Plantas nefrotóxicas no semiárido nordestino

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of poisoning by Thiloa glaucocarpa in the semiarid Northeast of the Brazil. Technical visits to various properties in two municipalities of Paraíba and in two municipalities of Pernambuco eight adult cattle naturally poisoned by T. glaucocarpa were examined and these, five were necropsied. The disease lasted on average 8-12 days. The main clinical signs consisted of apathy, anorexia, dehydration, dry nose and progressive weight loss, ascites, subcutaneous edema, dryness of rumen, reticulum, omasum contents. At necropsy, the lesions consisted of a significant accumulation of fluid in the abdominal and thorax cavity, pulmonary edema, subcutaneous mesentery, perirenal tissue and abomasal folds edema. Histologically, the main lesions consisted of epithelial coagulation necrosis of renal convoluted tubules with presence of amorphous eosinophilic material in the lumen of the tubules. The diagnosis of poisoning by T. glaucocarpa was based on epidemiological data, clinical signs, necropsy findings, histopathological evaluation, renal serum biochemistry and plant identification in the areas of cattle pastures. After the start of the rainy season in this region, T. glaucocarpa is the main toxic plant responsible for significant economic losses. Since there is no effective treatment for animals with renal failure, prophylaxis of intoxication is recommended that the animals must be removed from the areas where the plant grows in the period after the first rains.