The Effect of Postparturient Uterine Douching on the Risk for Clinical Metritis in Lactating Holstein Dairy Cows

Abstract

Clinical metritis in the lactating dairy cow leads to decreased reproductive efficiency, decreased milk production, and predisposes the cow to other metabolic diseases. Postparturient uterine douching was historically used in humans as a prophylaxis and treatment for postpartum uterine disease. Some producers and veterinarians have advocated the use of postpartum uterine douching in dairy cows to help prevent metritis and improve uterine health, although there is little scientific evidence for its efficacy. Metritis represents a serious concern for modern dairy cattle, with a median lactational incidence of approximately 10%, and many herds have an incidence of 20-30%. The average cost of a case ofmetritis was estimated by Overton using stochastic simulation to be approximately $350. This represents tremendous potential in lost income to the dairy due to a greater risk of culling, loss of milk production, decreased reproductive efficiency, and increased treatment costs. The objective of this study was to determine whether cows that undergo a uterine douche shortly after calving are at decreased risk for clinical metritis.