The effect of intra-umbilical arterial infusion of oxytocin on uterine involution in cross bred cows affected with retained foetal membrane

Abstract

Twelve cows brought to Large Animal Obstetrics Ward of Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital with the history of retained foetal membrane were included in the experiment and they were divided into two groups viz. treatment (n=6) and control (n=6). The oxytocin at the rate of 20 IU was mixed with 60 ml of normal saline and infused through umbilical artery in the hanging portion of retained foetal membrane in the treatment group. After infusion, the umbilical artery was tied and the animals were left for 10-15 minutes and retained foetal membrane was removed manually by using standard procedure. Subsequently Oxytetracycline bolus @ 3-5g was kept inside the uterus and and the animals were treated with anti-inflammatory and anti-histaminic for 5 days. The control animals were not infused with oxytocin but RFM removed manually and treated similarly as in the treatment group. Further, the experimental animals were observed for any development of post-partum septic metritis and delayed uterine involution until 60 days of post-partum and the results are discussed.