Morphometric studies of the bovine uterus: microscopic lesions and retrospective reproductive history

A survey of reproductive tracts from nonpregnant cows at an abattoir was conducted. Reproductive tracts from 98 cows were studied microscopically and evaluated with a grading system to determine the severity of pathologic changes. Inflammatory reaction (type and distribution), fibrosis, gland morphology, and appearance were measured, quantified, and scored (1 to 4). Category 1 endometrium (normal) was found in 18 cows, category 2 in 23, category 3 in 34, and category 4 in 23. The category of endometrium was then compared with the retrospective reproductive status, and it was found that reproductive problems had occurred in 6 cows (33.3%) in category 1, in 13 cows (56.5%) in category 2, in 25 cows (73.5%) in category 3, and in 21 cows (91.3%) in category 4. Cervicitis was found in 43 (43.8%) genital tracts; 16 cows (16.3%) had salpingitis. Ovarian lesions were not observed. Serum samples were tested for certain antibodies. Only 1 was seropositive for brucellosis, but 61 of 81 sera had leptospira titers greater than 1:100 and 1:50 (hardjo). The serovar hardjo was the most prevalent. All sera had neutralizing titers against parainfluenza type 3 virus; 74.2% and 56.7% of the sera had neutralizing antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, respectively.