Traumatic reticuloperitonitis, commonly known as hardware disease, occurs when a sharp object, such as a piece of wire, perforates the wall of the reticulum. The reticulum is the first stomach chamber, positioned low and forward of the rumen, therefore heavy objects like wire or nails that cattle may inadvertently consume can be trapped there, while feed and lighter material pass on into the rumen. These objects can stay in the reticulum without causing any problems, but hardware disease occurs when an object penetrates the reticulum wall.
Reticular contractions are enough to cause a perforation, but certain factors increase the risk. During late pregnancy, the rumen and reticulum are pushed forward by the gravid uterus, increasing the pressure on the reticulum and the likelihood of perforation. Forceful abdominal contractions during calving can also increase the risk of perforation.
Range of outcomes
When a sharp object penetrates the reticulum, the range of outcomes depends on how far and in what direction the object migrates and the severity of the infection that ensues. In some cases, the object merely penetrates the reticular wall, resulting in a localized abdominal infection (peritonitis). However, occasionally objects will penetrate the diaphragm and enter the chest cavity, causing infection around the lungs (pleuritis) or the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis). Infections can range from chronic low-grade to severe. Abscesses, scarring, and adhesions can have immediate and long-term implications for the animal's health and productivity.
Clinical signs and diagnosis
The clinical signs associated with this disease depend on the stage and severity. Early on or with mild cases, an animal may only show subtle signs such as reduced appetite, mild depression, or a drop in production and body condition. More severe cases may be reluctant to move, have an arched back, reluctance to lie down or get up, pain when defecating, and bloat. If the heart is involved, circulation can be compromised and the brisket may become enlarged from fluid buildup.
A veterinarian will typically diagnose hardware disease based on history and clinical signs, but may use blood work, radiographs, or ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and assess how far the disease has progressed.
If the animal has died from hardware disease, a necropsy may reveal a nail or wire protruding through the reticulum wall, though in some cases the object may have fully corroded and is no longer present. Abscesses or adhesions between the reticulum and diaphragm, which are not normally attached to each other, indicate that a perforation occurred. There may also be evidence of peritonitis, pleuritis, or pericarditis, depending on how far the object migrated.
Treatment
If a veterinarian diagnoses hardware disease, treatment may consist of:
- Rumen magnet. A magnet is administered orally, much like a large bolus, using a balling gun. If part of the object is still within the reticulum, the magnet can attach to and hold the object, reducing the chance of further migration or perforation.
- Supportive medical care. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and fluid therapy are used to control infection, manage pain and inflammation, and support the animal while it recovers.
- Surgery. If the animal does not respond to medical treatment, and is valuable enough to justify the expense, a veterinarian may recommend surgery and remove the object directly.
Prognosis
Prognosis depends on how early the disease is detected and treated, severity of disease, and organs involved. Animals that have a localized infection have a better prognosis than those that have widespread peritonitis, pleuritis, or pericarditis.
Prevention
The best preventive measures include keeping feed bunks, pastures, and pens free of metal objects. A veterinarian may also recommend administration of magnets as a preventative measure depending upon herd history and level of risk for disease.