Metestral hemorrhage on the rump of a cow.
Keywords: metestrus, bovine, management, cow, estrous, cycle, detection, hemorrhage
Typical metestral hemorrhage; seen on the rump of a cow that was recently in heat. This is seen in about 50 to 60% of cows and 75 to 85% of heifers. Metestral hemorrhage is usually seen in the first 48 hours after ovulation but because the vagina may slope downward at its cranial end (especially in older animals) vaginal mucus and metestral hemorrhage may be retained in the vagina for several days, being discharged several days after estrus. If metestrus is suspected, one should look at the rump of the animal and her dung and bedding where there is often evidence of hemorrhage.
Cattle are the only domestic animals that show hemorrhage as a result of estrogen withdrawal.
