Treatment of cystic ovarian disease (COD) in cattle

Modern treatment of COD in cattle addresses the underlying factors responsible for the development of the condition.

1. Correction of nutritional and metabolic disorders
2. Hormonal treatment leading to induction of normal follicular turnover and resumption of cyclic ovarian activity

Follicular cysts

1. GnRH analogues- Addresses the lack of inadequate LH stimulation for final maturation and ovulation of the new follicular wave.
   
   
   
   To shorten the time to re-introduction into breeding a combination of GnRH and prostaglandin is recommended:
   
   
   1. GnRH followed in 7 days by PGF2α or complete Ovsynch protocol.
   2. Cows can be inseminated in the induced heat. Click on thumbnail sketch for full sized image.
      
2. Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG)
   Strong LH-like stimulation provided by hCG allows for final maturation and ovulation of the arrested follicular wave
   - hCG followed in 7 days by PGF2α
   - Cows can be inseminated in the induced heat.
   
3. Progestegens
   Treatment with progestagens such as Crestar not only induces ovulation of the new dominant follicle but also provides so called progesterone priming which prevents recurrence of cystic condition.
   Cows can be inseminated in the induced heat.
   

Luteal cysts

Cysts originating from corpus luteum are progestagenically active and sensitive to the action of prostaglandins. The treatment usually consists of one or two doses of PGF2α. Cows can be inseminated in the induced heat. Click on thumbnail sketch for full sized image.