Analyzing the correlation between uterine involution and blood flow in post-partum dairy cows

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the applicability of trans-rectal color Doppler ultrasonography for quantification of uterine blood flow in 30 healthy lactating Jersey cows on a weekly interval from days 0 to 56 after parturition (day 0). Significantly higher time average mean velocity (TAMEAN), time average maximum velocity (TAMAX) and blood flow volume (BFV-TAMEAN and BFV-TAMAX) in artery ipsilateral to previous gravid uterine horn (PGUH) was found as compared to contralateral middle uterine artery (MUA) on day 0 to 14 postpartum. Similarly, transverse diameter (D) of ipsilateral MUA was significantly higher as compared to contralateral MUA during first two weeks after parturition. Clinical uterine involution completed on day 32.47±0.85 postpartum as demonstrated by B-mode ultrasonography and a significant correlation (r= 0.31–0.44 from day 7–28) between size of PGUH and BFV-TAMAX was found. Also, significant correlation between transverse diameter of ipsilateral (r=0.56–0.80) and contralateral (r=0.51–0.79) MUA-D and BFV-TAMAX was found on different examination days. In conclusion, trans-rectal Doppler ultrasonography was a useful tool to investigate haemodynamic changes whereas PI, RI, Doppler pulse duration and systolic upstroke time were found unsuitable to indagate alterations in uterine perfusion during post-partum period.