ESTUDO RETROSPECTIVO DAS ENFERMIDADES DE RUMINANTES DIAGNOSTICADAS NO HOSPITAL VETERINÁRIO DA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DA PARAÍBA

Abstract

Cattle raising is an important economic activity in the state of Paraíba, mainly cattle, goats and sheep. Since its foundation in 2012 at the UFPB Veterinary Hospital, systematic diagnoses of the diseases in its area of influence have been carried out, mainly covering the Brejo Paraibano micro-region. Knowledge of these diseases can contribute to the establishment of control and prophylaxis measures in the region. The objective of this study was to determine the main diseases that affect ruminants and which require further extension actions and research to reduce their occurrence. The identification of the hospital case series was done through a retrospective study of the clinical records of the animals served from May 2012 to June 2018. During the study period 629 ruminants were attended, 311 of which were cattle, 158 sheep and 146 goats. The animals served came from 33 municipalities in the state of Paraíba, and animal care from the states of Ceará and Pernambuco was also carried out. The systems most affected by diseases were the digestive, locomotor, reproductive and nervous systems. The highest occurrence of digestive disturbances identified is associated with the number of cases of gastrointestinal parasitosis, especially in small ruminants. In cattle, intestinal accidents, pre-stomach compressions, fractures and dystocia were the most prevalent diseases. In young animals diseases such as bronchopneumonias and umbilical affections were diagnosed very frequently, which suggests that the management of neonates is unsatisfactory. Several mineral deficiencies have been identified, as well as plant poisonings. The high infestations with ticks caused several hemoparasitoses. Diseases of small ruminants such as caseous lymphadenitis and pregnancy toxemia were also frequently diagnosed. The study showed that diseases of the digestive system, neonatal diseases, lymphohematopoietic system and plant poisoning are the most prevalent in the region. The reduction in the occurrence of these diseases requires interdisciplinary actions involving professionals in the areas of veterinary medicine, animal husbandry and agronomy, as they involve issues such as control of endo and ectoparasites, management of neonates, environmental preservation, fodder production and animal nutrition.