Evaluation of the use of intrauterine infusions of oxytetracycline, subcutaneous injections of fenprostalene, or a combination of both, for the treatment of retained fetal membranes in dairy cows.

Dairy cows (n = 207) that had retained fetal membranes for more than 8 hours after parturition were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups (group 1, daily intrauterine infusion of oxytetracycline; group 2, daily intrauterine infusion of oxytetracycline and a single SC injection of fenprostalene; group 3, a single SC injection of fenprostalene; and group 4, untreated controls). Cows were monitored daily. Subsequent disease conditions were recorded, and appropriate treatments were initiated. Interval from parturition to expulsion of fetal membranes was unaffected by treatment regimen. The frequency of cows with high rectal temperatures (> or = 39.5 C) was significantly (P < 0.05) less in cows treated with oxytetracycline infusions; however, the frequency of displaced abomasum, ketosis, and mastitis was unaffected by treatment method. Treatment method appeared to influence the development of postpartum uterine pathologic conditions. Treatment with oxytetracycline and fenprostalene (group 2) increased (P < 0.05) the frequency of pyometra. Treatment with fenprostalene (groups 2 and 3) decreased the number of cows with a palpable uterine lumen detectable during per rectal palpation at 28 to 42 days after parturition. Reproductive efficiency, as determined on the basis of the interval from parturition to conception, was unaffected by treatment protocol.