Therapeutic efficacy of povidone-iodine (Betadine) and dichloroxylenol (Septocid) in Holstein cows affected with endometritis and/or cervicitis.

The efficacy of either povidone-iodine (Betadine) or dichloroxylenol (Septocid) intrauterine infusions on the treatment of endometritis and/or cervicitis in cows was examined. One hundred and twelve repeat-breeder Holstein cows (aged 3-7 years) were selected for this study. Rectal and vaginal examinations were applied to detect the signs of endometritis and/or cervicitis. Cows were assigned into two groups: the first group (n = 60) was treated with Betadine solution (0.5%) while the second group (n = 52) was given Septocid (0.1%) administered as intrauterine infusion (100-150 ml). Both treatment were repeated at least two times at 7-day intervals and the cows were rechecked. The responding animals were inseminated 10-12 h after oestrus detection using frozen semen from bulls of proven fertility. The success or failure of treatment was evaluated on the basis of the post-treatment conception rate. The relationship of the body weight of cows, the length of the service period (open days) and the number of previous services with the results of treatment with Betadine or Septocid is discussed. The recovery and conception rates obtained after Betadine treatment were better than those obtained after Septocid. Moreover, healthy cows (> or = 500 kg body weight) and those inseminated before post-partum day 180, having no more than 4-7 previous services, responded well to either Betadine or Septocid treatment.