Evaluation of Hepatic and Renal Function in Crossbred Cows and Murrah Buffaloes with Puerperal Metritis

Plasma indicators of hepatic (aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) and total bilirubin (TBIL)) and renal (blood urea nitrogen (BUN)) functions were compared between Murrah buffaloes and crossbred Holstein Friesian (HF) cows, with (6 cows and 6 buffalo) and without (6 cows and 11 buffalo) acute puerperal metritis (PM) at one week postpartum. Animals with PM had higher uterine bacterial isolation (P < 0.01) comprising mainly of E. coli, Staph. aureus, Bacteroides spp. and Bacillus spp. Plasma AST and TBIL levels were higher than normal range for bovine species (P < 0.01). Plasma ALKP and BUN levels were comparable to normal bovine values. Cows with PM had higher plasma AST and TBIL levels (321±57.1 U/L and 1.24±0.12mg/dL) compared to normal cows (151.8±16 u/L and 0.75±0.14 mg/dL) (P < 0.05). Plasma AST, ALKP and TBIL levels did not show significant variation with PM in buffaloes. Similarly, plasma BUN did not vary significantly with PM in both species. Hepatic function may be compromised in fresh cows and buffaloes as a result of transition metabolic disorder i.e. negative energy balance and fatty liver disease. Puerperal metritis can exacerbate hepatic metabolic stress and tissue injury.