The effect of metritis and subclinical hypocalcemia on uterine involution in dairy cows evaluated
by sonomicrometry |
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| Authors: | Maike HEPPELMANN Karoline KRACH Lars KRUEGER Philipp BENZ Kathrin HERZOG Marion PIECHOTTA Martina HOEDEMAKER Heinrich BOLLWEIN |
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| Institution: | 1)Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany;2)Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland |
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| Abstract: | The objective of this study was to examine the effects of metritis and subclinical hypocalcemia on reduction
of uterine size in dairy cows using ultrasonography and sonomicrometry. Four piezoelectric crystals were
implanted via laparotomy into the myometrium of the pregnant uterine horn of 12 pluriparous Holstein Friesian
cows 3 weeks before the calculated calving date. Sonometric measurements were conducted daily from 2 days
before parturition (= Day 0) until Day 14 after calving and then every other day until Day 28. Distances
between adjacent crystals were expressed in relation to reference values obtained before calving. The diameter
of the formerly pregnant uterine horn was measured using transrectal B-Mode sonography starting on Day 10.
Cows were retrospectively divided into the following groups: cows without metritis (M–; n = 7), cows with
metritis (M+; n = 5), cows with normocalcemia (SH–; Ca > 2.0 mmol/l on Days 1 to 3; n = 5) and cows with
subclinical hypocalcemia (SH+; Ca < 2.0 mmol/l in at least one sample between Days 1 and 3; n = 7).
Metritis did not affect (P > 0.05) sonometric measurements, but the diameter of the formerly pregnant horn
was larger (P ≤ 0.05) between Days 15 and 21 in M+ cows than in M‒ cows. Reduction in uterine length in
hypocalcemic cows was delayed (P ≤ 0.05) between Days 8 and 21 compared with normocalcemic cows, but the
uterine horn diameter was not related to calcium status. In conclusion, both diseases affected reduction of
uterine size until Day 28. Cows with metritis had a larger uterine diameter, possibly attributable to
accumulation of lochia, and cows with subclinical hypocalcemia had delayed reduction of uterine length,
presumably related to reduction of myometrial contractility. |
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| Keywords: | Calcium Puerperium Sonography |
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