In the postpartum period, goats often develop endometritis. This inflammatory disease provokes a deterioration in the general condition of females. If left untreated and not detected in a timely manner, it can lead to the death of the animal. Mature individuals are susceptible to the disease. The danger in the development of endometritis is the general weakening of the goat’s immunity, which is associated with difficult childbirth.
Causes
Endometritis is an inflammation that is localized on the mucous membranes of the uterus. Inflammation develops during the postpartum period; in goats it is most often diagnosed 3-5 days after birth.
The causes of inflammation may be violations committed during childbirth or postpartum care.
| The main causes of inflammation | Description |
| Trauma during childbirth | Retention of the placenta and the use of special instruments by the veterinarian lead to the appearance of cracks |
| Infection | Introduction of bacteria to the mucous membranes of the uterus |
| Vaginal prolapse | Caused by difficult difficult births |
The cause of the development of endometritis in a goat can be infection along with blood through a necessary transfusion.
A factor that can provoke the development of the inflammatory process is called unsatisfactory living conditions for goats. Violation of sanitary and hygienic standards contributes to the manifestation of chronic or pathological reactions of various types. The protective mechanisms and active recovery after childbirth are also influenced by the characteristics of the diet, its filling with vitamins and minerals.
Main symptoms of the disease
The onset of the disease is characterized by a local course. The latent chronic form is asymptomatic. The female experiences difficulty in fertilizing and is unable to reproduce.
Characteristic symptoms:
- increase in temperature;
- lethargy of the animal;
- the appearance of difficulty breathing;
- painful attacks during forced urination;
- the goat is constantly trying to find a suitable position that will not cause pain;
- the presence of mucous or purulent discharge from the vagina;
- enlargement of the walls of the uterus;
- inability to view the mucous membranes using a speculum due to enlarged walls.
The cervical canal does not close during the development of inflammation, uterine contractions stop, and exudate is constantly released from the vagina.
Reference! Most often, goats first develop purulent endometritis, and then develop into a purulent-catarrhal form.
How is the disease diagnosed?
Chronic endometritis is detected when inseminations have been carried out repeatedly and have not been successful. At the same time, during estrus, mucus mixed with pus is released from the goat’s vagina. To make an accurate diagnosis, histological samples are taken.
An endometrial biopsy and a sample of the sperm that is released during insemination will give results indicating the development of inflammation of the mucous membranes. If there is a sharp deterioration in the condition after birth, samples are taken from the walls of the uterus from the goat, and the discharge is examined for histology.
Treatment methods for goats
Provided that animals are treated in a timely manner, one can count on a positive prognosis. The main task of the veterinarian when diagnosing endometritis is to increase the tone of the uterus and relieve discharge.
Of particular importance is the prevention of septic processes, which includes treatment with antiseptic agents.
Treatment regimen for diagnosing purulent or purulent-catarrhal forms of endometritis:
- administration of 6-10 thousand units of Penicillin per 1 kilogram of live weight;
- administering Biomycin orally (0.4 or 0.5 grams);
- administration of Bicillin 400-600 thousand units once a week.
The drugs are dissolved using sterile saline and then administered until the goat's body temperature will not drop. Antibiotics are recommended to be administered intrauterinely in the form of solutions, emulsions or powders.
Then, when microbes are not sensitive to antibiotics, they are replaced with sulfa drugs. “Sulfacyl” and “Sulfazol” are given for three days, 2 times daily. To wash the mucous membranes of the uterus and vagina, solutions of Rivanol and Furacilin are used. To properly rinse the uterine cavity, use a Janet syringe. This is a special device with a rubber tube and a plastic catheter. When washing, the goat's organs must be additionally disinfected with antiseptic agents.
During the main therapy, symptoms associated with the disease are treated symptomatically. For seriously ill goats, rest is indicated; females with mild inflammation are walked daily on the 2nd or 3rd day after delivery. During the postpartum period, goats diagnosed with endometritis are given plenty of fluids and easily digestible food.
Reference! As an auxiliary measure that helps remove the contents of the secretion, a manual abdominal massage is performed.
Prevention of endometritis in goats
Preventive measures for endometritis include ensuring conditions of housing and care at the stage before lambing:
- complete and balanced nutrition;
- daily walks in the fresh air;
- obtaining necessary vitamins and minerals;
- free access to drink;
- absence of insects or rodents where the goat is kept.
During childbirth, it is recommended to ensure the sterility of instruments that may be needed. To prevent the risk of infection, births in goats are carried out in special separate boxes.
The postpartum period is a crucial period for breeders, during which the goat needs special care. Animals need daily walking for 2-3 days after birth and possible physiological stimulation of organs by a tester male.This technique helps to contract the uterus faster and tone the muscles.
