73. Small ruminant medicine: metritis

Question 1

Cause of Metritis?

Answer 1

Incidence/cause:

• within 2-3. days after lambing
• unhygienic manual interference
• twins + dystocia
• dead or autolysed lamb
• uterine prolapse
• abortion
• retained foetal membrane ↔ cattle

Question 2

Pathogenesis of Metritis?

Answer 2

Pathogenesis:

• inflammation → toxin → mucosal membrane → absorption

Question 3

Clinical signs of Metritis?

Answer 3

Clinical sings:

• ewe shows little interest in her lambs
• spends long periods in sternal recumbency
• depressed and in appetent→ lower milk production → hungry lamb → fostered-on
• first few days of life are critical → not recovered over the next few weeks to month
• months, with a consequent extended period to market.
• T: >±40 C°
• vulva: swollen, oedematous
• red/brown foetid discharge

Question 4

Diagnosis of metritis?

Answer 4

Diagnosis: difficult

• History, clinical sings and elimination of other common diseases
• Vaginal discharge:
• Vagina and uterus by vaginal examination is difficult
• Vaginal speculum is not practical
• Uterus:
• US within the 2-3 days postpartum
• Size and content?
• Bacteriology: Not diagnostic

Question 5

Differential diagnosis of Metritis?

Answer 5

Differential diagnoses:

• Ruptured uterus
• Retained foetus
• Acidosis
• Peritonitis
• Mastitis
• Hypocalcaemia

Question 6

Treatment and Prognosis Metritis?

Answer 6

Treatment:

• Oxytetracycline iv. and dexamethasone
• appetite within 12 hours of intravenous injection

Prognosis:

• Favourable: ewe
• Poor: lamb → additional supplementation