Recent Possibilities for Diagnosis and Treatment of Post Parturient Uterine Diseases in Dairy Cow

The successful genetic selection for higher milk production caused a dramatic decline in the reproductive performance of dairy cows all over the world during the last decades. Achievement of optimum herd reproductive performance (calving interval of 12 months or 13 months with the first calf born at 24 months of age) requires concentrated management activities especially during the first 100 days following calving. The following management activities are needed to pursue during the early postpartum period to reach or approach the optimal reproductive performance such as careful surveillance and assistance at calving, prevention of post parturient metabolic diseases, early diagnosis and treatment of post parturient uterine diseases, accurate detection of oestrus, correct timing of insemination, reducing the effect of heat stress and early pregnancy diagnosis. Among these main activities only early diagnosis and treatment of post parturient uterine diseases and their effects on reproductive performance are discussed. Clinical metritis and clinical endometritis (or recently used purulent vaginal discharge: PVD) can be accurately diagnosed in the field, however it is very important to remark that the presence of PVD alone is not sufficient to diagnose clinical endometritis because cervicitis and/or vaginitis can also cause PVD. Both diseases have detrimental effect on reproduction therefore it is important to diagnose as soon as possible and treat accordingly. Different treatment protocols that have changed in the recent years for those diseases, as well as recently performed therapies like ozone therapy or vaccination are also discussed. Although subclinical endometritis has also a detrimental effect on reproduction, it is complicated to diagnose in the field.