Metritis

Question 1

Define metritis

Answer 1

nonspecific inflammation of all layers of the uterine wall

Question 2

What is the primary underlying cause of metritis? Why?

Answer 2

Bacteria

Bacteria are often present in the uterus after labor and delivery until the uterus has shrunken back down to size (involution). The immune system normally eliminates these bacteria, but sometimes some bacteria remain and cause metritis.

Question 3

List bacteria that can be responsible for metritis

Answer 3

Actinomyces pyogens
Bacteriosides spp.
E. coli
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Hemolytic streptococcal sp.
Many types of anaerobic bacteria

Question 4

Clinical signs of metritis

Answer 4

• normal discharge becomes foul smelling
• endotoxemia signs (depression, inappetence, pyrexia)
• severe Dz that can result in impairment of or complete reproductive failure
• chronic laminitis
• death

Question 5

List management recommendations

Answer 5

antibiotic therapy
uterine lavage
intrauterine infusion of antiseptic agents

Question 6

What is important when using antibiotics for metritis?

The antibiotic must… (3)

Answer 6

• good concentration within the uterus
• not be deactivated by inflammatory debris
• eliminate the most likely bacteria to be populating the uterus

Question 7

What type of antibiotic should be used with caution? Why?

Answer 7

Penicillins b/c organisms in uterus produce penicillinase for apx. 30 days postpartum

Question 8

What is uterine lavage and what does it do?

When should it NOT be used?

Answer 8

• warm isotonic saline helps remove fluid, debris, and microorganisms from uterine lumen
• contraindicated if endotoxemia present

Question 9

What role does intrauterine infusion of antiseptic agents provide in metritis treatment?

Answer 9

bactericidal adjunct therapy