The Effect of Uterine Lavage on Soluble CD14, Chemokine Ligand 2, and Interleukin 10 Levels in Mares With Postpartum Metritis.
Authors: Tukia Elina, Wagner Bettina, Vainio Kirsi, Mönki Jenni, Kareskoski Maria
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
Postpartum metritis in mares can rapidly progress to life-threatening endotoxaemia with secondary complications including laminitis, and whilst repeated large-volume uterine lavages form a cornerstone of clinical management to clear endotoxin-laden intrauterine contents, there is theoretical concern that mechanical lavage might paradoxically increase endotoxin absorption and worsen clinical status. Researchers at a university teaching hospital measured three key inflammatory mediators—soluble CD14, chemokine ligand 2, and interleukin-10—in serum samples collected from eight mares with metritis before lavage and at 15 and 30 minutes post-treatment, using fluorescent bead-based immunoassay to track acute changes in systemic inflammation. Neither the inflammatory markers nor body temperature and leukocyte counts showed significant changes across the sampling timepoints; notably, heart rate was significantly lower after lavage than baseline, suggesting improvement rather than deterioration. These findings provide reassurance that uterine lavage does not trigger an acute systemic inflammatory surge via increased endotoxin uptake, at least within the immediate 30-minute window post-treatment. For practitioners managing metritis cases, this evidence supports continuing evidence-based lavage protocols without concern that the procedure itself will acutely exacerbate endotoxaemic shock, though longer-term clinical and inflammatory responses warrant further investigation in larger cohorts.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Uterine lavage appears safe to use in postpartum metritis cases as it does not acutely increase circulating endotoxin markers or worsen systemic inflammation
- •The procedure shows immediate clinical benefit (lower heart rate) without triggering detectable acute inflammatory marker elevation
- •Concern that lavage might increase endotoxin uptake and worsen clinical signs is not supported by this inflammatory marker data
Key Findings
- •Uterine lavage produced no significant changes in serum sCD14, CCL2, or IL-10 levels at 15 and 30 minutes post-treatment in mares with postpartum metritis
- •Heart rate was significantly lower after uterine lavage compared to baseline
- •Body temperature and leukocyte counts showed no significant changes following uterine lavage
- •Uterine lavage did not negatively affect clinical parameters in mares with postpartum metritis