Veterinar, Vol. 63 No. 2, 2025.
Review article
https://doi.org/ISSN 0303-5409
A New Approach to the Prevention and Treatment of Retained Placenta in Cows
Tin Ivanković
Ivan Folnožić
orcid.org/0000-0002-8988-0862
; The Reproduction and Obstetrics Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Zagreb
Silvijo Vince
; The Reproduction and Obstetrics Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Zagreb
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Retained placenta (lat. retentio secundinarum) is one of the most common postpartum complications in
cows, particularly in intensive dairy production systems. The placenta is usually expelled within 8 hours after
parturition. If it takes up to 12 hours, the expulsion is considered delayed, and if more than 24 hours pass,
it is considered a retained placenta. In cows, the placenta is cotyledonary (lat. placenta multiplex s. cotylica),
characterized by fetal cotyledons that connect with maternal caruncles. The pathophysiological mechanism
of placental retention involves hormonal, immunological, and biochemical factors that affect the breakdown
of the bonds between the caruncles and cotyledons. As a result, infections (e.g., endometritis, metritis),
decreased fertility, reduced milk yield, and significant economic losses may occur. This paper analyzes both
traditional and modern treatment approaches, including manual removal, antibiotic therapy, hormonal
treatments, the use of collagenases, electrical stimulators, and ozone therapy. The advantages and limitations of
each method are presented, with special emphasis on the negative consequences of routine antibiotic use and
manual extraction, as these are the most commonly used methods. Particular attention is given to preventive
measures, which include stress reduction and hygiene during calving, nutritional support (vitamin E, selenium,
calcium), acupuncture, and immune stimulation (lysozyme dimers). In conclusion, it is clear that there are new
and alternative methods of treatment and prevention that have good potential according to the available
literature, but further research is needed in order to extend their usage.
Keywords
retained placenta; manual extraction; antibiotics; prevention
Hrčak ID:
343373
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2025.
Visits: 346 *