in the colon and cecum wall. Histopathological examination recorded data compatible with acute, necrotizing, and perforating ulcerative enteritis, with thrombus in the blood vessels associated with fibrinoid necrotizing vasculitis. The immunohistochemistry test for Salmonella spp. was positive in four of the five samples analyzed. The etiopathogenesis of perforating ulcerative typhlocolitis in cattle is associated with infection by Salmonella spp., while not ruling out the possibility of participation of other etiologic agents in the occurrence of this disease, due to the complexity of the disease and the scarcity of reports in the literature, further investigations are necessary to provide a better understanding of this disease in cattle.

O hemangiossarcoma é uma neoplasia que tem origem no endotélio vascular, que pode estar situado em diversos órgãos, tendo preferência pelos órgãos que apresentam maior vascularização, como baço e fígado. Granulomas no lúmen do teto, cálculos de leite e fibropapiloma são responsáveis pela estenose parcial ou total do teto, porém ainda não foi relatado nenhum caso de obstrução de teto por hemangiossarcoma. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, relatar a ocorrência de um hemangiossarcoma no canal do teto de uma vaca. A vaca tinha histórico de mastite com sangue e aumento de volume no canal do teto do quarto mamário anterior esquerdo, que obstruía parcialmente a saída do leite, o qual foi confirmado no exame clínico. Foi realizado hemograma que revelou leucocitose por neutrofilia. O animal foi submetido à telotomia, na qual foi retirada estrutura nodular de coloração avermelhada e consistência endurecida; essa estrutura foi encaminhada para avaliação histopatológica que evidenciou hemangiossarcoma. O animal apresentou boa evolução clínica após o procedimento cirúrgico, recebendo alta médica após cinco dias. A ocorrência do hemangiossarcoma em bovinos é considerada rara, sendo observada com maior prevalência em cães. Nenhuma dessas lesões diagnosticadas em bovinos foram encontradas no canal do teto. Desse modo, o hemangiossarcoma deve ser incluído no diagnóstico diferencial quando observado algum aumento de volume em canal do teto, pois, apesar de ser incomum e raro nos bovinos, notou-se que pode ocorrer de forma esporádica em tecidos que não apresentam alta vascularização.

Plants containing monofluoroacetic acid constitute an important group responsible for poisoning in ruminants. In this sense, Palicourea aeneofusca stands out for being the main representative of these plants in the Agreste region of Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil, causing considerable economic losses. Therefore, the objective of this study is to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological aspects of two outbreaks of spontaneous poisoning caused by P. aeneofusca in cattle in this region. Technical visits were carried out on two properties (A and B) with reports of sudden death in cattle, between August and September 2023, in two municipalities in the Southern Agreste region of Pernambuco. Epidemiological data were collected, in addition to inspection of pastures and identification of plants with toxic potential. Two cattle that died, one from each of the respective properties, were subjected to necropsy examination with collection of material for histopathological evaluation. P. aeneofusca was identified as the cause of cattle poisoning on the properties, both of which maintain preserved forest areas within their territory. In total, four cattle from property A (herd of 60 animals) and one animal from property B (herd of seven animals) died. The histopathological evaluation revealed hydropic-vacuolar degeneration in the cytoplasm of tubular epithelial cells and multifocal lymphocytic myocarditis with small hemorrhagic foci. Epidemiological data, histopathological lesions, and botanical identification of the plant were used as elements to confirm the diagnosis of poisoning by P. aeneofusca, confirming the negative impact of poisoning by this plant on cattle herds in the region.

In Brazil, Trypanosoma vivax was identified between 1970 and 1984 in buffalo, cattle, and sheep in northern Brazil. In the 1990s, the disease was diagnosed in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso. Currently, the disease is considered in enzootic stability in both regions. From 2006 to 2018, outbreaks of the disease associated with the presence of horseflies (Tabanidae) and stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) or transmitted by needle and syringe reuse were diagnosed in sheep, goats, and cattle during the rainy season in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil, a region considered of enzootic instability. Since 2013, numerous outbreaks have been diagnosed associated with oxytocin inoculation to induce milk letdown in dairy cows. Most outbreaks occur in cattle transported from areas of enzootic instability to areas of stability, or vice versa. Serological, parasitological, and molecular techniques have identified T. vivax in asymptomatic animals in all Brazilian regions. For disease prophylaxis, it is important not to reuse syringes and needles when administering medication and to avoid transporting animals during periods of insect abundance. It is also necessary to avoid the use of oxytocin or adopt safe injection practices, using disposable or disinfected needles and syringes only for cows with ineffective milk ejection.