Comparison of two protocols for the treatment of retained fetal membranes in dairy cattle

Two protocols for the treatment of retained fetal membranes in dairy cattle were evaluated in a field trial. Cows that retained the fetal membranes for more than 12 h were assigned to two treatment groups in an alternating order. In both groups rectal temperature was measured daily for 10 days after enrollment. In Group 1 (n = 35) cows with a rectal temperature 39.5 degreesC received a systemic antibiotic treatment with 600 mg ceftiofur intramuscularly on three consecutive days. No manual removal of the fetal membranes or intrauterine treatment was conducted. In case of elevated temperature of greater than or equal to39.5 degreesC on Day 3 treatment was conducted for another 2 days. In Group 2 (n = 35) cows received a local antibiotic treatment (2500 mg ampicillin, 2500 mg cloxacillin) and an attempt was made to remove the fetal membranes manually. In case of a rectal temperature greater than or equal to39.5 degreesC 6000 mg of ampicillin were administered intramuscularly. Treatment was repeated on three consecutive days. If temperature did not decrease below 39.5 degreesC systemic treatment was extended for another 2 days. During 10 days of observation 33 and 34 cows showed fever, i.e. a body temperature greater than or equal to39.5 degreesC in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (94.3 versus 97.1%). The proportion of cows considered as cured (temperature <39.5 degreesC on Day 10 after enrollment) was 65.7 and 68.6% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. All cows showed signs of chronic inflammation of the genital tract on Day 14 after calving. Within 4 weeks postpartum three (8.6%) and four (11.4%) cows were culled in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Days to first service and days open did not differ significantly between the groups. Proportion of cows pregnant on Day 200 postpartum was 71.4 and 54.3% for Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P > 0.05). Results indicate that treatment of retained fetal membranes without intrauterine manipulation and treatment can be as effective as conventional treatment including detachment and local antibiotic treatment. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.