Difference between revisions of "Traumatic Reticulitis"
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| − | == | + | {| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" border="1" |
| − | + | | Also known as: | |
| − | + | | '''Hardware Disease <br> Traumatic Reticuloperitonitis<br> Wires''' | |
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| + | |} | ||
| − | Pathological changes depend on the direction of penetration; this is usually in an anterior-ventral direction. Pyogenic bacteria escape from the reticulum, causing localised [[Peritonitis|peritonitis]] and local fibrinous adhesions. | + | ==Description== |
| − | Penetration of the [[Diaphragm - Anatomy & Physiology|diaphragm]] and | + | Due to their unselective feeding habits, cattle may ingest a variety of foreign bodies. Cattle cannot spit out metallic agents (e.g. screws, nails, pieces of wire, bottle tops) once in their mouths, and so ingest them. Heavier metallic objects consumed can become lodged in the [[The Reticulum - Anatomy & Physiology|reticulum]], and may penetrate the reticular wall under the influence of the continuous [[The Reticulum - Anatomy & Physiology#Ruminoreticular contraction|reticular movements]] or forces caused by pregnancy and parturition. |
| − | Liver and splenic abscesses also occasionally occur following penetration of either organ. | + | |
| + | Pathological changes depend on the direction of penetration; this is usually in an anterior-ventral direction. Pyogenic bacteria escape from the [[The Reticulum - Anatomy & Physiology|reticulum]], causing localised [[Peritonitis|peritonitis]] and local fibrinous adhesions. | ||
| + | Penetration of the [[Diaphragm - Anatomy & Physiology|diaphragm]] and pericardium results in [[Pericarditis|pericarditis]]. Penetration of the [[Heart - Anatomy & Physiology|heart]] itself results in [[Myocarditis|myocarditis]] and [[Endocarditis|endocarditis]]. Penetration of the [[Lungs - Anatomy & Physiology|lungs]] and pleura can occur resulting in pneumonia and pleurisy. | ||
| + | [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|Liver]] and [[Spleen - Anatomy & Physiology|splenic]] abscesses also occasionally occur following penetration of either organ. | ||
==Signalment== | ==Signalment== | ||
| − | More frequently affects adult dairy cows but does also affect beef animals. More | + | More frequently affects adult dairy cows but does also affect beef animals. More comon in cows grazing a pasture where there has been previous building. |
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
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Signs are often vague, but adult cattle will show a drop in milk production and fecal output is decreased. The rectal temperature is often mildly increased. The heart rate is often increased, and respiration is usually shallow and rapid. Initially, the cow exhibits abdominal pain with an arched back; and a reluctance to move often with abducted elbows. | Signs are often vague, but adult cattle will show a drop in milk production and fecal output is decreased. The rectal temperature is often mildly increased. The heart rate is often increased, and respiration is usually shallow and rapid. Initially, the cow exhibits abdominal pain with an arched back; and a reluctance to move often with abducted elbows. | ||
| − | Affected animals will also grunt in response to the 'bar test' | + | Affected animals will also grunt in response to the 'bar test'. |
==Laboratory Tests== | ==Laboratory Tests== | ||
Although not always necessary, can sometimes be useful to rule out other differential diagnoses. | Although not always necessary, can sometimes be useful to rule out other differential diagnoses. | ||
| − | On haematology a | + | On haematology a neutrophilia will be present with a left shift. |
| − | Fibrinogen and total | + | Fibrinogen and total proteinlevels will also be high. |
A hypokalaemia and hypochloraemia with a metabolic alkalosis will also be present. | A hypokalaemia and hypochloraemia with a metabolic alkalosis will also be present. | ||
| − | A peritoneal tap is a useful diagnostic aid to establish if peritonitis is present | + | A peritoneal tap is a useful diagnostic aid to establish if peritonitis is present where there will be a high protein and cell count. These parameters however will return to normal once the infection has already been walled off into an abscess. |
==Pathology== | ==Pathology== | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | A very thick-walled, pus-filled abscesses forms around the points of penetration, which may be multiple. | |
The foreign object may be found in one of these abscesses, or free in the reticular lumen. | The foreign object may be found in one of these abscesses, or free in the reticular lumen. | ||
| − | If the pericardium is penetrated it becomes thickened with oedema, and purulent fluid containing fibrin clots accumulates in the sac giving a “bread and butter heart” which is classical | + | If the pericardium is penetrated it becomes thickened with oedema, and purulent fluid containing fibrin clots accumulates in the sac giving a “bread and butter heart” which is classical traumatic reticulitis. |
| − | Additionally | + | [[Image:traumatic pericarditis.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Traumatic pericarditis (Courtesy of BioMed Image Archive)]] |
| + | Additionally large abscesses in the dorsal part of the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] may erode into the posterior vena cava to produce a thrombosis. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Typically these cases are recognised late in the course of disease and euthanasia is often the most economical option. | Typically these cases are recognised late in the course of disease and euthanasia is often the most economical option. | ||
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If the condition is diagnosed early in the course of disease then treatment can be medical or surgical. | If the condition is diagnosed early in the course of disease then treatment can be medical or surgical. | ||
| − | Medically | + | Medically antibiotics can be administered in order to treat the peritonitis and also a magnet should be administered to prevent further metal penetration. A broad spectrum antibiotic such as oxytetracycline is a good choice. Restricting the movement of the animal may prevent further penetration of the foreign object. |
Surgery involves a rumenotomy allowing removal of the object. If an abscess is adhered to the reticulum, it should be drained into the reticulum. Antibiotics should also be given perioperatively. | Surgery involves a rumenotomy allowing removal of the object. If an abscess is adhered to the reticulum, it should be drained into the reticulum. Antibiotics should also be given perioperatively. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
| − | Animals should not graze fields where they may have access to metal objects or where construction has recently taken place. Pastures should be cleared as much as possible of metal wire and such like prior to | + | Animals should not graze on fields where they may have access to metal objects or where construction has recently taken place. Pastures should be cleared as much as possible of metal wire and such like prior to grazing. Additionally magnets can be administered to the cattle per os, these then remain in the reticulum and if metal objects are ingested they will remain attatched to the magnet. |
| − | + | ||
| − | == | + | ==Prognosis== |
| − | + | If recognised before the object has penetrated the wall of the reticulum and is corrected, prognosis is good. | |
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==References== | ==References== | ||
Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Eighth Edition) ''Merial'' | Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Eighth Edition) ''Merial'' | ||
| − | + | [[Category:Forestomach - Inflammatory Pathology]][[Category:Cattle]][[Category:To_Do_-_Caz]] | |
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| − | [[Category:Forestomach - Inflammatory Pathology]][[Category: | ||
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Revision as of 21:26, 11 August 2010
 |
This article is still under construction. |
| Also known as: | Hardware Disease Traumatic Reticuloperitonitis Wires |
Description
Due to their unselective feeding habits, cattle may ingest a variety of foreign bodies. Cattle cannot spit out metallic agents (e.g. screws, nails, pieces of wire, bottle tops) once in their mouths, and so ingest them. Heavier metallic objects consumed can become lodged in the reticulum, and may penetrate the reticular wall under the influence of the continuous reticular movements or forces caused by pregnancy and parturition.
Pathological changes depend on the direction of penetration; this is usually in an anterior-ventral direction. Pyogenic bacteria escape from the reticulum, causing localised peritonitis and local fibrinous adhesions. Penetration of the diaphragm and pericardium results in pericarditis. Penetration of the heart itself results in myocarditis and endocarditis. Penetration of the lungs and pleura can occur resulting in pneumonia and pleurisy. Liver and splenic abscesses also occasionally occur following penetration of either organ.
Signalment
More frequently affects adult dairy cows but does also affect beef animals. More comon in cows grazing a pasture where there has been previous building.
Diagnosis
Can often be made following a good history and physical exam.
Clinical Signs
Signs are often vague, but adult cattle will show a drop in milk production and fecal output is decreased. The rectal temperature is often mildly increased. The heart rate is often increased, and respiration is usually shallow and rapid. Initially, the cow exhibits abdominal pain with an arched back; and a reluctance to move often with abducted elbows.
Affected animals will also grunt in response to the 'bar test'.
Laboratory Tests
Although not always necessary, can sometimes be useful to rule out other differential diagnoses. On haematology a neutrophilia will be present with a left shift. Fibrinogen and total proteinlevels will also be high. A hypokalaemia and hypochloraemia with a metabolic alkalosis will also be present.
A peritoneal tap is a useful diagnostic aid to establish if peritonitis is present where there will be a high protein and cell count. These parameters however will return to normal once the infection has already been walled off into an abscess.
Pathology
A very thick-walled, pus-filled abscesses forms around the points of penetration, which may be multiple. The foreign object may be found in one of these abscesses, or free in the reticular lumen.
If the pericardium is penetrated it becomes thickened with oedema, and purulent fluid containing fibrin clots accumulates in the sac giving a “bread and butter heart” which is classical traumatic reticulitis.
Additionally large abscesses in the dorsal part of the liver may erode into the posterior vena cava to produce a thrombosis.
Treatment
Typically these cases are recognised late in the course of disease and euthanasia is often the most economical option. If the condition is diagnosed early in the course of disease then treatment can be medical or surgical. Medically antibiotics can be administered in order to treat the peritonitis and also a magnet should be administered to prevent further metal penetration. A broad spectrum antibiotic such as oxytetracycline is a good choice. Restricting the movement of the animal may prevent further penetration of the foreign object.
Surgery involves a rumenotomy allowing removal of the object. If an abscess is adhered to the reticulum, it should be drained into the reticulum. Antibiotics should also be given perioperatively.
Prevention
Animals should not graze on fields where they may have access to metal objects or where construction has recently taken place. Pastures should be cleared as much as possible of metal wire and such like prior to grazing. Additionally magnets can be administered to the cattle per os, these then remain in the reticulum and if metal objects are ingested they will remain attatched to the magnet.
Prognosis
If recognised before the object has penetrated the wall of the reticulum and is corrected, prognosis is good.
References
Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial