Vaginal discharge in cattle can be observed before and after birth; normally this is a common physiological phenomenon, but in some cases it can indicate serious postpartum diseases. In healthy individuals, the discharge is normal in composition, color, consistency, volume and duration. Let's look at why a cow has bloody discharge after calving, and how to effectively help your animal.
Discharge before and after calving
To determine whether prenatal and postpartum discharge is normal or not, you need to know what is considered normal, when such discharge begins and how long it lasts.
Discharge rate
Discharge, or lochia as they are called, in cows before giving birth is a clear, viscous liquid with the consistency of mucus. A characteristic odor may be present, which is considered normal. This discharge signifies the imminent onset of labor and is intended to facilitate labor by reducing friction as the newborn passes through the birth canal.
When does discharge start before calving?
Lochia begins 12-15 hours before birth. This time period is typical for adult cows that have already given birth. In first-calf heifers, they can begin a day before calving. You can determine the approach of calving by the swelling of the genitals and udder, the behavior of the animal changes, it becomes excited, tries to move away from other animals so as not to interfere. The cow moos, alternately lies on its side and stands up, looking around at its belly.
How long does a cow's discharge last after calving?
The postpartum period in cattle lasts quite a long time - 21-28 days. During this time, any discharge should completely end (from 2-5 days to a maximum of 2 weeks), and characteristic signs of a new sexual cycle should appear. During the first week, lochia is almost constant, then it becomes less frequent.
Unusual discharge and its treatment
Discharge in pregnant cattle is not always normal; it usually indicates pathological processes and subsequent diseases, for example, endometritis, vaginitis, minor or serious vaginal injuries.
Changes may affect the color, smell and thickness of the lochia; they may contain inclusions of blood and pus.
White or yellow
If a cow has a whitish discharge, this is a sign of vaginitis, which develops due to inflammation in the vagina. Then they become yellowish, the consistency becomes grainy, and blood appears in the discharge. Treatment consists of cleansing and rinsing the vagina with a disinfecting solution of potassium permanganate, treatment with streptocidal ointment or ichthyol, antibacterial therapy and taking supplements with vitamins and minerals.
Purulent
About a week after calving, purulent discharge may appear, which is typical for endometritis that develops chronically, or purulent catarrhal inflammation. Additional signs: bloody inclusions, putrid odor. With purulent inflammation, toxins are released into the cow's body, the animal becomes depressed, its temperature increases, and its appetite decreases. Treatment consists of injections of Oxytocin and administration of the drug Rifapol into the uterus.
Bloody or brown
Pink lochia after birth indicates microdamage to blood vessels when the calf passes through the birth canal. They can recover on their own, but for speedy healing you need to take some measures: wash the cow’s external genital organs and tail, check the condition of the uterus and administer a solution of potassium permanganate or Furacilin. To prevent infection, the animal is given antibacterial vaginal suppositories.
Blood clots in the discharged lochia indicate possible uterine bleeding.This can happen during calving for various reasons: the calf can damage the uterus with its hooves, damage occurs due to incorrect presentation, or incorrectly positioned legs of the animal. If the presentation is incorrect, it is difficult for a cow to give birth to a calf on her own; in most cases, qualified assistance is required.
Treatment is the use of drugs that constrict blood vessels and provoke uterine contractions: intramuscular Oxytocin, intravenous 1% solution of ichthyol (for every 3 kg of weight 1 ml of the drug) and 10% solution of potassium chloride, which stimulates blood clotting. To strengthen the immune system, nutritional supplements are prescribed, for example, “Biozinc” or “Biocalcium” and vitamin complexes. The medications given are just an example; treatment should be prescribed by a veterinarian.
Postpartum problems in cows cannot be treated independently; all medications, dosage and treatment regimen must be selected by a doctor.
If the discharge with blood continues for some time after childbirth, it becomes brown over time. This may indicate inflammation. Additional signs are an increase in the animal’s temperature and loss of strength. Normal lochia may be absent; they appear only if you press on the uterine area.
With an unpleasant odor
An abnormal odor can accompany any pathological discharge, but it especially often indicates a purulent lesion. An increase in temperature, increase in respiratory rate and heart rate are additional indicators of the pathological process. If these signs occur, you should immediately seek veterinary help.
Prevention of the problem
If unusual discharge appears, you should contact your veterinarian; only a doctor will be able to make the correct diagnosis.You cannot treat it yourself; without the appropriate knowledge and experience, it is easy to harm the cow rather than help it. Before the doctor arrives, you can wash the external genitals with a solution of potassium permanganate, clean and disinfect the stall.
Preventive measures should be carried out throughout pregnancy, from the day of insemination to birth. It is necessary to ensure that the animal is not injured and to limit contact with other cows, especially with sick ones. The cow must eat well; feeding with low-quality feed is unacceptable; the diet must be balanced in nutrients. Daily walks outside are required so that the animal can move actively and receive the necessary doses of solar radiation. It is important that by the time of birth the animal arrives healthy, strong, with a strong immune system.
All identified diseases, acute and chronic, must be treated promptly and completely, without leaving the animal untreated. Vaginal discharge in cows can be either completely normal or a sign of a pathological process. In the latter case, the consequences will be a difficult birth or postpartum complications. To distinguish normal from pathology, you need to know what normal discharge looks like and be able to distinguish them from pathological ones.
