Comprehensive Study of Postpartum Endometritis in Dairy Cows: Clinico-pathological Insights from Bhubaneswar city, Odisha, India

This study, conducted in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha, explored clinicopathological changes in postpartum endometritis in dairy cows. Thirty-six patients were diagnosed with clinical and subclinical endometritis. Detailed patient data, medical history, clinical signs, calving, and days in milk were collected, extending to hematological, biochemical, microbiological, and cytological examinations. The incidence of endometritis was greater in the 3–5 year age group, followed by the 5–7 year age group. Instances involving assisted parturition, particularly due to placental retention, are a significant risk factor. Hematological parameters showed deviations, with lower hemoglobin (9.75 g/dl) and PCV (36.94%) values in endometriotic cows. Biochemical analysis revealed altered serum glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, and globulin levels. Mineral imbalances, including lower calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels, were noted in the affected cows. The average percentages of different types of cells in stained uterine sample smears from patients with postpartum endometritis were as follows: epithelial cells (53.77%), highly vacuolated epithelial cells (1.08%), neutrophils (31.94%), lymphocytes (12.21%), eosinophils (0.48%), basophils (0.02%), and monocytes (0.06%). Cytological examination indicated changes in uterine sample smears, with the predominant bacterial species being E. coli, Pseudomonas spp., Streptococcus spp., and others. Postmortem findings included a debilitated body condition, organ congestion, and abnormalities in the uterine lining. Histopathological examinations revealed epithelial changes, glandular atrophy, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Vascular changes were also observed in the lamina propria. This comprehensive investigation sheds light on various aspects of postpartum endometritis, helping to characterize its clinicopathological complexities in dairy cows.