Randomized clinical trial to compare the efficacy of two different antimicrobials on cure, milk production, and reproductive performance of dairy cows diagnosed with metritis

Abstract

Two systemic antimicrobials are currently labeled in the United States for the treatment of metritis, ceftiofur and oxtetracycline. However, veterinarians may choose an alternative to ceftiofur, a third generation cephalosporin, because of concerns about the potential development of antimicrobial resistance. Ampicillin sodium is often used in an extra-label manner in the field to treat metritis in dairy cows, but there is little work published to support its use for this purpose. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of two antimicrobial treatments (ceftiofur hydrochloride versus ampicillin sodium) for resolution of clinical signs, reproductive performance, culling, and milk yield in dairy cows diagnosed with acute puerperal metritis.