Ultrasonographic and radiographic findings in 503 cattle with traumatic reticuloperitonitis

This study involved 503 cattle with traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP), 494 of which underwent ultrasonographic and 484 radiographic examination of the reticulum. Ultrasonography revealed changes in the reticulum and/or peritoneum suggestive of peritonitis in 403 (83%) cattle, a decrease in the amplitude of reticular contractions in 244 (54%) and reduced or absent reticular motility in 173 (37%). A total of 536 foreign bodies were seen on 465 (96%) radiographs and a magnet was seen on 311 (64%) radiographs. Of the 536 foreign bodies, 300 (56%) were not attached to a magnet and 236 (44%) were attached. Of 300 radiographs showing foreign bodies not attached to a magnet, the foreign body was lying flat on the floor of the reticulum on 98 (18%) radiographs, was at an angle of greater than 30 degrees to the ventral aspect of the reticulum on 54 (10%), had penetrated the dorsal reticular wall on 76 (14%), had perforated the reticulum on 64 (12%) and was completely outside of the reticulum on 8 (1%) radiographs. Ultrasonography provides information about the scale and localisation of inflammatory changes of the peritoneum, and radiography allows the visualisation of ferromagnetic foreign bodies and magnets.