Veterinarians love to use Jargon. We spent a minimum of 5 years at University, we need to have something to show for it.
This post will help you understand the commonly used terms.
1. CL – Corpus Luteum which is Latin for yellow body. The CL is formed after the egg (ovum) is released from the follicle. The CL produces progesterone which maintains pregnancy until the placenta takes over. If the cow does not get pregnant the follicles start to develop, the CL eventually disappears and the cow comes on heat again. Estrumate® (or prostaglandins) can make the CL disappear quicker and short cycle the cow. However, if the cow is pregnant the Estrumate can make her abort.
2. Follicle – the structure on the ovary that the egg (ovum) develops in. The follicle produces oestrogens. Before the egg is ready to be released (ovulation) the oestrogen levels rise very high and are responsible for the signs of heat that cows exhibit.
3. Cystic Ovary– occurs when there is an imbalance of hormones whilst the follicle is developing and the egg is not released. There are two types of cysts- luteal cysts and follicular cysts.
4. Luteal Cyst– a cyst that is behaving like a CL and produces progesterone. It will suppress the other developing follicles and prevent the cow from cycling. 70% of cysts are luteal.
5. Follicular Cyst– a cyst that is behaving like a follicle and produces oestrogen. With follicular cysts the cow seems to be constantly in heat due to the high levels of oestrogen. 30% of cysts are follicular.
6. Metritis– an infection of the lining of the uterine wall. Usually due to poor hygiene during calving or AI (artificial insemination, not artificial intelligence). There is usually a discharge of some sort. Cows with metritis may continue to cycle normally but will not conceive due to the infection.
7. Pyometra– a collection of pus in the uterus, does not necessarily mean the uterine wall is infected. It is almost like the uterus is a big abscess. It usually has the same causes as metritis. There is usually no discharge as the cervix is closed. Cows with pyometra do not cycle as the CL remains intact.
8. Uterine Adhesions– scar tissue that forms between the uterine horns and the body wall or other organs. They can be as a result of uterine infections or tears in the uterus from poor technique when assisting with calvings.
Which other terms would you like me to explain? Leave a comment.