Ask The Vet

Questioning Uterine Infusions

Uterine health in a cow herd is complex. Let the herd veterinarian make the call about treatments like infusions. (PF photos by Victoria G. Myers)

QUESTION

Out of 102 head of mature cows, I have three that did not breed back. I AI (artificially inseminate) most of my cows, so I am fairly familiar with their reproductive systems. The three cows that did not breed back appear to have a uterus infection with cloudy mucus. Can you recommend a treatment for uterus infections?

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ANSWER

I am very impressed with a 97% conception rate. I am not sure you want to rock too many boats with a success rate like that.

Infusing cows is actually controversial. I would be concerned about using any long-acting infusion in the uterus of a cow. All the information I have seen indicates this can be very irritating to uterine tissues.

One veterinarian who only does cattle work told me the only thing infused into a cow proven to increase conception is semen.

There is a product licensed outside the U.S. labeled for uterine infusions. There are also veterinarians with their own protocols for mild cases of metritis (inflammation). That said, we are now in an environment where all veterinarians must be much more careful in dispensing any antibiotics for food animals. In addition, before we can recommend treatment, we must have a valid veterinarian/client/patient relationship.

So this is not a settled issue. Always remember this rule of medicine: "First, do no harm."

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