Ultrasonographic Uterine Changes and Vaginal Discharges Following Intrauterine Infusion of Liquid Paraffin in Cows

Abstract

Abstract. This study was conducted to examine uterine changes and uterocervical discharges following intrauterine infusion with liquid paraffin (LP) during the luteal phase by ultrasonic and vaginoscopic examinations in cows. Multiparous dairy cows (n=10) were infused with 50 ml physiological saline (PS group; n=5) or liquid paraffin (LP group; n=5) on day 10 or 11 after ovulation (day 0: ovulation). Vaginoscopic, rectal and ultrasonogaphic examinations were carried out at 0.25, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h after the LP and PS infusion and then at daily intervals until subsequent ovulation after the infusions. The mean volumes of recovered discharges from the vagina within 6 h after infusion were significantly greater (P<0.05) in the LP group than in the PS group (33.0 ± 9.9 vs.14.0 ± 13.9 ml). Yellowishwhite discharge was first observed at 3.2 ± 0.5 and 3.6 ± 0.6 h after infusion and lasted for 12.2 ± 2.9 and 2.1 ± 1.5 days for the LP and PS groups, respectively, showing a significant difference (P<0.05) in duration. Subsequently, transparent discharge appeared again 2-3 days before the subsequent ovulation after the treatments in both groups and disappeared on the day prior to or the day of ovulation. During the immediate examination after the infusion, the cavity of the uterine horn appeared anechoic and dilated in the images of both groups. The anechoic images changed to echoic images at 2.2 ± 0.8 and 2.6 ± 0.9 h after the infusion in the LP and PS groups, respectively, and the echoic images lasted for 12.2 ± 2.9 and 2.1 ± 1.5 days in the LP and PS groups, respectively. These results suggest that the appearance and disappearance of intrauterine anechoic and echoic images reflect the appearance and disappearance of the characteristics of the recovered LP/PS-like liquid and yellowish-white and transparent discharges from the vagina.

Effect of Intrauterine Infusion with Liquid Paraffin on Phagocytes Migrating to Mucus of External os of the Cervix in Cows

“…In a previous study (Lu et al 2009), we showed that there was a significantly greater secretion of yellowishwhite matter into the uterine lumen following the infusion of LP. It was suspected that the intrauterine infusion of LP might promote the migration of phagocytes into the uterine lumen and that the yellowish-white secreted matter is composed of phagocytes induced by the LP infusion.…”

“…In a previous study (Lu et al. 2009), we showed that there was a significantly greater secretion of yellowish‐white matter into the uterine lumen following the infusion of LP.…”

“…Swab samples were collected after intrauterine infusion of LP or physiological saline (PS) in the cows subjected to our previous study, and data concerning the living conditions of the experimental animals, confirmation of their oestrous cycle, uterine state and experimental procedures for LP injection were described previously (Lu et al. 2009).…”

“…Swab samples were collected after intrauterine infusion of LP or physiological saline (PS) in the cows subjected to our previous study, and data concerning the living conditions of the experimental animals, confirmation of their oestrous cycle, uterine state and experimental procedures for LP injection were described previously (Lu et al 2009). Briefly, an LP group comprising five cows (age 4.4 ± 1.9 (SD) years; parity 2.4 ± 1.9; body weight 604.2 ± 85.5 kg; days postpartum 251.8 ± 94.3) underwent uterine infusion of LP (Oriental Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yamagata, Japan) at 10 or 11 days after ovulation.…”

Profiles of Ovarian Steroids, Luteinizing Hormone and Estrous Signs from Luteolysis to Ovulation in Lactating and Non-lactating Dairy Cows

“…After observation, the cows were restrained with a rope and checked for external genital changes including hyperemia and swelling of the vulva and mucous discharge from the vulva. Then, vaginoscopic examination was carried out according to the method described by Lu et al [17] to monitor intravaginal changes including hyperemia, swelling and relaxation of the vaginal portion of the cervix and mucous discharge from the external uterine orifice. Intensity of estrous signs was assessed comprehensively from the above changes using a three-point scale (1 = no signs, 2 = moderate signs, 3 = conspicuous signs).…”