Scopolamine for uterine involution of dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of administration of scopolamine (a parasympatholytic drug) immediately after delivery, on uterine involution in dairy cows. The cows were divided into two groups: group T (treated with scopolamine butylbromide 40 mg/100 kg P.V., within 24 h of delivery) and group C (treated with 2 ml/q of saline solution). The cows were monitored at T0, within 24 h of delivery, T7, T14, T28 and T40 respectively 7th, 14th, 28th and 40th day postpartum, by measuring the levels of hydroxyproline (HYP), an important marker of uterine involution; by ultrasound examination for the measurement of the diameter of uterine horns and of blood flow in the middle uterine artery; and by evaluation of reproductive indices. HYP showed higher concentrations in the T group than in the C group at all times, but the difference was significant at T7 and T40. Uterine diameters were reduced from T7 to T40, with lower values in the T group, as compared to the C group; the pulsatility index (PI) of the middle uterine artery increased in the T group compared to the C group, with a statistically significant difference at T7. There was a better conception-delivery interval and higher pregnancy rate in the T group compared to the C group. It is likely that scopolamine blocked the uterine contractions in postpartum, for the duration of its half-life. After cessation of its pharmacological effect, the uterus may have started to contract more effectively. These results suggested that scopolamine could be useful as a pharmacological approach to postpartum management.