Peripartum and early post partum in the cow – physiology and pathology

Introduction The periand early postpartum period in the dairy cow is from a reproductive perspective very important. The calving process itself involves cases that may need veterinary intervention e,g. dystocia and stillbirths. Uterine prolapse, retained foetal membranes and metritis are examples of disturbances which occur early post partum. All these dysfunctions are linked together and may interfere with future production, fertility and health and thereby affecting the economics for the herd. The task for the practitioner is to give the most efficient treatments that will satisfy the animal as well as the farmer and the society but also to give proper advice for prevention. In this presentation the most common reproductive disturbances in the periand early post-partum period will be briefly reviewed.