Traumatic Reticulitis ( metal objects, which have been eaten by the cow)

Cause

Traumatic reticulitis is primarily a disease of adult cattle. It occurs when pieces of wire, or other sharp metal objects, which have been eaten by the cow along with its food penetrate the reticulum wall (as a result of the contractions during the cuddling process).


The infection spreads along the wire to the surrounding abdomen, producing an abscess and adhesions. In some cases, the wire will penetrate into the chest of the animal causing an abscess in the chest and in severe cases infection of the outside of the heart (pericarditis).
Compression of the ruminoreticulum by the uterus in late pregnancy, straining during parturition, and mounting during estrus increase the likelihood of an initial penetration of the reticulum and may also disrupt adhesions caused by an earlier penetration.

Symptoms

Reduced feed intake
Reduced milk yield
Abdominal pain, reluctance to move
Shallow breathing
Moaning - sounds of pain
Initially, the temperature could be increased

Prevention

Preventive measures include avoiding the use of baling wire, passing feed over magnets to remove metallic objects, keeping cattle away from sites of new construction, and completely removing old buildings and fences. Additionally, bar magnets may be administered PO, preferably after fasting for 18-24 hr. Usually, the magnet remains in the reticulum and holds any ferromagnetic objects on its surface. There is good evidence that giving magnets to all herd replacement heifers and bulls at ~1 yr of age minimises the incidence of traumatic reticuloperitonitis.




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