Mucometra or Hydrometra

Mucometra or Hydrometra is noticed occasionally in cattle. Both are similar except for the degree of hydration of the mucin present in uterus which vary from watery fluid to semisolid mass.

Etiology

Mucometra or Hydrometra is a condition secondary to cystic ovaries and cystic endometrial hyperplasia usually associated with anestrus for period of 6 months or more.

It is characterised by cystic degeneration of the endometrium and atrophy of the uterine wall with a small amount to a gallon of thin viscid mucus in the uterus.

It is also noticed in abnormal development of mullerian ducts or segmental aplasia of paramesonephric ducts in which part of vagina, cervix or uterus may be missing or defective.

Persistence of hymen may also lead to mucometra and mucovagina.

Genetic or congenital defects may result in distension of both horns with consistency vary from watery to solid and cellular debris may mislead for pregnancy. In such conditions since the ovaries and endometrium are normal, therefore estrum occurs normally.

Prolonged administration of progesterone or estrogens may lead to development of mucometra.

Pathogenesis

A marked atrophy of uterine wall or myometrium had occurred with severe cystic dilatation of the endometrial glands resulting in accumulation of fluid in the uterus on rectal examination, uterine wall is found to be thin and difficult to palpate; similar or dissimilar distended uterine horns.

Treatment

Large dose of 20,000 IU of LH intravenously may result in lutenization of the cysts and evacuation of mucus.

PGF2α analogues: Natural PGF_2α at 25 mg and synthetic PGF_2α at 500 µg causes regression of corpus luteum, dilatation of cervix and expulsion of pus within 5-7 days. Evacuation of the uterus is indicated by the signs of estrus.

Evacuation of the uterus is indicated by the signs of estrus.

Success of the treatment is indicated by the return of the uterus to normal condition, assessed by palpation within 7-10 days.