A cow has discharge with blood after calving: how many days are normal and anomalies
Vaginal discharge in cattle can be observed before and after childbirth, normally this is a common physiological phenomenon, but in some cases it can indicate serious postpartum diseases. In he althy individuals, the discharge is normal in composition, color, consistency, volume and duration. Consider 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, as they are called lochia, in cows before childbirth is a clear, viscous liquid with the consistency of mucus. There may be a characteristic odor that is considered normal. These secretions indicate the onset of labor and are intended to facilitate childbirth by reducing friction as the newborn passes through the birth canal.
Lochia after childbirth are different in that they contain mucus, particles of the uterine mucosa and blood inclusions. Initially, the blood is contained in the form of clots, then gradually they become transparent.
When does prepartum discharge start?
Lochia starts 12-15 hours before delivery. This time period is typical for adult cows that have already given birth. In first-calf heifers, they can begin a day before calving. It is possible to 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 hums, alternately lying on its side and standing up, looking back 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 and up 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 injuries of the vagina.
Changes may relate to the color, smell and density of 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, blood is shown in the secretions. Treatment consists of cleansing and washing the vagina with a disinfecting solution of potassium permanganate, treatment with streptocid 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, which 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 appetite decreases. Treatment consists of injections of Oxytocin and the introduction of the drug Rifapol into the uterus.
Bloody or brown
Pink lochia after childbirth speaks of microdamage to blood vessels when the calf passes through the birth canal. They can recover on their own, but for speedy healing, some measures need to be taken: wash the cow's genital external organs and tail, check the condition of the uterus and introduce a solution of potassium permanganate or Furacilin. Antibacterial vaginal suppositories are placed on the animal to prevent infection.
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 with improper presentation, improperly positioned legs of the animal. With an incorrect presentation, it is difficult for a cow to give birth to a calf on her own, in most cases, qualified assistance is required.
Treatment - the use of drugs that constrict blood vessels and provoke uterine contractions: intramuscularly "Oxytocin", intravenously 1% solution of ichthyol (for every 3 kg of weight 1 ml of the drug) and 10% potassium chloride solution, which stimulates blood clotting.To strengthen the immune system, nutritional supplements are prescribed, for example, "Biozinc" or "Biocalcium" and vitamin complexes. The above drugs are just an example, the treatment should be prescribed by a veterinarian.
Postpartum problems in cows cannot be treated on their own, all drugs, dosage and treatment regimen should be selected by a doctor.
If the discharge with blood continues for some time after childbirth, then over time it becomes brown. This may indicate inflammation. Additional signs are an increase in temperature in the animal, loss of strength. Normal lochia may be absent, they appear only if you press on the uterine area.
With an unpleasant odor
Abnormal smell can accompany any pathological discharge, but especially often indicates a purulent lesion. An increase in temperature, an increase in respiratory rate and heart rate are additional indicators of the pathological process. With these signs, you need to urgently seek veterinary help.
Problem Prevention
When unusual discharge appears, you need to consult a veterinarian, only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis. It is impossible to treat on your own, without the appropriate knowledge and experience it is easy to harm the cow, and not help her. Before the doctor arrives, you can wash the external genitalia 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 delivery. It is necessary to ensure that the animal is not injured, to limit contact with other cows, especially with sick ones. The cow should eat well, feeding with low-quality feed is unacceptable, the diet should be balanced in terms of nutrients. Daily walks on the street are mandatory so that the animal can actively move and receive the necessary doses of solar radiation. It is important that by the time of birth the animal comes up he althy, strong, with strong immunity.
All identified diseases, acute and chronic, must be treated on time and completely, without leaving the animal undertreated. Vaginal discharge in cows can be both completely normal and a sign of a pathological process. In the latter case, the consequences will be difficult childbirth or postpartum complications. To distinguish the norm from the pathology, you need to know what normal discharge looks like, and be able to distinguish them from pathological ones.
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