CLINICAL APPROACH TO POSTPARTUM METRITIS

Postpartum metritis, or inflammation of the uterus (which occurs durin g the period from parturition to complete uterine involution), is a se rious disease that can result in depressed reproductive performance an d milk yield and occasionally in death. Although this condition can oc cur in all breeds of cows, a higher incidence is seen in dairy cows. C ommon risk factors include unsanitary conditions at parturition, dysto cia, retained fetal membranes, multiparity, hypocalcemia, gastrointest inal displacement, ketosis, and uterine prolapse. Rectal examination u sually reveals an atonic, fluid-filled, possibly thin-walled uterus wi th decreased uterine involutions; retained fetal membranes and uterine discharge may or may not be visible. Therapeutic measures for disease localized to the uterus as well as systemic disease are discussed in this article.