Clinical evaluation of magnetic bolus as preventive tool for traumatic reticulitis in cattle

Introduction

Cattle have been integral to Asian agriculture for over 5,000 years, contributing significantly to food production, income generation, and nutritional security. In developing countries, dairy animals represent a major economic resource; however, diseases affecting them cause substantial losses due to reduced productivity, increased treatment costs, and mortality. Advances in ruminant physiology have improved understanding of disease mechanisms and health management. Among production-limiting conditions, disorders of the ruminant forestomach (rumen dysfunctions) are prominent, with traumatic reticulitis (TR) and traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP) being important digestive and surgical conditions in cattle and buffaloes. These arise from ingestion of metallic and non-metallic foreign bodies (hardware disease) due to indiscriminate feeding and poor management practices. Traumatic reticulitis occurs when sharp objects such as nails or wires lodge in the reticulum, causing inflammation and possible perforation (Braun et al., 2018). Severe cases may progress to TRP, leading to complications such as peritonitis, pleuritis, pulmonary and visceral abscesses, pericarditis, myocarditis, septicaemia, and death (Al-Abbadi et al., 2014; Kahn and Line, 2005). In India, digestive disorders account for up to 80.20% of ruminant health problems, with economic losses estimated at ₹500 crores annually (Kumar et al., 2003). TRP is more prevalent in buffaloes than cattle, with higher incidence in regions such as Marathwada, Maharashtra. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical signs reduced feed intake, decreased rumen motility, mild pyrexia, poorly digested faeces, and abdominal pain supported by haematological and biochemical findings. Advanced diagnostic tools like radiography and ultrasonography facilitate detection of foreign bodies and inflammatory changes (Braun et al., 1994), though their field applicability is limited by cost. Metal detectors provide a practical alternative under field conditions. The condition results from penetration of the reticular wall by sharp objects during reticular contractions, with risk factors including poor feeding practices and mineral deficiencies, especially phosphorus deficiency leading to pica. Perforation allows leakage of ingesta and bacteria into the peritoneal cavity, causing localized or diffuse peritonitis and, occasionally, pleuritis, pericarditis, or abscess formation (Al-Abbadi et al., 2014; Kahn and Line, 2005). It is less common in small ruminants due to selective feeding behaviour. Metallic foreign bodies commonly originate from silage materials, feed processing equipment, and fencing, and tend to accumulate in the reticulum where contractions promote penetration. Preventive strategies include removal of metallic debris using magnets and oral administration of reticular magnets (magnetic bolus), which trap foreign objects and prevent tissue damage. Treatment involves conservative management with magnets, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory drugs, and fluid therapy, while rumenotomy is indicated in non-responsive cases (Braun et al., 2020). These interventions improve recovery rates from approximately 60% to 80-90% (Kahn and Line, 2005). However, complications such as vagal indigestion, ruminal tympany, forestomach atony, and omasal impaction may occur (Kahn and Line, 2005; Braun et al., 2018), whereas abomasal obstruction has not been reported as a sequela. Despite widespread use of magnetic boluses, their long-term preventive efficacy remains inadequately documented, particularly in developing countries like India where hardware disease prevalence is high.

Material and methodology

The present study was conducted on eighteen clinical cases of cattle presented to the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Udgir, District Latur. Most cases were referred from nearby government polyclinics. Animals were presented with clinical signs such as anorexia, suspended rumination, abducted elbows, and respiratory distress; occasional signs included grunting and restlessness. A total of eighteen cattle with a history of anorexia, elevated temperature, suspended rumination, respiratory distress, abducted elbows, and occasional grunting were selected and evaluated for traumatic reticulitis (n = 18). A detailed clinical history including duration of illness (4-20 days), feeding practices, previous treatment, age, sex, and physiological status was recorded. Particular emphasis was given to signs indicative of foreign body syndrome such as reduced feed intake, decreased rumination, abdominal pain, and respiratory distress. all animals were subjected to routine clinical examination including heart rate (beats/min), respiratory rate (breaths/min), and rectal temperature (°F) on day 0, 7, and 14. Conjunctival mucous membrane colour was also assessed.

Radiographic evaluation

All suspected cases were subjected to computed radiography of the reticulothoracic region. Radiographs were obtained in right lateral recumbency using an 800 mA Polydorus X-ray unit¹ with a computed radiography system² and a 14″ × 17″ cassette. Exposure parameters ranged from 77-85 kVp and 18-22 mAs. The cassette was centered over the eighth rib between the shoulder and elbow joints, with the lower border parallel to the ventral abdomen. Imaging was performed at peak inspiration. Pre-induction radiographs were used to determine the presence, location, size, and penetration status of metallic foreign bodies. Post-induction radiographs were obtained to evaluate attachment of foreign bodies to the magnetic bolus and confirm reticular localization. Approximately 5 mL of blood was collected aseptically from the jugular vein on day 0, 7, and 14. Parameters including haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), granulocytes (GRA), and lymphocytes (LYM) were analyzed using a fully automated haematology cell counter about 10 mL of blood was collected, centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes, and serum was stored for analysis. Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were estimated. Serum calcium (mg/dL) was estimated using a Calcium (ASIII) reagent kit by UV molybdate method with a semiautomatic biochemical analyzer (Chem-7, Erba). Serum phosphorus (mg/dL) was determined using a Phosphorus reagent kit⁵ by Arsenazo III method using the same analyzer. Baseline haematological and physiological parameters were recorded prior to treatment. Animals were premedicated with Inj. Dicrysticin-DS (10,000 IU/kg, I/M), Inj. Chlorpheniramine maleate⁷ (1 mg/kg, I/M), and Inj. Meloxicam⁸ (0.5 mg/kg, I/M).

Induction of magnetic bolus

A ferrite-based magnetic bolus (Ferri MAX Bullet CAP; 3/4″ × 3-3/8″) was administered orally using a balling gun. The animal was restrained, the tongue exteriorized, and the bolus placed posterior to the torus linguae to facilitate swallowing. Animals were monitored for 2 hours for regurgitation. Surgical intervention was required in three cases, including two cases of ruminal impactionand one case of adherent non-penetrating foreign body confirmed by exploratory laparo-rumenotomy. The left paralumbar fossa was prepared aseptically, and local anesthesia (2% lignocaine⁹) was administered using an inverted L block. A standard incision was made to access the rumen, which was secured using a Mackintosh ring. Approximately 40-50% rumen content was evacuated, and the reticulum was explored for foreign bodies. Retrieved foreign bodies were removed, and the rumen was sutured using Cushing and Lambert patterns. Abdominal layers were closed routinely, and skin was sutured using nylon. Postoperative management included regular wound dressing, administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, NSAIDs, and intravenous fluid therapy. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using a completely randomized design (CRD). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to evaluate haematological and physiological parameters as per Snedecor and Cochran (1994).

Results and discussion

The present study was conducted on 18 clinical cases of cattle to evaluate the effectiveness of a magnetic bolus as a preventive tool for traumatic reticulitis (TR). Animals were selected irrespective of age, sex, and breed, and exhibited clinical signs such as anorexia, suspended rumination, brisket oedema, and reduced ruminal motility.

Incidence of traumatic reticulitis

All 18 cases presented between February 2024 and December 2025 showed clinical signs of TR. Radiographic examination confirmed the presence of non-penetrating metallic foreign bodies in the reticulum in all cases (100%).

Age-wise incidence

The highest incidence was recorded in cattle aged 2-5 years (50%), followed by 6-9 years (27.77%) and 10-12 years (22.22%), with a mean age of 6.41±0.76 years and mean body weight of 307.83 ± 10.48 kg. Adult cattle were more susceptible, particularly females. These findings align with Jagos (1969), Misra and Angelo (1981), and Tyagi and Singh (1993), who reported higher incidence in adult bovines.

Gender-wise incidence

Females (61.11%) were more affected than males (38.88%), likely due to longer productive life, pregnancy, and lactational stress. Similar findings were reported by Lakhpati et al. (2019).

Breed-wise incidence

Higher incidence was observed in Deoni (44.44%) and Red Kandhari (33.33%) breeds, followed by crossbred Holstein Friesian (16.66%) and Holstein Friesian (5.55%). This distribution reflects regional population density. Comparable breed variations were reported by Jagos (1969).

Clinical findings

All animals showed anorexia (100%), with other signs including grunting (50%), brisket oedema (61.11%), abducted elbows (38.88%), and muscle fasciculations (33.33%). Ruminal motility significantly improved from0.83±0.20 contractions/2 min (day 0) to 2.00±0.00 (day 14) (P<0.01). Similar findings were reported by Roth and King (1991), Misra (1960), Holmes (1960), Kaur and Singh (1994), Tyagi and Singh (1993), and Aiello and Mays (1998) [1] . Rao and Selvaraj (1962), and Aiello and Mays (1998) [1] .

Physiological parameters

Hematological findings

Haemoglobin increased significantly from 8.53±0.53 to 11.34±0.43 g/dL (P<0.05), indicating recovery from mild anaemia, consistent with Rao and Selvaraj (1962) and Ghanem (2008). PCV and TEC showed non-significant increases (p>0.05), aligning with Braun et al. (1993bBraun et al. ( , 1998Braun et al. ( , 2018)). TLC showed non-significant decline, contrasting with findings of Holmes (1960) and Kaur and Singh (1994). Differential leukocyte count revealed significant changes: lymphocytes fluctuated (P<0.05), neutrophils decreased significantly (P<0.01), and eosinophils showed marked reduction (P<0.01), indicating resolution of inflammation. (1983). Following magnetic bolus administration, 83.33% (15/18) of foreign bodies were successfully attached, while 16.67% (3/18) failed due to ruminal impaction or reticular adhesion, confirmed via laparo-rumenotomy. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of magnetic bolus as a preventive and therapeutic tool. Similar observations were reported by Radostits et al. (1994). Radiography showed high diagnostic value with reported sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 93% (Braun et al., 1993a). Repeat radiography was recommended in suspected cases where initial imaging is inconclusive.

Conclusion

The 83.33% of the animals were successfully treated for traumatic reticulitis with conservative management using a magnetic bolus, showed highly effective in the treatment process. 2. The study, magnetic bolus is essential in order to prevent trauma to the reticulum as a preventive tool. 3. Induction of magnetic bolus is not fruitful in the cases where the ruminal impaction is evident.

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