Structural uterine changes in postpartum endometritis in cows

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Reproductive Biology
• Bovine Health

Background:

• Postpartum endometritis is a significant concern in dairy cows, impacting reproductive efficiency.
• Understanding the dynamic structural changes is key to effective diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamic structural manifestations of acute postpartum endometritis in cows.
• To correlate microscopic findings with the disease process.

Main Methods:

• Light and electron microscopy were employed to examine endometrial tissue from seven cows with acute postpartum endometritis.
• Histological sections were stained using hematoxylin and eosin, Van Gieson's, Azur-2, basic fuchsin, lead citrate, and uranyl acetate.

Main Results:

• Microscopic findings included necrobiosis of the mucosal epithelium, blood cell infiltration, uterine gland cell swelling, and microbial presence.
• Ultrastructural analysis revealed microvilli destruction, epithelial necrobiosis, and histiocyte cellular edema.
• Edema of the endometrium's functional layer stroma and swelling of stromal cells were observed.

Conclusions:

• Acute postpartum endometritis in cows is characterized by purulent-catarrhal dystrophic and necrobiotic processes within the endometrium.
• Bacterial flora, particularly diplococci, were abundant on the endometrial surface.
• Prompt diagnosis based on dynamic structural changes is essential to prevent the progression to latent endometritis.