Runny nose

Prevention of postpartum diseases in cows. Symptoms and treatment of postpartum diseases in cows

is a joyful event for any farmer, but at the same time it can bring a lot of trouble.

For example, during this period the cow is weakened and her immune system is not able to properly fight infections and various diseases that can occur in these animals.

Postpartum illnesses in cows must be treated immediately so that the animal is able to care for both itself and the newborn calf as soon as possible.

After calving, the cow may feel weak and unable to stand on her feet or stay on them for long. Sometimes an animal begins to crawl because it needs movement, but does not find the strength to do more. Complications after childbirth can occur due to the following reasons:

If you ate insufficiently nutritious and healthy food during pregnancy.
In case of injuries in the pelvic area during childbirth.
If the sciatic and obturator nerves have been damaged.
In case of improper behavior of veterinarians during the birth of the fetus, or if the calf is large.
If the ligaments in the pelvic area have been stretched.
Due to inflammatory processes and injuries, muscle defects have formed.

How can you determine

Postpartum complications can be identified by the following signs:

A cow cannot stand on her feet without help.
Even having risen, the animal cannot stay standing for long and soon falls again.
The temperature and pain threshold remain unchanged, but the functions of the motor system of the legs malfunction.
If the animal moves, it does so very slowly.
If you give an injection into a painful area, the cow will reflexively move sharply.
Possible swelling of diseased areas.

Postpartum complications can be diagnosed only when there is no doubt about the possibility of mechanical damage to the limbs.

The essence of the treatment of this disease lies in two principles of action:

Relieve painful sensations.
Prevent the possibility of complications.

To avoid swelling and bedsores, the cow needs to be provided with a soft floor covering. You also need to make sure that it turns over on different sides from time to time.

Areas of the body where the animal leans must be treated with ointments or camphor alcohols. The lower back is wrapped with a warming compress.

If bedsores appear, you need to rub the skin every three hours with special products, such as a solution of brilliant green.

You should help the animal get up on its feet at least occasionally. For this purpose, auxiliary mechanisms can be built. In this case, it is necessary to take into account that it first raises the pelvic area, and then the forelimbs.

How to prevent the development of the disease

To ensure that the cow does not suffer from postpartum complications, it is necessary to take care of her health even before pregnancy and during gestation. The animal must regularly be in the fresh air and eat quality food. In addition, it is necessary to ensure the cow’s safety from mechanical damage.

Development of paresis after childbirth

The development of paresis after the birth of a calf occurs due to an acute lack of calcium microelements.

The balance of hormones in the animal changes greatly, and the natural processes of processing and absorption of vitamins begin to slow down.

According to some observant farmers, the development of paresis after calving may be explained by a genetic tendency.

This may be true, but science has not yet confirmed this hypothesis.

By what criteria is it determined

The development of this disease can begin during pregnancy. And sometimes the first signs are visible only after calving. Animals that give birth more than once are more prone to illness.

The first signs of the disease:

The cow loses her appetite.
She becomes slow and looks tired (in some cases the reaction is the opposite - the animal is too active).
Body temperature decreases.
The animal walks unsteadily.
Sometimes short-term cramps may occur.

The course of paresis after childbirth can be:

In a light form. Only the first symptoms are noticed, but there will be no complications leading to the animal being unable to stand on its feet. Another sign of a mild form of the disease is tension in the cervical area and a head posture that is predominantly inclined towards the back of the body.
In severe form. The angle of inclination of the head is always the same. The animal has blurred vision. Due to numbness or paralysis of the muscles in the mouth area, the tongue often falls out. The cornea of the eyeballs may dry out. In the case of paralysis of the muscles of internal organs, the gastrointestinal tract and bladder malfunction, which is obvious from decreased appetite and problems with urination.

How to approach treatment correctly

Treatment of paresis after childbirth involves increasing the amount of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus trace elements in the blood. To do this, calcium chloride gluconates, as well as preparations containing magnesium, are injected into the vein of the cow. It is also necessary to nourish the animal’s body with substances that help absorb and process these phytamines.

The development of laminitis often occurs during pregnancy;
Problems with lameness arise when the cow is kept in a stall for a long time and her lifestyle is immobile.
An animal's joints weaken most often when it is exposed to injury.

The placenta is retained
If the pregnancy proceeded successfully, the placenta and membranes of the fetus will be released two to six hours after calving. The norm allows a delay of up to twelve hours. But if after this time the placenta has not been released, it is urgent to call a veterinarian.
There are several reasons for the development of this disease:
Lack of vitamins and beneficial microelements in the animal’s body.
A cow's too immobile lifestyle leads to many of her muscles weakening and even atrophying. And in cases where this is necessary, they do not work as expected.
If the calf was large, or there were two of them, then the uterus could stretch, causing the placenta to be retained.
An inflammatory process in the uterine area can also lead to this disease.

Usually, after childbirth, the fetal membrane remains suspended in the vaginal area along with the vessels of the circulatory system. Safe removal of the placenta is possible only on the first day after birth.
If this does not happen, over the next few days the outer part of the placenta decomposes, and the inner part gradually rots. A persistent unpleasant odor is heard, tissues become weak and lose their elasticity.

Due to decay, trace elements are released, which are absorbed into the body's circulatory system and distributed throughout the body, which can lead to sepsis.
This disease is a complex infection of a cow that is almost untreatable. If these processes occur, the animal’s body temperature rises, the desire to eat food disappears, problems with the gastrointestinal tract arise, it strains, draws in the abdominal area and hunches over.

To prevent such developments, it is necessary to help the cow in the first few hours after calving.
You can give her a special remedy, with the help of which the condition of the uterine muscles is activated and the body will be able to remove the placenta in time.
And in order to prevent the occurrence of diseases associated with weakening of the animal’s muscles, it is necessary to provide the cow with the opportunity to exercise daily (and several times). This should be done for about forty minutes.
Diseases of the udder zone
After the cow has calved, she begins to produce milk to feed her baby. Many systems of the animal’s body are associated with the work of the udder glands, so you should monitor whether this organ is healthy and whether it has any defects. Every farmer should know the following diseases in cows and their treatment:
Mastitis
Udder swelling
Injury to the udder area
Furunculosis in cows
Papillomas on the surface of the udder
Involuntary release of milk
A cow's udder is tight

It is impossible to fight all these illnesses. To do this, you need to contact a veterinarian to correctly determine the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. You should not try to solve the problem yourself, so as not to complicate the situation and create a risk of relapse.

The postpartum period is considered to be the period from the separation of the placenta to the end of the involution of the genital organs. In practice, it ends with a new pregnancy or infertility. During the process of involution, the swelling of the vulva disappears, the cervix gradually closes, the volume of the uterus decreases and the muscle fibers shorten, and the lumens of the blood vessels narrow. By days 5-8, colostrum turns into milk. Lochia is abundantly secreted. They include the remains of amniotic fluid and placenta, blood cells (erythrocytes and leukocytes) and later - the secretion of epithelial cells, uterine and vaginal glands.

UTERINE PROLPUS (Prolapsus uteri)

It occurs in cows, goats, pigs, dogs, cats as a result of forcible removal of a retained placenta or large fetus during prolonged labor and dryness of the birth canal. Predispose to prolapse due to overstretched uterus, as well as trauma to the birth canal. The prognosis depends on the time of loss and the degree of damage to the mucous membrane.

Before repositioning the uterus in cows, the pressure is removed using epidural-sacral anesthesia, then the remnants of the placenta are removed, necrotic tissue areas, wounds and erosions are treated with iodine glycerin. The uterine mucosa is irrigated with a 3% cold alum solution, covered with a sheet or bandaged.

Reset the prolapsed uterus with the palms of your hands, starting from the part adjacent to the upper edge of the vulva; after reduction, the mucous membrane is treated with an emulsion of syntomycin or streptocide. The vulva is fixed with a purse string suture. Treatment is carried out as for endometritis.

SUBINVOLUTION OF THE UTERUS (Subinvolutio uteri)

Delayed uterine involution after childbirth occurs in the absence of active exercise, inadequate diet, and is often accompanied by dysfunction of internal organs and systems. The main reasons for it are uterine atony, the release of lochia in small portions or their delay, the expiration of liquid brown lochia for more than 4 days after birth, and an increase in the time of separation of lochia.

The accumulation of liquid dark brown lochia in the uterus leads to lochiometra and the formation of toxins. Intoxication of the body with the breakdown products of lochia causes mastitis. Sexual cycles are disrupted.

Treatment.

It is necessary to remove lochia from the uterus with a vacuum pump or by subcutaneous injection of ergot, oxytocin, sinestrol or colostrum. Irrigation of the vagina with cold hypertonic solutions of table salt is allowed. If there is no intoxication, rectal massage of the uterus and ovaries is effective. Novocaine therapy and autohemotherapy are useful. Neofur, hysteroton, metromax, exuter or furazolidone sticks are administered intrauterinely; intravenously - a solution of glucose with ascorbic acid.

MATERNAL PARESIS (Paresis puerperalis)

It is a nerve disease found in ungulates. It is characterized by paralysis of the limbs, digestive and other organs. General depression is accompanied by loss of sensitivity and a drop in the activity of metabolic processes in the body.

The cause of paresis is considered to be a decrease in calcium and sugar levels in the blood due to an increase in the flow of insulin, a pancreatic hormone, into the blood.

Symptoms

Restlessness, unsteadiness, trembling muscles. The animal lies on its stomach, bending its limbs under itself. The neck is curved in an 8-shape, the gaze is absent, the pupils are dilated, there is no appetite. The bases of the horns, limbs and surface of the body are cold. The body temperature decreases, the pulse is rare, weak, arrhythmic, breathing is slow, hoarse, paralysis of the tongue and pharynx, clouding of the cornea, lacrimation, tympany, the head is thrown to the side, the limbs are extended. Death occurs from paralysis of the respiratory center and tympany.

Treatment.

A 20% caffeine solution is injected subcutaneously, air is pumped into the udder using an Evers apparatus, after pre-treating the nipples with alcohol. The nipples are tied with a bandage for 15-20 minutes. The area of the sacrum and lower back is rubbed and warm wraps are given. If necessary, air pumping is repeated after 6-8 hours. Calcium gluconate or calcium chloride is injected intravenously, and vitamin D3 is injected subcutaneously.

Prevention.

Animals are given sweet water, prescribed a diet, mineral supplements, vitamin D, and concentrates are excluded.

EATING AFTERMISSIONS AND NEWBORN

In meat-eating and omnivorous animals, eating the placenta does not lead to severe digestive disorders, but in ruminants, tympany and colic are possible. The symptoms of gastroenteritis are accompanied by diarrhea. Eating the offspring is possible in pigs, dogs, cats, rabbits and fur-bearing animals. It is believed that the main cause of this defect is disturbances in protein and mineral nutrition. Eating of droppings is preceded by eating placenta, dead fruits, cannibalism of tails, and consumption of large quantities of animal products.

Farrowing, lambing, and whelping must take place under control. Diets must be balanced in amino acid, mineral and vitamin composition. Mothers are provided with warm, clean water.

INJURIES OF THE BIRTH CHANNEL

There are spontaneous and violent injuries. Spontaneous ruptures are possible in the upper part of the uterine body as a result of strong tension of the walls. Violent inflicted by obstetric instruments, nylon ropes, fetal bones, or with excessive traction. Possible ruptures of soft tissues, contusions of the nerve plexuses, sprain of the pelvic ligaments, etc.

The main diagnostic sign of rupture is bleeding. The location and severity of the damage is determined. Ruptures and perforations occur on the cervix and body of the uterus, in the vagina and vulva.

POSTPARTUM VAGINITIS, CERVICITIS, ENDOMETRITIS (Vagini.tis, Cervicitis, Endometritis)

Vaginitis, or colpitis, is inflammation of the vaginal mucosa. According to the nature of the inflammatory process, serous, purulent-catarrhal, phlegmonous and diphtheritic are distinguished. The causes of their occurrence are trauma during childbirth or other diseases of the genital organs, for example, cervicitis, endometritis and associated associations of pathogenic microorganisms.

Symptoms

Depending on the severity of the disease, symptoms vary: from swelling and hyperemia of the mucous membranes, streaky hemorrhages to cyanosis, necrosis, tissue destruction, bleeding, abscesses and phlegmon in the paravaginal tissue.

In the differential diagnosis, it is necessary to distinguish between vestibulovaginitis and the presence of blisters on the mucous membrane. Thus, trichomoniasis vaginitis is characterized by the roughness of nodules the size of a millet grain to a pea; campylobacteriosis - the formation of uneven elevations on the mucous membrane with a diameter of about 2-3 mm; infectious - a rash of smooth blisters from dark red to gray-yellow in color, located in rows around the clitoris, and, finally, a vesicular rash - small red blisters on the lower corner of the vulva, when opened, mucopurulent exudate is released.

Treatment.

If the damage to the mucous membrane is minor and there is no intoxication of the body, then the vagina is douched with solutions of soda, furatsilin, rivanol, hydrogen peroxide or iodinol. In case of significant damage, tampons soaked in bactericidal emulsions or ointments (synthomycin, streptocidal, furatsilin, naphthalan, Vishnevsky, ichthyol, zinc, etc.) are inserted into the vagina. Erosion is treated with iodine glycerin (1:3) or 3% lapis solution; abscesses and phlegmons are opened. General and pathogenetic therapy are useful.

Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix. The cause is damage to the mucous membrane of the cervical canal or the muscular layer after rupture.

Symptoms

Hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membrane, changes in the configuration of the organ, bleeding, pain, the presence of adhesions, polyps, the cervical canal is semi-closed, possible fistulas leading to peritonitis, the presence of connective tissue scars and neoplasms.

Treatment.

After toileting the external genitalia, the vagina is irrigated with Lugol's solution or potassium permanganate (1:1000) to free the vagina from accumulated exudate and the cervical canal is tamponed with xeroform, ichthyol or iodoform-tar ointment in fish oil. Erosion is treated with a 1% solution of protargol, pyoctanin or brilliant green. The use of bactericidal suppositories and mud therapy is not excluded.

Endometritis is inflammation of the endometrium (uterine lining). Causes of acute endometritis: trauma to the endometrium during childbirth and obstetrics, complications after retained placenta and subinvolution of the uterus, non-compliance with veterinary and sanitary rules during childbirth, uterine prolapse. Predisposing reasons are vitamin deficiencies, lack of exercise, and a decrease in the overall resistance of the body. Endometritis is differentiated by the nature of the inflammatory process or exudate.

Symptoms

With catarrhal endometritis, the exudate is mucous, and with purulent endometritis, it is purulent, with fibrinous endometritis, with the presence of fibrin films. Fluctuation of the uterus, pain, and increased local temperature are determined rectally. Later, signs of intoxication are determined: rumen atony, increased pulse and respiration, diarrhea, loss of appetite and decreased body weight, milk production, etc. The cervical canal is usually slightly open, and a characteristic exudate is released from it.

Treatment.

A sick animal is isolated from healthy ones. Improve living and feeding conditions. The contents of the uterus are pumped out using a vacuum pump, after first introducing a 2% cold Vagotil solution or Lugol's solution into its cavity.

Antimicrobial boluses, emulsions and liquids are used depending on the sensitivity of the microflora to antimicrobial agents (septimethrin, metromax, neofur, endoxer, furazolidone sticks, lefuran, iodoxide, iodobismuthsulfamide, exuter). Neurotropic drugs, vitamin A, and ergot drugs (ergotal, ergometrine, ergotoxin) are administered subcutaneously. Autohemotherapy, Mosin and perirenal blockade, and general therapy are effective.

POSTPARTUM SEPSIS (Sepsis)

It occurs as a result of the entry into the blood of coccal forms of microorganisms, clostridia and their toxins against the background of a decrease in the body’s resistance and barrier functions of the genital organs in the postpartum period. A factor predisposing to sepsis is a violation of the integrity of the mucous membranes, vessels, nerves, muscular and serous membranes of the vulva, vagina and uterus after childbirth, as well as difficult and pathological childbirth, the consequences of fetotomy, fetal emphysema, uterine prolapse, placenta retention and complications caused by these abnormalities . The spread of infection occurs through hematogenous and lymphogenous routes. A significant role is played by the lack of a protective barrier in the affected organ, disruption of trophic function, accumulation of toxic products, their entry into the blood and lymph and spread throughout the body with symptoms of general intoxication. As a result, destructive changes develop in the liver, spleen, kidneys, heart, lungs, and central nervous system.

Clinically, there are 3 forms of sepsis: pyaemia - sepsis with metastases; septicemia - continuous flow of toxins into the blood; septicopyemia - mixed form.

Symptoms

Depressed condition, diarrhea or constipation, refusal to feed, cardiac arrhythmia, weak pulse, shallow, rapid breathing, high temperature. With pyaemia - fever of remitting type, i.e. temperature fluctuates. Brown putrefactive exudate accumulates in the uterus. The walls of the uterus thicken and are painful. Oophoritis, salpingitis, and peritonitis develop.

With septicemia, blood pressure drops sharply, the pulse is very rapid, barely perceptible, jaundice and hemorrhages of the mucous membranes; general weakness, protein in the urine, purulent-necrotic or anaerobic tissue damage develops in the primary septic focus.

Treatment.

Surgical treatment of the primary lesion. Novocaine therapy. Antimicrobial agents are applied topically; autohemotherapy is indicated. Kadykov fluid, cardiac medications, solutions of calcium or borogluconate, methenamine, soda, and 20% alcohol are administered intravenously. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used and with prolongators that have not previously been used on the animal. Use uterine agents; aminopeptide or hydrolysine through a dropper subcutaneously into different parts of the body up to 500 ml per day for large animals, as well as vitamins and sulfonamide preparations. To improve digestion, artificial or natural gastric juice and pepsin are given.

Prevention.

Females should receive adequate feeding. It is necessary to observe hygiene during childbirth and the postpartum period; provide qualified assistance during childbirth and birth canal injuries; promptly and correctly treat retained placenta, uterine subinvolution, endometritis; prevent postoperative peritonitis. The animals complete the course of treatment.

Bartolinitis

This is an inflammation of the ducts of the Bartholin glands and the glands themselves, located caudally from the opening of the urethra in the thickness of the mucous membrane of the lateral walls of the vestibule of the vagina.

Etiology.

The causes of the disease can be trauma and infection of the mucous membrane of the vaginal vestibule during obstetrics, rough vaginal examination, and artificial insemination. The disease can develop as a consequence of vestbulovaginitis of infectious and invasive origin.

Symptoms

The lack of effective treatment for vestibulitis creates the preconditions for the development of a chronic course of the disease, in which narrowing and blockage of the excretory ducts of the Bartholin glands stretches the walls of the gland with accumulating secretion or exudate. Mucosal secretion forms cysts, and purulent exudate forms abscesses, so single or multiple formations appear on the side walls of the vaginal vestibule. Large cysts protrude outward, simulating incomplete vaginal eversion. The mucous membrane of the vaginal vestibule is reddened, painful, and has traces of exudant residue.

Treatment.

The diagnosis is clarified by excluding vaginal inversion, neoplasms, abscess, and the underlying disease is eliminated. The abscesses are opened, the pus is removed, the cavity is irrigated with a solution of potassium permanganate at a dilution of 1:2000, an antiseptic emulsion and ointments (synthomycin, streptocide, Vishnevsky, etc.) are applied to the mucous membrane of the vaginal vestibule. In severe cases, pathogenetic therapy with the use of whole-vocaine and other restoratives is necessary. Cysts are also opened and the cavity is extirpated.

Prevention.

Eliminate the causes of vestibulovaginitis and provide timely and effective assistance.

GARTNERITIS

Chronic inflammation of the Gartner glands with the formation of cysts is observed in cows and pigs as a complication of chronic vaginitis.

Symptoms

Cord-like thickenings of the inferolateral walls of the vagina, reaching the cervix. When cysts occur, elastic, poorly fluctuating cysts. Abscesses may be present.

Treatment.

Vaginitis is eliminated, abscesses are opened and tamponed with antiseptic ointments.

VESTIBULOVAGINITIS (Vestibulitis et vaginitis)

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vestibule and vagina along the course can be acute and chronic; by the nature of the process - serous, catarrhal, purulent, phlegmonous, diphtheritic and mixed forms; by origin - non-contagious, infectious, invasive.

Etiology.

The causes are injuries to the mucous membranes, nonspecific microflora and specific pathogens (infectious follicular vestibulitis, vesicular rash of the vaginal vestibule, campylobacteriosis, trichomoniasis), as well as the consequences of infectious rhinotracheitis, chlamydia, mycoses and other infectious diseases.

Symptoms

Acute serous vestibulovaginitis is distinguished by serous exudate; the mucous membranes are hyperemic, edematous, with pinpoint or banded hemorrhages. Acute catarrhal inflammation is characterized by the separation of mucous, turbid, viscous exudate into the connective and muscle tissue, while purulent - white, yellow or yellow-brown exudate. The animal is worried, scratches the root of its tail, arches its back, strains; Vaginal examinations are associated with pain.

Acute phlegmonous vestibulovaginitis is characterized by the spread of purulent exudate into the submucosal connective tissue with the formation of abscesses in the paravaginal tissue, areas of necrosis and tissue disintegration. Crusts of purulent exudate accumulate at the root of the tail. The animal is depressed, there is no appetite, the body temperature is elevated, and pyaemia and septicopyemia often develop.

Acute diphtheritic vestibulovaginitis is accompanied by the release of a putrefactive brown liquid mixed with blood and particles of necrotic tissue. The mucous membrane of the vagina is earthy-gray in color, swollen, unevenly dense, painful; Deep ulcers form in areas of decay and rejection of dead tissue. The animal is depressed, there is no appetite, the body temperature is high, tenesmus is observed (a futile urge to urinate and defecate).

In chronic catarrhal and purulent-catarrhal vestibulovaginitis, the mucous membrane of the affected organs is pale with a bluish tint, thickened, with dense nodules and ulcerations. Liquid or thick mucopurulent exudate is released from the vulva. Due to purulent, phlegmonous and diphtheritic vestibulovaginitis, adhesions and powerful scar growths often form, which cause a narrowing of the vagina.

Infectious follicular vestibulovaginitis is characterized by redness and swelling of the mucous membrane of the vaginal vestibule and the formation of dense, smooth nodules on it the size of millet grains. They are located in rows or groups around the clitoris.

The blistering rash of the vaginal vestibule is accompanied by a large number of small red spots and nodules in the lower corner of the vulva, around the clitoris and at the tops of the folds of the mucous membrane of the vaginal vestibule. The nodules turn into purulent blisters and open, and in their place erosions and ulcers form.

A characteristic feature of trichomoniasis vestibulovaginitis is multiple nodules on the mucous membrane of the vestibule and vagina with a rough surface. When palpating the vagina, a grater sensation is created. Microscopy of vaginal mucus reveals Trichomonas. Females abort or remain unfertilized.

With campylobacteriosis (vibriosis) vestibulovaginitis, at the onset of the disease, hyperemia, swelling, pinpoint and streak hemorrhages of the mucous membrane deep in the vagina and accumulation of bloody mucus near the cervix occur.

Under the mucous membrane in the clitoral area and in other places, slightly raised dense and non-bleeding areas with uneven edges (nodules) measuring from 0.1x0.2 to 0.3x0.4 cm are found

Treatment.

The sick animal is isolated. Clean the root of the tail, the vulva from dirt and crusts of exudate. For serous, catarrhal and purulent vestibulovaginitis, the organ cavity is syringed with a warm solution of furatsilin (1:5000), ethacridine lactate (1:1000) or 2% solution of bicarbonate of soda. Antiseptic liniments (synthomycin, gramicidin, streptocide, Vishnevsky) are applied to the mucous membranes. The ulcers are cauterized with a 5% iodine solution. Vaginal tamponade with 10% aqueous tincture of garlic, onion or garlic gruel with an exposure of 20 minutes to 8 hours, depending on the individual reaction of the animal to this drug, is useful.

For phlegmonous and diphtheritic vestibulovaginitis, up to 1% novocaine powder is added to antiseptic emulsions. Tenesmus is removed by epidural-sacral anesthesia with a 1% solution of novocaine between the 1st and 2nd caudal vertebrae up to 10-15 ml in large animals or presacral novocaine blockade according to Isaev with the addition of 1 ml of benzylpenicillin to a 0.5% solution of novocaine and streptomycin sulfate. Symptomatic remedies are used.

For trichomoniasis vestibulovaginitis, the vagina is douched with a 1% solution of acetic acid or a 5% solution of lactic acid. The use of trichopolum is effective.

For campylobacteriosis vestibulovaginitis, intramuscular administration of 4 thousand units per 1 kg of benzylpenicillin 2 times a day in a 0.25% novocaine solution is mandatory for 4 days in a row.

Prevention.

Strictly observe sanitary and hygienic conditions and rules for childbirth, natural and artificial insemination and gynecological procedures. They keep the premises and the animals themselves clean, carry out timely and high-quality disinfection, isolate patients and rationally treat them at an early stage.

CHRONIC ENDOMETRITIS (Endometritis chronica)

With this long-term inflammation of the uterine mucosa, its stable changes develop, not only functional, but also structural. According to the nature of the exudate and clinical manifestation, chronic endometritis is divided into catarrhal, catarrhal-purulent and hidden.

Etiology.

In most cases, the disease serves as a continuation of acute postpartum or post-abortion endometritis, subinvolution of the uterus. Sometimes inflammation spreads to the uterus from the vagina, cervix or oviduct. Microorganisms can enter the uterus hematogenously, lymphogenously or with sperm.

Symptoms

In females, infertility is observed, sexual cycles become arrhythmic or stop. With catarrhal endometritis, exudate is released in the form of cloudy, flaky mucus; with purulent-catarrhal endometritis, it can be liquid or thick, cloudy with streaks of pus, and with purulent endometritis, it can be creamy and yellowish-white in color. The horns of the uterus are enlarged 1.5-3 times, their wall is thickened, painful on palpation, contractility is reduced, and fluctuation is sometimes detected. The animal’s condition has not changed; if the process lasts for a long time, signs of chronic intoxication of the body may appear.

Complications of chronic endometritis are the accumulation in the uterus of a large amount of pus (pyometra), watery (hydrometra) or mucous (mixometra) contents, sometimes mixed with blood. This occurs when the cervical canal is closed or significantly narrowed, so there is practically no exudation to the outside. By palpation of the organ, fluctuation is felt, the presence of a corpus luteum on the ovary.

This pathology is based on a disorder in the relationship between estrogen hormones and progesterone. Their symptomatology is different and refers to glandular cystic hyperplasia. With hypersecretion of estrogen, mixometra or hydrometer occurs, and against the background of hyperluteinization due to the retained corpus luteum on the ovary, pyometra occurs. Irreversible changes develop in the uterine wall, sometimes uterine rupture and peritonitis with sepsis are possible.

With latent endometritis, there is no leakage of exudate during the period from one estrus to another. But during estrus, the flow of mucus from the uterus is abundant, mixed with grayish-white, yellowish, and sometimes thread-like streaks of pus. Insemination or mating of such females is ineffective and contraindicated.

Treatment.

To aggravate the process and remove exudate from the uterus, warm solutions of 6-10% sodium chloride, 4% ichthyol, 0.1% iodine, 2% vagotil are used in small quantities. The solution is immediately removed from the uterus with liquefied exudate using a V.A. irrigator. Akatova. Then antimicrobial drugs are introduced into the uterine cavity, taking into account the sensitivity of the microflora to them in the form of emulsions and suspensions.

The most effective use of iodine preparations (Lugol's solution, iodosol, iodoxide, iodobismuthsulfamide). At the same time, estrogen drugs are prescribed to stimulate uterine contractions (2% solution of sinestrol subcutaneously for 2 days in a row), and then oxytocin, pituitrin, hyfotocin, ergometrine, brevicolin and other uterine drugs.

To increase the tone of the uterus and activate the function of the ovaries, rectal massage of the uterus and ovaries is performed by stroking and kneading them for 3-5 minutes after 1-2 days. In order to normalize metabolic processes, proper feeding, walks, insolation, and vitamin therapy are organized; Ichthyolotherapy and autohemotherapy are effective.

In case of a purulent process (pyometra), uterine massage is contraindicated. To remove exudate, it is necessary to open the cervical canal by means of novocaine blockades (low epidural-sacral, preacralpa according to S.T. Isaev, pelvic plexus according to A.D. Nozdrachev) and exudate is removed with a drilling movement of the fingers using vacuum devices. In some cases, in order to enhance uterine contractions, myotropic drugs or 2 ml of hellebore tincture should be added to intrauterine devices. In the following days, treatment is continued according to the generally accepted regimen. Of the patented intrauterine devices, rifapol, rifacycline, and iodobismuth sulfamide are effective. Traditional remedies include Konkov's ointment with the addition of antiseptics, syntomycin liniment, lefuran, deoxyfur, iodinol, Lugol's solutions, ichthyol, ASD-2 fraction, etc. The course of treatment requires at least 2-4 administrations at intervals of 48-72 hours. In bitches and cats resort to uterine amputation.

Prevention.

Acute forms of endometritis are treated promptly. Follow the rules of asepsis during insemination. Correctly perform therapeutic techniques for vestibulitis and cervicitis. Measures are taken to ensure the body’s high resistance to the disease.

OVARIAN HYPOFUNCTION (Hypofunctio ovariorum)

A weakening of the hormonal and generative function of the ovaries, accompanied by defective sexual cycles or anaphrodisia, is most often observed in first-calf heifers in the winter-spring months.

Etiology.

The causes of the disease may be inadequate feeding and unsatisfactory living conditions (poor indoor lighting, lack of active walks, stress). One of the reasons for the anovulatory sexual cycle is hypofunction of the thyroid gland, caused by insufficient iodine intake into the animal’s body. The causes of ovarian hypofunction are based on a violation of the neurohormonal regulatory mechanisms of the sexual cycle of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian-uterus system.

Symptoms

Rhythm disturbance, weak manifestation or absence of sexual cycle phenomena (anaphrodisia). This condition can last up to 6 months or more.

Treatment.

They eliminate the causes, improve living and feeding conditions, and promptly treat animals with residual inflammatory processes in the genitals. It is recommended to use serum gonadotropin intramuscularly. It is advisable to combine it with a 0.5% solution of proserin or a 0.1% solution of carbacholin, which is administered subcutaneously 2-3 times every 2 days. It is recommended to use an oil solution of progesterone at a dose of 100 mg for 2 days in a row in combination with a prostaglandin analogue F-2-alpha (estrophan) intramuscularly one day after the administration of progesterone.

In case of anovulatory sexual cycle during the period of estrus, human chorionic gonadotropin or luteinizing gonadotropin or surfagon are used. You can use serum gonadotropin on the 12-13th day of the sexual cycle.

Prevention.

The deficiency of vitamins in feed is compensated for by fortification, especially in the period 2 months before birth and 1 month after it. Pathological processes in the female’s body are promptly eliminated based on gynecological medical examination of animals.

PERSISTENT corpus luteum
(Corpus luteum persistens)

This is a yellow body that lingers in the ovary of a non-pregnant female longer than the physiological period (more than 4 weeks).

Etiology.

The reasons are errors in maintenance and feeding, pathological processes in the uterus and disorders of neurohormonal regulation between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, pituitary gland and ovaries, ovaries and uterus. Maceration, mummification of the fetus, retention of placenta, subinvolution of the uterus and endometritis block the formation of proetaglandins, and therefore regression of the corpus luteum does not occur. The persistent corpus luteum maintains a high level of progesterone in the female’s body and inhibits the development of follicles in the ovaries.

Symptoms

Long-term absence of sexual cycle phenomena (anaphrodisia). Rectal examination of large animals (cows, mares) reveals a corpus luteum in one of the ovaries. To clarify the diagnosis, the animal is examined again after 2-4 weeks, during which time the animal’s behavior is observed. Continued anaphrodisia and the presence of the corpus luteum in the same size give grounds, in the absence of pregnancy, to make a diagnosis of persistent corpus luteum. The uterus during this period is atonic, the horns hang into the abdominal cavity, there is no fluctuation.

Treatment.

The reasons for the retention of the corpus luteum are eliminated and means are prescribed to ensure its involution. Often, after creating optimal conditions for feeding, housing and exploitation of the animal, involution of the corpus luteum and restoration of sexual cyclicity occur. In some cases, 2-3 sessions of ovarian massage with an interval of 24-48 hours are sufficient to separate the corpus luteum. A single intramuscular injection of prostaglandin F-2-alpha and enzaprosta-F or estrofan gives a good effect. After the appearance of heat, the females are inseminated, and if there is no heat, the injections are repeated after 11 days and inseminated on the 14-15th day. In the absence of these drugs, you can inject a 1% progesterone solution subcutaneously daily for 6 days, and 48 hours after progesterone injections - serum gonadotropin.

Prevention.

Strict implementation of measures to exclude possible causes of the disease.

FOLLICULAR OVARIAN CYSTS
(Cystes follicularum ovariorum)

The formation of follicular cysts is preceded by an anovulatory sexual cycle. Cysts arise due to the stretching of graafian vesicles by fluid, which do not ovulate. Protein overfeeding, hereditary factors, lack of micro- and macroelements, vitamins, the use of excessive doses of synthetic estrogens (sinestrol, stilbestrol), FFA, folliculin, inflammatory processes of the uterus, reticulopericarditis, ketosis, poisoning predispose to cyst formation.

Symptoms

An excessive amount of estrogen is released into the cyst cavity, and the animal is in a state of hunting for a long period (nymphomania). Deep depressions form between the root of the tail and the ischial tuberosities. An increase in size of the ovary, a pronounced round shape, fluctuation, thinning of the walls and rigidity of the uterus are established. Vaginal examination reveals hyperemia of the vaginal mucosa, the cervical canal is slightly open, and there is mucus at the bottom of the cranial part of the vagina. A long-functioning cyst causes glandular cystic hyperplasia of the endometrium. Nymphomania is replaced by a long period of anaphrodisia, when luteinization of the inner surface of the cyst capsule occurs. The wall of such a cyst is thick and low-stressed.

Treatment.

Before prescribing treatment, it is necessary to organize adequate feeding and optimal maintenance; use vitamin supplements in the diet, microelements, especially iodine, cobalt, manganese. Operative, conservative and combined methods are used. The simplest surgical method is to crush the cyst with your hand through the wall of the rectum. Often after this, after 5 days. Cyst recurrences occur. If the cysts cannot be crushed, then they limit themselves to massage, resorting to the next attempt after 1-2 days.

On the second or third attempt, the cyst is crushed quite freely. Another surgical method is to puncture the cyst through the pelvic wall or vaginal vault, removing the contents and introducing 2-3% iodine tincture or 1% novocaine solution into the vacated cavity.

For greater effectiveness of treatment, medications should be used simultaneously with crushing or puncture of cysts: an oil solution of progesterone for 10 days. Of the conservative agents, the most effective is parenteral use of human chorionic gonadotropin (CG), and after 10 days estrofan or enzaprosta-F. Instead of hCG, you can use luteinizing hormone (LH), gonadotropin-releasing hormone, surfagon (intramuscular). For a cyst caused by hypofunction of the thyroid gland, it is advisable to intramuscularly administer a 5% aqueous solution of potassium iodide for 5 days in a row in increasing doses.

When treating cysts, animals should simultaneously be given potassium iodide (kayoda) orally for 7-8 days.

Prevention.

The causes of a cycle without ovulation are eliminated, and the sugar-protein ratio in diets is normalized.

Corpus luteum cyst (Cysta corporis lutei)

A cyst is a cavity in the retained corpus luteum of the ovary.

Symptoms

Long-term absence of clinical manifestations of sexual cycle phenomena. The uterus is atonic, the horns hang over the edge of the pubic bones of the pelvis into the abdominal cavity. The ovaries are triangular-oval in shape.

Treatment.

The use of prostaglandin F-2-alpha analogues (estrophan, estrumate, enzaprost), which have a luteolytic effect, is effective. Crushing the cyst is not advisable.

Prevention.

Measures are taken to prevent the occurrence of a persistent corpus luteum on the ovary.

OOPHORITIS AND PERIOOPHORITIS
(Oophoritis et perioophoritis)

Ovariitis, or oophoritis, is inflammation of the ovaries; perio-oophoritis - inflammation of the upper layer of the ovary, accompanied by its fusion with nearby tissues.

Etiology.

Aseptic inflammation of the ovaries is a consequence of trauma caused by squeezing the corpus luteum or crushing the cyst. Purulent oophoritis is the result of the action of microflora during salpingitis and endometritis. Chronic oophoritis develops from acute oophoritis after unskilled and untimely treatment as a consequence of prolonged intoxication. The main cause of perio-oophoritis is the spread of the inflammatory process from the deeper parts of the ovary to its periphery or from the oviducts, peritoneum or other adjacent organs.

Symptoms

The animal is depressed, body temperature is elevated, the ovary is enlarged and painful, and there are no sexual cycles. With chronic inflammation, the affected ovary is hard, lumpy, deformed, and painless. Perio-oophoritis is characterized by immobility of the ovary and the presence of adhesions.

Treatment.

Heat to the sacrum and lumbar region, antibiotics and sulfonamide drugs, pathogenetic therapy, suprapleural novocaine blockade according to V.V. are indicated. Mosin or perinephric according to I.G. Moroz, intra-aortic administration of a 0.5% solution of novocaine with antibiotics sensitive to microflora. The morphological changes in the ovaries characteristic of perio-oophoritis cannot be treated due to the irreversibility of the process, and the females are rejected.

Prevention.

Elimination of the causes of organ injury.

HYPOPLASIA, HYPOTROPHY AND OVARIAN ATROPHY
(Hypoplasia, Hypotrophia et Atrophia ovariorum)

Ovarian hypoplasia is underdevelopment of ovarian tissue during embryonic development. Ovarian hypotrophy is a violation of the process of growth and development of the ovaries due to insufficient nutrition. Ovarian atrophy is a decrease in the volume of the ovaries with a weakening of their functions.

Etiology.

Hypoplasia is observed in heterosexual twins who have anastomoses between the placental vessels, when the hormones of the male gonads, which are formed in males earlier than in females, penetrate into the female’s fetus and suppress the development of her genital organs. Ovarian hypotrophy is most common in young females whose mothers received inadequate diets during pregnancy, or can be caused by non-contagious, infectious and invasive diseases (dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, bronchopneumonia, paratyphoid, coccidiosis, dictyocaulosis and others), as well as the result of inbreeding.

Ovarian atrophy is widespread due to inadequate feeding. Unilateral atrophy is possible with cystic degeneration of the ovary and the development of scar tissue in it due to a previous inflammatory process. Bilateral ovarian atrophy often develops as a result of chronic, long-term diseases and age-related changes.

Symptoms

The consequence of ovarian hypoplasia is underdevelopment of the vagina and uterus, secondary sexual characteristics, and the birth of freemartins. With ovarian hypotrophy, genital infantilism is noted. Ovarian atrophy is manifested by a cycle without ovulation, the ovaries are small, compacted, without growing follicles and corpus luteum, the uterus is atonic, reduced in size.

Treatment.

If the reasons are of a pronounced nutritional nature and are not accompanied by profound changes in the tissues of the ovary and uterus, then feed containing the required amount of essential amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, micro- and macroelements is introduced into the diet. To accelerate the normalization of reproductive function, medications used for ovarian hypofunction are prescribed.

Prevention.

The primary task is high-quality and complete feeding of pregnant animals and the young animals born from them.

OVARIAN SCLEROSIS (Sclerosis ovariorum)

Growth of connective tissue in place of glandular tissue in the ovaries.

Etiology.

Pathology occurs due to small cysticity and persistence of the corpus luteum, prolonged intoxication, chronic diseases and age-related changes.

Symptoms

The ovaries have a rocky consistency, lumpy, painless, sometimes of uncertain shape. There are no sexual cycles.

Treatment.

Doesn't work, females are discarded.

Prevention.

Eliminate factors that may cause the disease.

SALPINGITES
Inflammation of the oviducts (fallopian tubes).

Etiology.

The disease is a consequence of transmission of the ampullary part of the oviduct, compression of the corpus luteum, crushing of ovarian cysts and the spread of the inflammatory process from nearby organs and tissues.

Symptoms

In the ligaments between the ovary and the uterus, a fluctuating cord (hydrosalpings) is determined by rectal palpation; there is no pain. An acute purulent process is accompanied by oophoritis and severe pain in the organ, and a chronic process is accompanied by thickening of the isthmic and ampullary parts of the oviduct to the size of a student’s pencil and the presence of adhesions. Obstruction of the oviduct makes it difficult to transport the fertilized egg and zygote to the uterus, and ectopic pregnancy is possible.

Treatment.

In acute salpingitis, the cause of the disease is eliminated, antibiotics and broad-spectrum sulfonamides are used. Rest, warmth on the sacrum and lumbar region. A 0.5% solution of novocaine with antibiotics is injected into the aorta, intramuscularly - a 7-10% solution of ichthyol in a 20% glucose solution or 0.85% sodium chloride solution with an interval of 48 hours. Injections 5% - th solution of ascorbic acid intramuscularly c.

Prevention.

When conducting a rectal examination and massage of the uterus and ovaries, established norms and techniques are strictly observed.

INFERTILITY (Sterilitas)

Temporary or permanent impairment of the ability of a mature organism to fertilize, i.e. loss of the ability of an adult organism to reproduce.

Etiology.

The causes of infertility are mainly of congenital and acquired origin. Congenital diseases include infantilism, freemartinism, and hermaphroditism. Acquired infertility is divided into nutritional, climatic, operational, and senile, but it can be the result of disturbances in the organization and conduct of artificial insemination, pathology in the reproductive organs, and biological processes.

Prevention.

To find out the causes of infertility and eliminate them, a comprehensive analysis of economic conditions is necessary, which includes the state of the food supply; level and nature of feeding throughout the year, taking into account data from biochemical analysis of feed; conditions for keeping animals.

In case of liver diseases (hepatitis), hypovitaminosis A, D, E, impaired phosphorus-calcium metabolism, acidosis, the service period is extended. Prolonged anestrus occurs against the background of ovarian hypofunction and persistence of the corpus luteum, a sharp decrease in hemoglobin content in the blood (less than 9.8 g per 100 ml), as the hormonal function of the pituitary gland and ovaries is weakened.

Obstetric operations

Fetotomy, caesarean section and uterine amputation are of greatest practical importance.

Fetotomy - dissection of a dead fetus in the birth canal. Indications for fetotomy: large fetus, deformities, incorrect positioning of the limbs. Fetotomy is performed using an embryotome or fetotome and other instruments. It is done in two ways: open (cutaneous) and closed (subcutaneous - after preparing the skin with a spatula). The head is amputated when it does not go along with the limbs, the limbs are amputated with a fetotome or torn off with an extractor to reduce the shoulder or pelvic girdle. During fetotomy, injury to the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix is not allowed.

Caesarean section is indicated on a living fetus for narrowing of the cervical canal, narrowness of the birth canal, torsion of the uterus, and fetal emphysema.

Amputation of the uterus is indicated for ruptures and tumors, and in small animals - if obstetrics were unsuccessful.

Every animal grows, matures and produces offspring. Any of the changes carries risks for the life and health of the pet. A dangerous period in the life of cattle is the gestation and birth of offspring. It is associated with risks and complications that can even lead to the death of the cow.

What is paresis in cows

Common causes of cow death after calving are paresis, mastitis and leukemia. Diseases are a complication of childbirth in a cow, but paresis stands out among them, due to the speed of development and transience. If the owner hesitates, he can easily lose his nurse.

Scientists have not yet been able to establish the causes of paresis in cows, but they have identified the mechanism of development of the disease and factors contributing to the development.

Paresis is paralysis of an animal's muscles. It is associated with overstrain of the cow's central nervous system during childbirth. The metabolism of the cattle body changes in favor of the growing fetus, and a lack of essential microelements (calcium and phosphorus) occurs. During labor, a lot of energy is expended to expel the calf, causing hypoglycemia. These processes together disrupt the body’s hormonal levels and cause paralysis of muscle tissue.

In addition, veterinarians note that the disease often occurs in animals exposed to risks:

stall cows in winter,
purebred cows,
the predominance of concentrated feed in animal nutrition,
first birth at the peak of lactation activity in cattle - 5-8 years,
1-3 days after calving – high risk of developing the disease,
the presence of concomitant diseases in the cow (cold).

Symptoms and signs of paresis

Maternity paresis in a cow develops rapidly, so at the first signs you need to consult a doctor. In the first 12 hours after calving, about 80% of animals are susceptible to complications; in the first 3 days, about 30%. That is, in the first hours after birth, signs of paresis may appear in most cases, and over time, the incidence of the disease decreases. But this does not mean that signs of the disease cannot appear after 2-3 weeks, so carefully monitor the cattle so as not to miss the onset of labor paresis in the cow.

Immediately after calving, the animal's blood pressure should drop and recover within 10-12 hours. If this does not happen, then this should be the first signal about the risk of developing the disease.

Appetite suddenly disappears. The cow stops chewing the cud.
The cow's colostrum (milk) disappears.
Active trembling of the limbs begins, muscle weakness appears. The animal stands unsteadily on its feet, and then lies down, laying its head on its chest. Attempts to stand up are not successful, and the neck bends in an S-shape.

Body temperature drops to 36-35 degrees. First the limbs get cold, and then the whole body.
The sensitivity of the cow's skin sharply decreases. When tingled with a sharp object along the spine, the animal does not react.
The pupils dilate, the cornea becomes cloudy, the eyes are half-closed.
Breathing becomes wheezing and harsh.
The animal stops peristalsis. There is no urination or defecation.
In severe cases, the tongue falls out. Excessive salivation may be present.

Paresis in a cow is a rapid disease, so the first thing to do is to inform the veterinarian about the suspicion of the disease so that he can act immediately. Quick and competent manipulations by a specialist will reduce the risk of animal death to 5%.

Treatment of paresis in cows involves influencing the baroceptors of the udder, or rather, blowing air into it. To do this, the animal is placed in a dorsal-lateral position and, using sterile catheters, air is forced into all openings of the udder.

The severe condition of postpartum paresis in cows is relieved by intravenous administration of a solution of calcium chloride and glucose to restore the lack of trace elements and sugars in the body, as well as caffeine to raise blood pressure. If the doctor provided proper assistance in a timely manner, then within 12-15 hours the animal will be able to get back on its feet and recover in 2-3 days.

You can help the cow with a warm rubdown or a hot enema. It is also recommended to inject formalin into the scar to consolidate the result and reduce the risk of complications in the form of tissue inflammation.

The treatment procedure using the Schmidt method (injecting air into the udder) requires skill, experience and equipment. It is difficult to perform the operation on your own without preparation. But folk remedies, or rather, alternative techniques, will help with paresis in a calving cow. Such methods include the introduction of fresh milk from a healthy cow into the udder of an animal.

When carrying out the procedure using sterile instruments, up to 2 liters of milk from a healthy cow are injected into each lobe of the udder, but the effect can only be expected if you notice signs of the disease in the early stages. The treatment is easier and faster; in 30-40 minutes the cow will be on its feet.

Prevention of paresis

Many cattle owners are interested in the question: how to prevent paresis in cows? The answer is simple: you need to take care of the animal during pregnancy and follow the rules:

Maintain a balanced diet during pregnancy. Food should be rich in vitamins and minerals, varied and nutritious.
Include dry food and mineral supplements in your diet.
An excellent prevention of paresis in cows before calving is planned fortification with vitamins B and D. This will avoid depletion of the body during gestation.

Follow the rules for launching an animal, namely:

7 days before calving, introduce up to 500 grams of sugar diluted in water into the diet (depending on the weight of the animal).
1-2 weeks before and 7 days after, exclude concentrated and succulent food from the cow’s diet.
Immediately after birth, give the animal water and salt.

Prevention of maternity paresis should include proper maintenance of stable animals, regular exercise, and keeping them in a warm, dry room without drafts to avoid hypothermia and complications during childbirth.

Good care for a pregnant cow, proper diet planning, and supervision by specialists will ensure an easy birth without complications for your cow. And properly organized reproduction is the key to future milk yield. Love and care for your helper and you will get all the care back.

Postpartum paresis most often occurs in highly productive or aged cows; the disease is rarely detected in young heifers. In the first days of calving, a sick cow loses its appetite, becomes nervous, experiences muscle spasms, and drops in body temperature. If the animal is not treated in time, the cow is overcome by partial paralysis and falls with her head thrown to the side. This is a very dangerous stage of the disease; in 70% of cases, without timely treatment, the animal dies.

Symptoms of postpartum paresis:

loss of appetite, no chewing gum;
body tremors appear, temperature drops;
unsteadiness on the legs, muscle spasms, paralysis;
mental agitation, the cow begins to moo, shake its head, hit the walls with its horns, and grind its teeth;
paralysis of the pharynx and mouth, prolapse of the tongue, severe salivation;
depression, lacrimation;
cessation of internal secretion, including bowel movements.

Postpartum paresis: 1-severe form; 2-light form.

Causes

Today among experts there are several explanations for why this complex disease occurs. The first option is a sharp decrease in blood sugar, hypoglycemia. The second option is increased activity of the pancreas, resulting in the production of a large amount of insulin. In connection with these opinions and confirmation in practice, one of the quick methods of treating the problem is to administer 40 ml of a 20% glucose solution. However, there are other causes of labor paresis:

overfeeding with concentrates;
keeping the animal for a long time without walking;
cold and draft during calving;
inhibition of parathyroid gland function;
severe nervous excitement during childbirth;
shift in carbohydrate and protein metabolism.

Treatment methods

At the first signs of the disease, you should resort to Schmidt’s main method of treatment - pumping air into the udder. This procedure is performed using a special Evers apparatus.

The animal is laid on its side, the udder is straightened, a clean towel is placed, and the teats are disinfected with alcohol.
Then a small stream of milk is squeezed from each nipple to clean the canal.
The device pumps air from the lower nipples. Air pumping is stopped after udder tension.
Then the nipples are tied with a ribbon or bandage. Threads or ropes should not be used, as they can kill the udder tissue.
The nipple bands can be removed immediately after the animal stands up. Watch the video for more details.

Another treatment method is injecting a glucose solution into a vein. Apply 250-500 ml of calcium gluconate solution. After immediate treatment, the cow is usually on her feet within 30 minutes. At the same time, the animal becomes invigorated, begins to eat, resumes chewing cud, and goes to the toilet. If the cow does not get up during the first hours after therapy, treatment measures should be repeated.

Prevention

Postpartum paresis can be avoided by following certain preventive measures.

regularly provide hay of cereal grasses, for example, timothy grass or meadow grass. But alfalfa and clover should be reduced.
Introduce vitamin D a day or two before calving.
A week before giving birth, give the cow a sugar solution (300 grams per 1 liter of water).
Every day the animal should walk in the fresh air.

Video “How to treat postpartum paresis”

In this video you will learn how to behave correctly during postpartum paresis.

Igor Nikolaev

Reading time: 5 minutes

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A responsible attitude to calving in cattle determines the health of the future offspring and the high milk productivity of the mother. But sometimes childbirth occurs with complications. It is important not to miss the occurrence of diseases at this stage in order to preserve the reproductive functions of the cow and spare the livestock breeder from long-term treatment. The main diseases during the postpartum period will be discussed in the publication.

The time from the separation of the placenta to the completion of the uterine restoration process is called the postpartum period. This is observed by the fact that the cervix closes and its muscle fibers become smaller.

After a week, colostrum becomes milk. In a healthy state, secretions of natural color, size and odor are formed.

The animal gains strength to bear the next fetus. Fertilization usually occurs soon. Or the cow cannot become pregnant again and remains infertile.

Postpartum complications occur for several reasons. In some cases, this is a lack of feeding and maintenance. Pregnant animals are kept in cramped stalls, crowded together, and are not allowed to go out for a walk. In other cases, infectious diseases interfere with the process. If you have any difficulties, you should seek help from a specialist.

Birth canal injuries

Spontaneous and violent injuries lead to vaginal rupture. They can occur due to the following factors:

strong efforts during childbirth;
incorrect presentation of the calf;
large fruit;
obstetrician's actions with instruments, ropes

With small ruptures, wounds form and blood flows from the vagina. In case of serious injuries, a through-and-through wound of impressive size appears. It happens that loops of intestines and a bladder end up in the vaginal cavity.

A specialist must determine the location of the rupture. Bandages with hemostatic solutions mixed with antiseptics are inserted into the vagina. The prolapsed organs are put back into place. The obstetrician then quickly stitches up the tears to prevent the animal from losing a lot of blood. It also plays a role in the entry of microbes into open pathways and the proliferation of opportunistic microflora.

This outcome leads to the development of gynecological diseases in cows.

Retention of placenta

If after calving the placenta does not come out within a maximum of eight hours, then it is said to be retained. In most cases this happens for the following reasons:

the uterus contracts weakly and does not push out the placenta. This may occur due to the animal's lack of vitamins;
rare and irregular exercise during pregnancy. When an animal moves little, a lot of problems appear in the body;
the muscles of the uterus are weak due to the presence of the disease;
the placentas of the mother and fetus were united, again due to the presence of serious infections (brucellosis, trichomoniasis and others).

Already on the second day after birth, the placenta begins to decompose. This can lead to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the vagina, cervix, and general infection of the body. It is enough to react in time and remove the afterbirth promptly. Otherwise, infertility and other cow diseases may occur.

First, they try to force the uterus to contract with special drugs. Immunomodulators are also used. If the process does not start, they try to separate the afterbirth manually. This is done with clean hands after sanitizing and applying a moisturizing ointment.

You should be careful during the operation so that particles of the placenta do not remain in the womb. They can lead to rotting and inflammation. Then the uterine cavity and birth canal are washed with antibacterial solutions. Residues of drugs are removed from the cavity by pumping out. The procedure is repeated three days in a row.

Uterine prolapse

Immediately after the calf is born, the uterus may prolapse completely into an open cervix. Most often this is due to strong efforts after calving, which are needed to expel the placenta.

Another specialist could have pulled out the fetus too abruptly or there was a natural rapid birth. The cow could have been bothered by a cough that caused her to prolapse. Among the reasons are the uneven floor: the cow gave birth with an inclination towards the rear.

Inversion of the uterus develops into edema, the formation of cracks, ruptures and tissue death. Therefore, specialist intervention is necessary according to the instructions:

first remove the afterbirth;
the inverted uterus is washed with a solution of potassium permanganate;
Burenki's rear is placed higher;
The uterus is taken into a clean blanket and carefully placed in place. You need to start from the vagina, straightening the folds;
for some time the animal should be in a position with its hind end raised;
in rare cases, the place is sutured.

Lying down for a long time after childbirth

After calving, the cow cannot get up and lies down all the time. She can be lifted by force, but she will not be able to stand. The back part slopes towards the floor. There is no paralysis of the limbs. The female appears healthy.

Such a rotation can be caused by damage to the sacral plexus of the sciatic nerve due to a large fetus or its incorrect position, or injury to the pelvic ring. Poor quality nutrition during the period of gestation or lack of walking. It is necessary to exclude leg injuries and give the animal rest.

You can help by doing the following:

lay fresh, clean and dry bedding;
turn over several times a day to prevent bedsores;
be sure to massage the sides, back, limbs;
Warm lotions are recommended for areas of the sacrum;
the diet should be balanced and fortified.

After this, the cow is observed for several days. If she does not get up even after five days, she is placed in a support device.

This pathology is considered one of the most severe among postpartum diseases in cows. The female quickly becomes helpless due to the fact that her tongue, pharynx, digestive organs and limbs are paralyzed. The animal may even lose consciousness. This outcome occurs in highly productive cows with large weights.

Paresis is associated with nutrition. In particular, a lack of glucose and calcium in the feed and overfeeding with concentrated food without alternating with juicy and coarse foods.

An aggravating factor is the lack of walking:

the cow's limbs are trembling, she lies down and does not get up;
if the position is not critical, then the head is supported by weight, although the neck is tilted;
in more severe cases, the cow lays its head on the chest wall and throws it back;
the temperature drops by two to three degrees;
the area near the horns is cool;
the tongue may fall out;
the animal closes its eyes and groans.

Treatment consists of regularly milking the milk so that it does not stagnate and go rancid in the udder. Then air is blown into the udder. At the same time, an injection of caffeine is given, the body is rubbed and the cow is warmed up.

A solution of calcium chloride and glucose is prescribed intravenously to restore strength. Vitamin D, minerals, and sweetened water are added to the feed. It is necessary to monitor bowel and bladder emptying. If something happens, help with catheters and enemas. Until the cow gets up, provide her with warm bedding and prevent bedsores from appearing with massages and special medications.

Poisoning and infections

In the first time after calving, the cow may begin to become intoxicated. This is facilitated by the absorption of decay products from the uterus, the activation of bacteria that enter the blood from it. Before this, trauma to the birth canal and infection could occur.

It is not difficult to determine the beginning of the pathological process. The cow has no appetite, is depressed, and her body temperature rises. The pulse slows, breathing becomes erratic, and diarrhea may begin. The rumen contracts incorrectly and the gum disappears.

As a rule, such a development of events is preceded by inflammation of the vagina, endometritis and other postpartum diseases in cows. When examined by a specialist, it turns out that the uterus is enlarged in size, contains foreign fluid, it practically does not contract and reacts painfully to the examination.

Timely assistance for mild forms of intoxication promotes recovery:

But in some cases, if you do not pay attention to infections, death can occur. If you do not intervene promptly, sepsis may develop. It affects serious changes in almost all internal organs. The process may be irreversible.

Septicemia

The disease mainly occurs due to trauma during childbirth. Streptococci or staphylococci, E. coli and other bacteria are involved.

In addition to the lethargic state, the animal’s milk production process stops. You can milk a small amount of milk, but it will be blue or red in color. The cow tries to lie down, as if with paresis.

The difference between the pathology is the presence of a rash and bleeding from the mucous membranes. Blood may also be released in liquid stool. Sometimes there is no stool at all.

The disease can be identified thanks to the following signs:

putrefactive discharge indicates acute septicemia;
nothing happens around the wound. This means that the body does not react to bacteria, to the difficult process that has begun. In this case, there will be complications;
blood pressure decreases greatly, the pulse becomes rapid and difficult to calculate;
protein is found in the urine;
Putrid fluid flows from the uterus, its walls are dense and thick;
Rarely does an animal fall into a coma immediately, without obvious symptoms. Death is inevitable;
The obvious difference is the temperature jumps. At first it rises sharply, then also falls. The result can be twofold: either recovery or death. The picture will become clearer in a matter of hours.

Therefore, treatment is useless if sepsis is expressed in a putrefactive course. The lifespan of a cow is measured in two to three days. When the situation is not so dire, measures are taken.