J Vet Sci.  2013 Sep;14(3):323-327. 10.4142/jvs.2013.14.3.323.

Transrectal Doppler sonography of uterine blood flow during the first two weeks after parturition in Simmenthal heifers

• Heppelmann M
• Kruger L
• Leidl S
• Bollwein H

• KMID: 1705563
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2013.14.3.323

Abstract

Transrectal Doppler sonography was used to evaluate uterine blood flow during the first two weeks after parturition in six primiparous Simmental cows. The uterine blood flow was evaluated on the day of parturition (Day 0), once daily from Days 1 to 8 and then every other day until Day 14. Blood flow was quantified by determining the diameter (D), the time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), the pulsatility index (PI) and the blood flow volume (BFV) of the uterine arteries ipsilateral and contralateral to the formerly pregnant uterine horn. During the first four days after calving D, TAMV and BFV declined (ipsilateral: TAMV 70%, BFV 87%, contralateral: D 47%, BFV 84%; p < 0.05), while PI increased (ipsilateral 158%, contralateral 100%; p < 0.05) distinctly. Between Days 4 and 14 only the ipsilateral D (12%) and the BFV of both arteries (ipsilateral 5%, contralateral 8%) decreased (p < 0.05). Blood flow variables were very strongly correlated with each other (r > +/-0.75, p < 0.05), with negative correlations with PI and positive correlations with all other investigated factors. Overall, this study revealed characteristic changes in uterine perfusion during the first two weeks after parturition in cows that were pronounced during the first four days postpartum.

Keyword

involution; puerperal; uterus

MeSH Terms

Animals
Blood Flow Velocity/veterinary
Cattle
Female
Parturition
*Postpartum Period
Pulse Wave Analysis/veterinary
Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color/*methods/veterinary
Uterine Artery/anatomy & histology/*ultrasonography
Uterus/*blood supply/*ultrasonography

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Medians and ranges of the diameters of the ipsilateral and contralateral uterine arteries between Day 0 (immediately after parturition) and Day 14 postpartum in six healthy cows. Within an artery, medians with different letters on Day 0, 4 and 14 are different (p < 0.05).

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  Fig. 2 Medians and ranges of the time-averaged maximum velocities (TAMV) of the ipsilateral and contralateral uterine arteries between Day 0 (immediately after parturition) and Day 14 postpartum in six healthy cows. Within an artery, medians with different letters on Day 0, 4 and 14 are different (p < 0.05).

• 

  Fig. 3 Medians and ranges of the blood flow volume (BFV) and the pulsatility index (PI) in the ipsilateral and contralateral uterine arteries between Day 0 (immediately after parturition) and Day 14 postpartum in six healthy cows. Within an artery, medians with different letters on Day 0, 4 and 14 are different (p < 0.05).

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