Metritis in Dairy Cattle: Diagnostic Challenges, Economic Impacts, and Emerging Insights

Abstract

Metritis, an inflammatory uterine disorder occurring within 21 days postpartum, poses significant global challenges to dairy herd management. This review comprehensively examines the incidence, diagnostic criteria, clinical manifestations, economic implications, and emerging management strategies for metritis in dairy animals. The classification of metritis, distinguishing between puerperal metritis and delayed uterine involution, is discussed alongside diagnostic approaches such as vaginal discharge scoring, cytology, and rectal temperature evaluation. Metritis incidence varies widely, ranging from 10% to 36%, with early postpartum diagnosis being critical to minimizing its impact. The economic burden of metritis is profound, with affected cows experiencing reduced milk yield, impaired reproductive performance, extended calving intervals, and increased culling rates. Despite its clinical significance, diagnosing metritis remains challenging due to inconsistent presentation of fever and subjective assessment of clinical signs. Non-invasive diagnostic techniques, such as infrared thermography (IRT), are highlighted as promising tools for early detection, offering a stress-free and practical approach to monitoring rectal temperature and systemic health. Recent advances in molecular research have uncovered genetic variants and regulatory pathways, such as cholesterol metabolism and the PI3k-Akt signalling pathway, associated with disease susceptibility and progression. These insights provide potential therapeutic targets and opportunities for precision management strategies. The present review accentuates the critical need for standardized diagnostic criteria, innovative non-invasive technologies, and integrative management approaches to address metritis effectively. Continued research and the application of cutting-edge technologies are essential to mitigate the economic and welfare impacts of metritis, ultimately improving herd health, productivity, and sustainability in the dairy industry.