Multilocation trial of ceftiofur for treatment of postpartum cows with fever

Abstract

Parenteral administration of ceftiofur significantly improved cure rate, milk yield, and rectal temperature in postpartum cows with fever and vaginal discharge or dystocia. These findings provide information to determine appropriate treatment for postpartum cows, which for years has been debated in the dairy industry.

Systematic clinical examination of early postpartum cows and treatment of puerperal metritis did not have any beneficial effect on subsequent reproductive performance

“…At present systemic treatment using ceftiofur is preferable for the treatment of puerperal metritis (Drillich et al, 2001(Drillich et al, , 2003Zhou et al, 2001;Risco and Hernandez, 2003;Chenault et al, 2004). Nevertheless, comparable cure rates and reproductive performances were found in cows with puerperal metritis treated with ceftiofur compared to affected cows treated by the intrauterine administration of ampicillin or ampicillin with oxacillin (Beetz, 2002).…”

“…But the effects of different diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on reproductive performance have not been unified. Data showed a positive effect (Montes and Pugh, 1993;Smith et al, 1998;Zhou et al, 2001) or no effect or in some cases negative effects (Paisley et al, 1986;Gilbert, 1992;Whitacre, 1992;Olson, 1996;Drillich et al, 2002).…”

Evidence for the Use of Ceftiofur for Treatment of Metritis in Dairy Cattle

“…22 The effect of ceftiofur on postpartum inflammation and fever has also been assessed and it was found that systemic administration significantly improved cure rate, milk yield, and rectal temperature in postpartum dairy cows with fever and vaginal discharge or dystocia. 15 This article critically evaluates the evidence for treatment of metritis with ceftiofur. The primary criteria for inclusion in the review was based on the current definition of metritis by Sheldon and colleagues 8 and all studies had to use ceftiofur for the treatment of clinical metritis.…”

“…22 Administration of ceftiofur to cows with evidence of postpartum fever and uterine discharge showed significant improvement in cure rates, milk yield, and rectal temperature. 15 Although there is evidence to support the use of ceftiofur, the lack of a uniform clinical definition and the diversity in types and dosages of ceftiofur used has made interpretation of current research difficult. This article uses an evidence-based approach to summarize the current evidence for the use of ceftiofur as the treatment of metritis.…”

“…However, it is important that rectal temperature and vaginal discharge be interpreted together because there is evidence that a portion of healthy postpartum dairy cows have an elevated rectal temperature within the first 10 days in milk. 15 Risk factors for the development of metritis include retained fetal membranes, dystocia, twins, stillbirth, and ketosis. [16][17][18] A large field study performed by Markusfeld 4 provided evidence that primiparous cows may be at greater risk for development of metritis when compared with multiparous cows.…”