Clinical and pathological investigations of accidental Catharanthus roseus toxicity in sheep

Clinical signs, blood parameters, postmortem and histopathological findings in sheep that were accidentally poisoned with Catharanthus roseus are described. Affected animals (40 sheep) showed acute clinical signs such as salivation, dyspnea, anorexia, bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Blood samples were collected from 5 sheep prior to death. Marked increase in Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), D-DIMER, hemoglobin, urea and creatinine levels with the decrease in cholinesterase activity and calcium levels were observed in the blood parameters of affected sheep. Necropsy examination was performed in17 sheep and all organs were examined pathologically. According to blood parameters and pathologic findings, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) was observed in different organs supported by the increases in APTT, Prothrombin time (PT) and D-dimer levels in blood. Grossly, linear mucosal hemorrhages in the jejunum and ileum, auricular petechial hemorrhages in the heart were common findings. The livers were pale and friable. Microscopically, the fibrinous exudate consisting of fibrin networks were seen in the lumen of jejunum and ileum. In addition, clumps of fibrin in many small vessels were noted in the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys and intestines. Focal periacinar and mid-zonal necrosis with hemorrhages were observed in the liver. Marked tubular necrosis was seen in the kidneys. © 2015, Israel Veterinary Medical Association. All rights reserved

Selected serum biochemical parameters and acute phase protein levels in a herd of Saanen goats showing signs of pregnancy toxaemia

The purpose of this study was to examine selected serum biochemical parameters and acute phase protein levels in a herd of Saanen goats showing signs of pregnancy toxaemia. Seventy five female goats were used and divided into three groups. Group 1 (n = 57) (blood serum glucose levels were within the physiological range), Group 2 (n = 11) (serum glucose values were low) and Group 3 (n = 7) (serum glucose values were high). Goats in Groups 2 and 3 were diagnosed with pregnancy toxaemia. Apart from serum glucose, ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), triglycerides, blood pH, calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA) and tumour necrosis factor-? (TNF-?) were measured in all animals. In Group 3 average Hp and SAA values were found to be significantly (P < 0.001) higher than in Groups 1 and 2, and also higher in Group 2 than in Group 1. Acute phase proteins in goats with pregnancy toxaemia may be used in the course and the prognosis of the disease. The evaluation of acute phase proteins is useful and also quicker in cases of suspected pregnancy intoxication. © 2018 Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences