Metritis in cows: types, characteristics, and treatment

Waiting for offspring in a herd of cattle is an important event in the life of any breeder. At this period of time, pregnant females should be looked after since they require special care immediately after calving. This is one of the most dangerous moments in the life of an animal, because it is weakened, and a large number of various infections can easily get into the body and an injured uterus.

And as a result, many gynecological diseases develop in cows. Among them stands out metritis and its different varieties which can lead to complete sterility of the livestock. Without appropriate timely treatment, the bacteria spread rapidly affecting the organs and blood vessels of the animal leading to serious consequences. This can be avoided by taking regular preventive measures and carefully observing your cattle.

Здоровые коровы на пастбище

Disease causes

The uterus of a strong healthy animal, whose birth was normal, independently displays the placenta and closes by rising to the right place in a few days. But if the process of labor was with complications, then the probability of getting metritis is high. Among the most significant reasons for its occurrence, it is worth mention:

  • Inaccurate intervention by breeders or veterinarians.
  • The use of non-sterile instruments during labor.
  • Genital contamination during mating.
  • A long period of feeding calves after the previous calving.
  • Short periods of time when the cow is not milked.
  • Complications arising from intrauterine interventions, abortion, difficult labor.
  • Premature insemination of young animals.
  • Improper nutrition, poorly selected food.
  • High stress, poor animal welfare.
  • The presence of other serious diseases.

Больная корова в стойле

Types of metritis

There are different types of the disease based on the place of infection:

  • Endometritis - the mucous membrane.
  • Myometritis is the middle muscle tissue.
  • Perimetritis - serous integument of the uterus.

This division is conditional since infection always begins by the mucous membrane and then moves to the rest of the organ, distributing toxins throughout the cow's body.

There are several types of the disease based on its characteristics.

  • Catarrhal. It is very difficult to diagnose because it quickly turns into more serious pathologies. There is a general deterioration in the condition of the animal, an increase in body temperature, a decrease in its appetite.
  • Purulent. It is usually detected on the second day after delivery, the cow regularly gets into a position as ready for urination, but nothing happens. Even when lying down, a viscous fetid liquid is released from the genital tract. Examinations reveal that the uterus is larger than the usual sizes.
  • Fibrous. A cow does not feel bad and eats normally. But on the walls of the uterus there are films with yellowish deposits. Deterioration begins abruptly, affecting the entire body.
  • Necrotic. It is associated with damage to tissues, muscles, blood vessels in the process of labor. Inflammatory fluid enters the wounded mucosa, blocking the normal flow of nutrients. The walls of the uterus can not withstand such pressure and tear, which will lead to new wounds. At this time, the temperature of the cow rises significantly, appetite decreases, severe diarrhea, and paralysis are observed.
  • Hemorrhagic. It is characterized by hemorrhage in the mucous membrane, vascular thrombosis. Concomitant with other infectious diseases.

Лечение и профилактика метрита у коров

Endometritis

Its appearance depends on the type of the birth givng process:

  • Light - the calf is born on its own - the disease is noted in a small number of cases.
  • Medium - livestock farmers help the cow to give birth - the percentage of violations is greater.
  • Severe - the process takes a long time, often involves surgical intervention - almost always ends with endometritis and infertility.

Among the signs of the disease following ones are noted:

  • A small amount of milk.
  • Depressed state.
  • Mucous, purulent discharge from the uterus.
  • Possible vaginal hemorrhage.
  • Uterine horns swell, increase in size.
  • A cow is eating poorly or not at all.

To avoid possible infertility, a complex of measures is taken to improve and strengthen the animal’s health. The main task of the breeder at this stage is to increase the immunity of the cow, get rid of all kinds of infections and injuries. 

Myometritis

It is a more severe form of endometritis and is distinguished by a general deterioration in the condition of affected livestock. In this case, an infection gets into the walls of the uterus, they become denser and thicker. When palpating, bumps become noticeable. In some places, deposits of lime salts occur which leads to the formation of ulcers and abscesses. The motor function of the body is completely reduced. Unfortunately, this type of metritis is difficult to cure and often ends in infertility.

Perimetritis

Another of the complications of endometritis occurring due to direct injuries of the uterus, its uterine cervix. In these cases, the infection can reach the serous layers which leads to complete infection of the animal.

The main symptoms are:

  • Poor general condition.
  • Lymph nodes in the pelvic area are enlarged.
  • Tissues near the uterus harden, have an uneven structure.
  • The organ itself is painful and sensitive.
  • A rectal examination shows the presence of adhesions.
  • The inflammatory process quickly spreads to the abdominal cavity.

The main task of the breeder, in this case, is to protect the animal from peritonitis, blood poisoning.

Корова после отела и теленок

Methods and characteristics of treatment  

For the treatment of the first two types, massage can be used which helps to stimulate the uterus to recover and properly contract. In the latter case, it is strictly prohibited, which can worsen the general condition of the animal. In some cases, with the consent of the veterinarian, the use of lasers and electrotherapy is acceptable.

For the treatment of metritis and endometritis in cattles the Bionit company recommends a number of its own products:

  • Metrolek - tylosin tartrate, excipients.
  • Metrostim - carbacholine, excipients.
  • Ichthyglyvit - ichthyol, glucose, ascorbic acid.

All of them are developed to treat endometritis in cows, eliminate bacteria and strengthen the protective functions of the animal body. Metrostim is administered subcutaneously and intramuscularly, Metrolek - intrauterine, Ichtiglyuvit - in the form of injections into the uterine region. They do not cause harm to the fetus when used for prophylactic purposes.

Коровы на выпасе

Metritis is one of the dangerous diseases that occur in cattles immediately after calving. Therefore, females require long-term observation, proper care and calm in the first days after the birth of the calf. Being attentive and careful will help the breeder to notice any abnormalities, unwanted symptoms on time and take steps to eliminate them.

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