NADIS disease bulletins are written specifically for farmers, to increase awareness of prevalent conditions and promote disease prevention and control, in order to benefit animal health and welfare.

Farmers are advised to discuss their individual farm circumstances with their veterinary surgeon.

Endometritis (‘Whites’)

The NADIS data show that in August, endometritis (whites) cases rose sharply by over a third and retained membranes increased by a similar margin. This is similar to the incidence in previous years and the increase can be expected to continue for at least another month. The effect of these diseases can be significantly reduced by good hygiene at and around calving. Additionally you should play close attention to those cows that have had whites or retained membranes so that if they don’t start cycling its not 80 to 100 days after calving before you start trying to correct problems.

What is Endometritis

Endometritis is an infection of the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium). It is probably one of the commonest diseases of the post calving cow, with on average 20% of cows showing some signs of endometritis. It causes a significant economic loss as it reduces fertility, feed intake (and thus milk yield), and is associated with an increased culling rate.

Several factors have been linked to an increased risk of endometritis, including calving problems, retained placenta, season (with winter and spring calvers being at higher risk), poor hygiene and metabolic disease

Clinical Signs

· A white or whitish yellow discharge seen at the vulva is the most common presenting sign of endometritis.

· The volume of discharge is very variable

· Only 50% of cows with endometritis will have a visible discharge, thus endometritis is often diagnosed at a routine vet examination

· Other signs of illness are rare, although endometritis can progress to metritis (inflammation of whole of uterus) and toxaemia.

Diagnosis

· On clinical signs

· Ultrasound examination or vaginal examination by veterinarian

Treatment

· Either antibiotics or prostaglandins

· Antibiotic pessaries may help in mild cases, but under dosing (i.e. two tablets rather than the recommended six) is wasting not saving money

· Prostaglandins are probably as effective as antibiotics, particularly if cow has started cycling, but must be administered by vet

Prevention

1) Reduce metabolic disease: This is best achieved by proper dry cow nutrition, particularly ensuring that dry cows are:

a) in condition score 2 to 3

b) Fed sufficient magnesium

c) Fed a diet to minimise milk fever

2) Improve hygiene at and around calving, particularly by reducing stocking density in calving yards, regularly replacing bedding and cleaning up before calving cows. This will reduce the number of cases of endometritis and will make those that occur less severe

Richard Laven PhD BVetMed MRCVS