Hematologycal, biochemical, Urinary and histopathological changes in natural intoxication in bovine by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) (L.) Kühn

Abstract

Enzootic hematuria is a cronic disease of cows clinically characterized by intermittent hematuria that can be caused by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) and the papilomatosis virus. We describe the clinical and laboratorial abnormalities observed during period of 6 months in naturally affect cows extensively raised in the north region of Paraná State. The animals had low concentrations of total calcium, with normal levels phosphorus and magnesium. Fractional excretion of calcium and phosphorus were increased. Metaplasia and hyperplasia in the epithelium as well as papilomas, hemangiomas, and transitional cell carcinomas were observed histopathologically in the urinary bladder. We were unable to demonstrate any viral presence by imunnohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of paraffin blocks.