Research Summary - 1
Investigating Metritis Treatment Strategies: A Comprehensive Approach Towards Antibiotic Stewardship in Dairy Cows
| Date/Time: |
9/11/2025
16:30
|
| Author: |
Massle Thach |
| Clinic: |
Tuffs |
| City, State, ZIP: |
Andover, MA 01810 |
Massle Thach, BS
1
;
1Tuffs University
Introduction:
Acute puerperal metritis (metritis) is a significant reproductive
disorder affecting dairy cows, characterized by inflammation of the
uterus within the first 21 days postpartum. Characterized by an enlarged
uterus, a foul-smelling, watery red-brownish discharge, and systemic
signs of illness such as fever, decreased milk production, and lethargy,
metritis poses a substantial challenge to the dairy industry. Previous
studies have identified Escherichia coli, Trueperella pyogenes,
Fusobacterium necrophorum, and Prevotella melaninogenica as common
causative agents. Despite the well-documented bacterial involvement,
treatment protocols vary widely and often rely on empirical antibiotic
use without prior culture. Common treatments include ceftiofur
hydrochloride (Excenel), ceftiofur crystalline-free acid (Excede), and
oxytetracycline (Liquamycin LA-200). This study aimed to evaluate the
pathogen profile and antimicrobial resistance patterns in metritis cases
pre- and post-treatment, and to assess current treatment practices
among U.S. dairy veterinarians. Samples were collected from 12 metritic
cows on a large commercial dairy farm in the Northeastern U.S. from June
to August 2024. An online survey was also distributed via Qualtrics to
practicing dairy veterinarians. Bacteria were isolated from all enrolled
cows (diagnosed at 2–10 days in milk, avg. 5.25 DIM). Most cows were in
their first lactation (67%). Pre-treatment cultures yielded 34
isolates, primarily Streptococcus uberis (26%), Trueperella pyogenes
(24%), and E. coli (12%). Post-treatment cultures yielded 24 isolates,
with T. pyogenes (38%), E. coli (15%), and Staphylococcus chromogenes
(15%) being most common. Notably, some post-treatment isolates displayed
resistance to commonly used antimicrobials. These findings highlight
dynamic shifts in bacterial populations following treatment and
underscore the potential for antimicrobial resistance. The study
emphasizes the need for pathogen-directed therapy and more standardized
treatment protocols in metritis management.
Materials and methods:
Results:
Significance:
