Which stomach compartment is affected by hardware disease in cattle?

Which stomach compartment is affected by hardware disease in cattle?

• A. Rumen
• B. Abomasum
• C. Reticulum
• D. Omasum

Answer: (C)

Hardware disease is a traumatic injury to the reticulum caused by ingested metal. The reticulum is the stomach compartment most likely to be affected because it sits just behind the chest entrance, in front of the heart and diaphragm, making a sharp object a real risk of puncture as it moves with the animal’s rumination. Its honeycomb lining traps metal, so a piece can lodge there and penetrate the wall, leading to inflammation and potentially spreading to the diaphragm, pericardium, or pleura. Treatment often involves a magnet placed in the reticulum to attract stray metal and prevent further injury, with additional care as needed for complications.

Hardware disease is a traumatic injury to the reticulum caused by ingested metal. The reticulum is the stomach compartment most likely to be affected because it sits just behind the chest entrance, in front of the heart and diaphragm, making a sharp object a real risk of puncture as it moves with the animal’s rumination. Its honeycomb lining traps metal, so a piece can lodge there and penetrate the wall, leading to inflammation and potentially spreading to the diaphragm, pericardium, or pleura. Treatment often involves a magnet placed in the reticulum to attract stray metal and prevent further injury, with additional care as needed for complications.