title: Cervimetry and ultrasonographic observations of the cervix regression in dairy cows during the first 10 days post partum.
abstract: The aim of this study was to describe the involution process of the bovine cervix during the first 10 days post partum by using an intracervically introduced gauge and transrectal ultrasonography. Twenty-five pluriparous Holstein Friesian cows were included, which were randomized into three groups: group 1 (n = 10): transrectal ultrasonographic presentation of the formation of cervical folds; group 2 (n = 10): measurement of the reduction of the canalis cervicalis using an intracervically introduced gauge. The examinations were performed directly after expulsion and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 18 and 24 h post partum, and in intervals of 24 h up to the tenth day. The involution process can be divided into four phases: 1: fast reduction up to the sixth hour; 2: protracted reduction up to the second day without constant formation of folds; 3: protracted reduction up to the seventh day with constant formation of folds; 4: re-opening of the canalis cervicalis maintaining the structure of the folds. The reduction process (phase 1- phase 3) can be shown as the sum of two exponential functions with different grading coefficients: y = reduction 1 x e(-b1 x t) + reduction 2 x e(-b2 x t). Reduction 1 is reduction in cm during the first phase and reduction 2 is reduction in cm during the second and the third phase. Group 3 (n = 5): to exclude an influence of the high frequency of examinations on the involution process the cows were examined immediately after parturition and on the fifth and tenth day postpartum using the same method as in groups 1 and 2. In conclusion, the involution process of the bovine cervix guarantees a fast protection of the cavum uteri and a drainage of the lochia at the end of the early puerperium. The re-opening phase after the seventh day has not yet been described in any other species and can be interpreted as the adaptation to the exsudative puerperium in the cow.
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Justus-Liebig-University, Germany. Axel.Wehrend@vetmed.uni-giessen.de
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wehrend
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Failing
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bostedt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography