Cattle & Endometritis

Endometritis is one of two types of inflammations of the uterus of a cow. Metritis is a swelling of the lining of the uterus as well as the surrounding glands and muscles. Endometritis is a swelling of only the lining of the uterus and surrounding glands and does not involve the surrounding muscle. The term metritis is often used to describe either condition, according to Dr. J. E. Manspeaker of West Virginia University.

  1. Clinical Endometritis

    • Clinical endometritis can develop quickly or slowly. Symptoms include a discharge of pus from the vagina and a decrease in appetite. This can also be accompanied by a reduction of milk production in dairy cattle. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a rectal examination to confirm swelling of the uterine wall.

    Subclinical Endometritis

    • Subclinical endometritis usually has no obvious signs or symptoms. The condition usually occurs over a long period of time rather that progressing quickly. The pus discharge from the vagina may be present under speculum examination. A biopsy of the uterus is used to diagnose subclinical endometritis in cattle.

    Cause

    • Metritis and endometritis are caused by any number of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria and fungus. The microorganisms commonly enter the vagina during the calving process. Manipulation of the calf during the calving process, often referred to as pulling the calf, can also cause additional microorganisms to enter the cow. Internal infections such as viral diarrhea or leptospirosis can also spread to the uterus.

    Treatment

    • Treatment of metritis and endometritis usually involves cleaning the uterus and coating the uterus, vagina and cervix to the proper drug. The disease may self-resolve when the cow has its post-calf estrus cycle. The natural discharge associated with the estrus cycle can discharge the infectious agent. Treatment usually occurs as soon after calving as possible.

    Prognosis

    • The severity of the metritis or endometritis depends on the microorganism causing the infection and length of time the infection continues before treatment. A culture of the microorganisms causing the infection may be done to determine the agent causing the infection and to help determine the proper course of treatment. With this information, a veterinarian can make a prognosis for recovery.

    Prevention

    • Sanitary conditions at calving time can help prevent metritis or endometritis, according to West Virginia University. An excessive rate of infection, usually over 20 percent, may prompt the farmer to examine the nutrition and housing available to the herd.