[The problems of the success of afterbirth removal in cattle. Expert veterinary opinion]

If a severe uterine inflammation is diagnosed 15 days post partum in a cow with retained placenta by clinical examination, it has to be assumed that this inflammation was already manifest two days before (in the discussed case at the time of purchase). By an external examination of the animal this genital inflammation cannot be seen, if there is no vaginal discharge or dried uterine fluids at the tail and around the vulva. The inflammation is the consequence of the placental retention, even if there has been veterinary assistance (manual removal of the retained placenta, antibiotic treatment of the uterus) in time. After manual removal of the placenta, part of it is normally left in the tips of the uterine horns; they cannot be reached by the veterinarian's hand. Even by additional means - like application of oxytocin, lifting the abdomen of the cow with the aid of a plank or trying to invert the tip of the uterine horn - the fetal membranes cannot always be totally removed. The statement that the placenta has been totally removed, is correct only if the end of the chorionic membranes could be clearly identified. Each placental retention in cattle carries the risk of reduced fertility. If a cow is sold a few days post partum, this defect, which can reduce the animal's breeding value, may be unnoticed.