Oxytocin is one of the most widely used drugs in veterinary obstetrics, especially when the cow’s cervix is fully dilated, and there are no abnormalities in the pelvis or fetal positioning. It is typically administered when the fetus is in a normal position, with adequate fetal viability but insufficient uterine contractions. The standard dosage recommended by veterinary pharmacology ranges from 75 to 100 IU, and it can be repeated every 15 minutes if needed. However, in practice, higher doses are often used, and multiple injections may be necessary. It's crucial to avoid overuse or early administration of oxytocin, as this can lead to serious complications.
When oxytocin is used too early, it may cause uterine or vaginal prolapse, which can be life-threatening for both the cow and the calf. If given in excessive amounts, the uterus may experience tetanic contractions, compressing blood vessels on the placenta and reducing or stopping blood flow to the fetus, leading to hypoxia and potential suffocation. Therefore, it’s essential to wait until the cervix is sufficiently open before administering oxytocin. In cases where the cervix is not yet dilated, estrogen or cloprostenol should be given first, followed by artificial extension of the birth canal before using oxytocin. Oxytocin should not be used in cows showing signs of prolonged labor, shock, or tachycardia.
Administering oxytocin within 12 hours after placental delivery can help expel the placenta more effectively. However, in dairy cows, its effect is minimal if given 24 hours post-calving. Dosage varies depending on the cow’s sensitivity, with typical doses ranging from 100 to 200 IU, either as a single dose or divided into multiple administrations.
In cases of endometritis or uterine empyema, oxytocin helps stimulate uterine contractions, aiding in the removal of inflammatory materials and promoting healing. For chronic endometritis, a common protocol involves an initial intramuscular injection of 10–20 mg of estrogen, followed by oxytocin (50 IU) every 4–6 hours, twice daily for up to three days, achieving a cure rate of over 20%. For uterine empyema, estrogen is first administered, and oxytocin is given 48 hours later.
Oxytocin also plays a key role in milk ejection by stimulating myoepithelial cells in the mammary glands. For cows experiencing sudden milklessness due to hormonal or functional issues, a weekly intramuscular injection of 50 IU for three weeks may help restore lactation. For cows with poor milking due to pain or other factors, 60 IU of oxytocin can be injected intravenously daily for four consecutive days, following manual milking.
Lastly, oxytocin can be used to treat persistent corpus luteum by supplementing the cow’s natural oxytocin levels, helping regulate prostaglandin secretion and indirectly dissolving the corpus luteum. Studies have shown that administering 100 IU every two hours, four times, or 50 IU subcutaneously every two hours, four times, resulted in cure rates of 60% and 80%, respectively.
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