• Uterine lavage using saline or a disinfectant is used in for the treatment of uterine disease.
• The aim of treatment should be to assist the uterus to physically clear infection with minimal trauma to the tissues.
• Disinfectants that have been used include iodine, chlorhexidine, and cresol derivatives.
• The disinfectants result in irritation of the uterine wall (endometrial necrosis) which invokes prostaglandin release with subsequent luteolysis and return to estrus with 4-7 days.
• If there is a corpus luteum present on either ovary at the time of examination and treatment, it is recommended to treat the cow systemically with prostaglandin F2α at the time of uterine lavage.
• Animals with systemic signs of illness associated with clinical metritis and endometritis will require additional supportive therapies.

Uses

• To assist in the treatment of metritis, clinical (toxic) metritis, clinical and subclinical endometritis.

Advantages

• Relatively easy and inexpensive treatment option.  
• Minimal effect on the endometrial tissues.
• No milk withhold period will be required to be up on the cow.

Disadvantages

• Risk of introducing contamination to the vagina and uterus during treatment.
• Risk of damage to the endometrium that may impact future fertility, especially with high doses of iodine. 

Technical problems

• There is a risk of introducing contamination into the uterus when completing a uterine lavage.

Alternative techniques

• Intrauterine antimicrobial therapy (Cephapirin).
• Systemic antimicrobial therapy.

Time required

Preparation

• 5 minutes.

Procedure

• 5 minutes.

Decision taking

Criteria for choosing test

• The cow has metritis or endometritis (clinical or subclinical) Abnormal vaginal discharge.

Risk assessment

• Ensure the cow has undergone a thorough clinical exam and treated with any medical therapies necessary prior to carrying out the procedure.