Treatment protocols and management of retained fetal membranes in cattle by rural practitioners in Belgium

Retained fetal membranes (RFM) is a common and economically important postpartum disorder in cows and a frequent cause of antibiotic (AB) use. To rationalize AB use, practitioners should consider clinical studies as well as national regulations. Scientific opinion leaders currently discourage intrauterine (IU) AB use and recommend systemic AB treatment of cows with RFM when clinical illness appears. Remarkably, ceftiofur is often mentioned in literature for systemic treatment, although this is in conflict with national AB regulations.
We aimed to assess the therapeutic approaches of RFM by Belgian rural veterinarians in light of scientific literature and national guidelines. A digital survey was sent to Belgian cattle vets; 149 questionnaires (Wallonia: 78; Flanders: 71) were completed. Questions addressed socio-demographic data, case definition, therapeutic approach and treatment options for RFM.
Results show that vets commonly use AB for RFM treatment, both in cows with (dairy: 98%; beef: 99.3%) and without fever (dairy: 64.4%; beef: 78.5%). AB are often applied via the IU route, alone or in combination with a systemic treatment, in cows with or without fever. -lactams are by far the most frequently used AB class for systemic treatment.
In conclusion, there is room for improvement considering AB treatment habits of RFM. Particularly, the benefit of AB therapy in clinically healthy cows and of IU applied AB is doubtful. As for the molecule choice, practical routines are in line with national AB guidelines.
The fact that beef cows with RFM are treated more commonly than dairy cows may be explained by the fear of complications in an incised uterus.