Description of cases of enzootic calcinosis associated with Solanum glaucophyllum in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Argentina

Water buffalo production has expanded in South America as an alternative livestock system in marginal and flood-prone areas where environmental conditions limit cattle production. Solanum glaucophyllum, a calcinogenic plant widely distributed in these ecosystems, is a well-recognized cause of enzoot...

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Autores principales: Micheloud, J.F., Pellerano, B.R., Sánchez, A., Marini, M.R., Baroni, E.E., Canal, A.M.
Formato: Artículo revista
Lenguaje:Español
Publicado: Universidad Nacional del Nordeste 2026
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Acceso en línea:https://revistas.unne.edu.ar/index.php/vet/article/view/9289
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Sumario:Water buffalo production has expanded in South America as an alternative livestock system in marginal and flood-prone areas where environmental conditions limit cattle production. Solanum glaucophyllum, a calcinogenic plant widely distributed in these ecosystems, is a well-recognized cause of enzootic calcinosis in ruminants. This study describes a case of enzootic calcinosis in a buffalo herd from Formosa Province, Argentina, and summarizes the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings. Approximately 11,000 animals grazed year-round on natural pastures heavily infested with S. glaucophyllum, and the apparent clinical morbidity was estimated at 2%. Affected buffalo showed progressive weight loss, stiffness, locomotor impairment, prolonged recumbency, and anestrus. Necropsy and histopathology revealed extensive mineralization of soft tissues, particularly arteries, heart, lungs, and tendons, confirmed by von Kossa staining. These findings indicate that enzootic calcinosis should not be underestimated in buffalo production systems, where it may cause significant chronic and subclinical productive losses.