Traumatic Reticulo-Peritonitis in an Adult Friesian Holstein Cow: A Case Report

An adult Friesian Holstein cow raised in a zero-grazing system was presented with a history of being off feed, respiratory distress and no defecation since 04/09/2018. She had been treated without any significant improvement. There was improvement with subsequence treatment. A week later, the cow became off feed and abscess developed on the right ventrolateral aspect of the thoracic region filled with purulent pus. General examination revealed good body condition, dullness and depression, grunting and grinding of teeth. Physical examination revealed normal respiratory and heart rate, temperature of 38.4°C, ruminal atony and no eructation. Hematological analysis revealed septicemia evident by neutrophilia. The animal was managed with 20% Oxytetracycline 15mg/kg given intramuscularly and multivitamins given via intramuscular route. Surgical management of the abscess was managed by lancing and draining the pus and a long wire was incidentally recovered, then lavaged with hydrogen peroxide, normal salt and povidone iodine, and antibiosis for three 3 days. The cow fully recovered. This communication reports a case of traumatic reticulo-peritonitis (TRP) caused by a long wire (10.1cm long). The wire penetrating through the reticulo-ruminal wall, abdominal cavity and the thoracic wall, and sequela to an abscess and localized peritonitis. Therefore, dairy cattle with signs of constipation, ruminal stasis, ruminal impaction, abscess and more than seven months pregnant, one should consider traumatic reticulo-peritonitis as differential diagnosis.