The reproductive system of cows is vulnerable and prone to many diseases, especially in the postpartum period. This is primarily due to the fact that the sensitivity of the uterus is increased, and immunity is reduced. In this regard, a disease such as endometritis is a frequent occurrence in cattle.

What is this disease

Endometritis is a postpartum inflammatory process of the uterine mucosa. The disease is dangerous, entails the infertility of cows.

Symptomatic picture:

• poor cow health;
• loss of appetite;
• reduction in milk yield.

Without proper treatment, the condition of the animals may deteriorate to critical.

Important! Not detected in time endometritis can lead to the development of myometritis, perimetritis.

Reasons for the appearance

As a rule, endometritis develops as a result of direct exposure to exogenous and endogenous factors, which, in turn, include:

• exhaustion;
• heavy birth;
• pathology of the reproductive system;
• the penetration of viruses, bacteria into the uterus;
• incorrect obstetric care during childbirth;
• unsanitary conditions;
• lack of proper care for cows before and after calving;
• malnutrition (an unbalanced diet leads to depletion of the body);
• lack of walking;
• damage to organs during labor;
• autoimmune diseases.

Types and symptoms

Endometritis in cows occurs in several forms. The clinical picture varies depending on the course of the disease and the nature of the inflammatory processes.

Did you know? Cows sense the Earth's magnetic field and position their body while feeding and resting along its lines of force.

Depending on the current

Based on how the disease proceeds, three subspecies of the disease are distinguished: acute, subacute and chronic endometritis. Each of these species has its own symptomatic picture and method of treatment.

Acute

It is accompanied by fever, bleeding, deterioration in general health, purulent discharge of green-yellow color with a sharp unpleasant odor. A characteristic feature of acute endometritis is the rate of development. The first symptoms appear 3-4 days after infection.

Subacute

These are the initial inflammatory processes that affect the uterus (virus, fungus, parasitic organism, bacteria). Symptoms: elevated temperature, serous discharge, lethargy of the animal.

Chronic

Long-term and severely tolerated form of the disease. It differs in hormonal imbalance, an increase in the size of the uterus, purulent and bloody discharge, bleeding and its associated complications.

By type of inflammatory process

Depending on the type of inflammation and symptoms, as a rule, 6 types of the disease are distinguished: purulent, purulent-catarrhal, catarrhal, serous, serous-catarrhal and fibrinous species. In the absence of proper treatment, these types develop into more complex, chronic diseases that are difficult to treat.

Purulent

This type appears two weeks after infection. It is accompanied by purulent discharge, increased excretion, uterine dysfunction.

Purulent catarrhal

Acute uterine inflammation. The first symptoms appear on the 5th day after infection. The main symptom of the disease is an abundant discharge of exudate. There is also an increase in body temperature, a breakdown in the animal, a significant decrease in appetite. After a week, the discharge becomes purulent. With the disease, the tone of the uterus decreases.

Catarrhal

It appears shortly after childbirth - on the 3-4th day after calving. The peculiarity of the variety is difficulty in diagnosing the ailment. It is characterized by the release of lochia, mucous exudate. In the absence of proper treatment, pus secretions appear.

Serous

It is accompanied by a sharp increase in temperature, deterioration in general condition, malaise is observed in cows. The ailment is accompanied by profuse discharge with a sharp, unpleasant odor.

Sero-catarrhal

It is characterized by a significant deterioration in health, a decrease in appetite and milk production. During massage of the uterus, discharge with a pungent odor and bloody scraps of tissue are observed. Uterine mucosa swollen, reddened.

Fibrinous

The inflammatory process, during which an increased amount of fibrin is observed in the exudate. The infection affects the deep layers of the uterine mucosa, as a result of which a fibrin film forms on its surface. It is accompanied by the release of brown exudate, an oppressed state, a significant increase in temperature, an increase in the rhythm of the heartbeat.

Diagnostics

With timely diagnosis of the disease, the chances of recovery are significantly increased.

Important! Be sure to conduct an external examination, as well as palpation of the genitals after calving. Early diagnosis will speed recovery. Histological studies of the tissues of the vagina of the cow allow you to quickly, and most importantly - effectively detect the beginnings of inflammatory processes.

Treatment regimen

Treatment of endometritis is a painstaking process that must be carried out under the strict supervision of a veterinarian. To understand how to treat, and choose the right course of treatment, consult your doctor. The scheme is as follows:

1. The first step is to remove the stagnant exudate from the uterus of the cow. This will help boost the animal’s immunity and overall health. Removal is carried out through the systematic treatment of the uterus with antiseptic solutions.
2. After processing, remove excess fluid by vacuum.
3. After washing, inject anti-inflammatory, bactericidal drugs into the uterus that will significantly speed up the recovery and healing process. It is recommended to use candles, tablets or ointments.

As a rule, the veterinarian prescribes antibiotic treatment:

• Bicillin. Dose of 3 million;
• Streptomycin. Dose 2 g;
• Canapen Dose 10 ml;
• Penstrap. Dose 10 ml.

One of these drugs (prescribed by the doctor) must be administered according to the scheme: administration of the drug every two days, the required amount for the course is 5 injections.

Also, such drugs as Neofur, Uteroton, Furazolidone are used in treatment - they normalize uterine contractions, accelerate its recovery and contribute to the speedy recovery of cattle.

Did you know? An adult cow needs at least 7 hours of sleep at night.

With latent or chronic endometritis, iodinated, immunostimulating agents, a complex of vitamin-mineral compounds are prescribed.

Prevention

Preventive measures significantly reduce the risk of postpartum complications:

1. Properly organize the process of obstetric care.
2. Use only sterile instruments.
3. Perform regular disinfection.
4. Change litter frequently.
5. Entrust the birth process to a qualified professional.
6. Create separate rooms for calving, where the cows and their offspring will feel comfortable.
7. Provide access to clean water.
8. Balance your daily diet.
9. Take the cows out for wellness walks.

Endometritis is a disease that affects the lining of the uterus. In the absence of proper treatment, the disease develops into more serious forms, which are more difficult to treat. To be sure of the health of your animals, follow all preventive measures, and do not forget about the regular postpartum examination of organs.