• This article describes how to perform a vaginal mucus assessment in postpartum cattle.
• Abnormal mucus in the vagina is a symptom of endometritis, metritis and/or cervicitis in the postpartum cow.
• The presence of mucopurulent, purulent or fetid vaginal mucus has been shown to be associated with a greater uterine bacterial growth density and mucus odor has also been associated with a greater acute phase protein response, indicative of inflammation.
• Assigning a clinical endometritis score is indicative of the likelihood of treatment success. Thus, collecting and scoring vaginal mucus is a simple method of diagnosing endometritis in the postpartum cow.

Uses

Advantages

• Low cost.
• Minimally invasive.
• Aids in decision making process of when to treat postpartum endometritis.

Disadvantages

• Potential to introduce contaminants into the reproductive tract if hygiene procedure not maintained.

Alternative techniques

• Palpation of the reproductive tract.
• Ultrasound of the reproductive tract.
• Vaginoscopy.

Time required

Preparation

• Obtain a history for the cow:
  • Calving date.
  • Problems during parturition, eg dystocia Dystocia, reproductive tract injury or other contributory factors, such as twin calves.?
  • Postpartum problems, eg retained fetal membranes Retained fetal membranes: removal?
  • Milk yield below expectations Investigating milk drop: dairy herd?
  • Clinical history: farmer observations and treatments administered.
• Assess the cows general demeanor.
• Ensure safe handling area to perform procedure.

Procedure

• Approximately 2 mins.