Ultrasonographic assessment of reticuloruminal motility in 45 cows.

The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility of ultrasonographic assessment of reticuloruminal motility in 45 healthy cows. The transducers of five ultrasound machines were connected to a digital video recorder and placed simultaneously at five sites on the left side of the cows to scan the reticulorumen (reticulum; ruminal atrium; dorsal sac of the rumen; left longitudinal groove; ruminal recess, caudodorsal and caudoventral blind sacs). The video streams from all five ultrasound machines were recorded synchronously with the same time line and displayed on a single monitor. Time 0 was defined as the start of a biphasic reticular contraction. The reticulum was visualised in all cows and had 11.0 ± 2.12 biphasic contractions in 9 min. The ruminal atrium was visualised in 40 (89%) cows and had 10.7 ± 2.10 contractions in 9 min, which started at the time point 5.0 ± 0.83 sec and lasted 7.0 ± 2.14 sec. Contractions of the dorsal sac of the rumen, visible in all cows, were visualised in 29 (64%) cows. There were 9.5 ± 1.8 contractions in 9 min that started at the time point 4.0 ± 0.85 sec and lasted 8.2 ± 1.04 sec. The left longitudinal groove was seen contracting in 39 (87%) cows. There were 10.2 ± 1.98 contractions in 9 min that started at the time point 4.1 ± 1.81 sec and lasted 7.8 ± 1.19 sec. Contractions of the ventral sac of the rumen (ruminal recess) were seen in 31 (69%) cows. There were 7.5 ± 2.59 contractions in 9 min that started at the time point 14.3 ± 4.30 sec. Contractions of the caudodorsal and caudoventral blind sacs were seen in 34 (76%) cows. There were 9.0 ± 2.75 (1.0 ± 0.31) contractions/min and 9.4 ± 2.09 (1.0 ± 0.23) contractions/min of the dorsal and ventral blind sacs, and they started at the time points 6.2 ± 1.32 sec and 21.3 ± 6.20 sec, respectively. Primary contraction cycles were seen in all cows and secondary cycles in 22 (49%) cows. The former were complete in 37 (82%) cows and incomplete in 8 (18%). There were 11.0 ± 2.12 primary and 4.5 ± 2.15 secondary cycles in 9 min, and the ratio between primary and secondary cycles averaged 2.4:1. Ultrasonography is suitable for the assessment of reticuloruminal motility

Ultrasonographic examination of the oesophageal groove reflex in young calves under various feeding conditions.

The oesophageal groove reflex was examined in 6 milk-fed Holstein Friesian calves once weekly during the first 17 weeks of life. Additionally, the effect of different feeding methods (bucket, different nipple positions and openings), different milk temperatures (20, 30, 39, 45°C) and milk replacer concentrations (100, 125, 150 grams/litre of water) on oesophageal groove closure was investigated. The reticulum and abomasum were examined ultrasonographically using a 5.0-MHz convex transducer before, during and after feeding, and the oesophageal groove reflex was considered to be functional when milk was seen entering the abomasum during feeding. The reflex was consistently induced throughout the study period in all calves at all examinations and under all experimental conditions. However, it should not be assumed that feeding technique can be neglected in unweaned calves because suboptimal feeding management has been linked to various digestive disorders.

Ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen of the goat. I. Reticulum, rumen, omasum, abomasum and intestines.

This review article summarizes the ultrasonographic findings of the reticulum, rumen, omasum, abomasum and intestines of goats. Ultrasonographic examination is done on both sides with the goat in a standing position using a linear array or convex transducer with a frequency of 5.0 to 7.5 MHz. The shape, contour and motility of the reticulum are assessed; this organ appears as a crescent-shaped structure with a smooth contour immediately adjacent to the diaphragm. There are 0.8 to 2.1 reticular contractions per minute, which may be mono-, bi- and triphasic. The rumen is examined from the 8th to 12th intercostal spaces (ICSs) and flank on the left, and from the 12th ICS and flank on the right. The ruminal wall appears as a thick echoic line. The dorsal and ventral sacs of the rumen are differentiated based on the longitudinal groove, which forms an echoic notch. Differentiation of the dorsal gas cap, fibre mat and fluid layer is not always straightforward and varies among goats. The omasum is examined from the 6th to 11th ICSs on the right. Only the wall closest to the transducer can be imaged and it appears as a crescent-shaped echoic line medial to the liver. The omasal folds and the wall furthest from the transducer cannot be seen. In about two thirds of goats, active omasal motility is apparent as a transient reduction in size of several centimetres, followed by relaxation and return to its original size. There is an average of 1.1 contractions per minute. The abomasum is examined from the ventral midline and the left and right paramedian regions and can always be seen from the ventral midline. In all but a few goats the abomasum is also visible from the left and right paramedian areas. It appears as a heterogeneous, moderately echoic structure with echogenic stippling. The abomasal folds appear as prominent echoic bands in about two thirds of all goats. The small and large intestines are examined on the right from the 8th to the 12th ICSs. Loops of jejunum and ileum are seen mainly in cross-section and have a strong motility. The intestinal content is usually homogeneous and echoic and the diameter of the intestinal loops varies from 0.8 and 2.7 cm. The spiral colon and in many cases also the caecum can be imaged. The former is recognized by its garland-like appearance brought about by the centripetal and centrifugal coils of the intestine. In the spiral colon and the caecum, only the wall closest to the transducer can be imaged because of intraluminal gas. The wall appears as a thick echoic and slightly undulating line 5.6 to 8.0 cm in length. Ultrasonography is an imaging technique that is very well suited for the examination of the gastrointestinal tract of goats.

[Squamous cell carcinoma of the reticulum and liver in a Simmental cow]. / Plattenepithelkarzinom in Haube und Leber bei einer Fleckviehkuh.

This report describes an 8.8-year-old Simmental cow with squamous cell carcinoma of the reticulum and liver. The cow had calved recently and was referred to our clinic because of intractable fever, anorexia and progressive indigestion. The general condition and mental status were moderately affected and rectal temperature and respiratory rate were significantly elevated. There were no ruminal sounds and pinching of the withers consistently elicited a grunt. Serum activities of gamma glutamyl transferase, glutamate dehydrogenase and sorbitol dehydrogenase were elevated. Radiographic examination of the reticulum and ultrasonographic examination of the reticulum, liver and abdominal cavity revealed multifocal, poorly demarcated, heterogeneous and echogenic changes in the liver. Biopsy of these lesions yielded a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. The cow was euthanized and a postmortem examination confirmed the diagnosis. A 15 by 15 cm neoplasm was found in the reticular wall, and histological examination showed squamous cell carcinoma. It was assumed that the reticular mass was the primary tumour, which metastasized to the liver via the portal vein.

Computed tomography of the abdomen in Saanen goats: I. reticulum, rumen and omasum.

Computed tomography (CT) of the reticulum, rumen and omasum was carried out in 30 healthy goats and the images were compared to corresponding body sections obtained at postmortem. A multidetector CT was used to examine goats in sternal recumbency. A setting of 120 KV and 270 mA was used to produce 1.5-mm transverse slices from the fifth thoracic vertebra to the sacrum. Soft tissue structures were assessed in a soft tissue with a window width (W) of 400 Hounsfield Units (HU), and a window level (L) of 40 HU. The layering of the ruminal contents was assessed in an ingesta window with a W of 1500 HU and an L of 30 HU. After subjective evaluation, the size of the rumen and omasum, the thickness of the walls of the reticulum, rumen and omasum and the height of the gas cap and fibre and liquid phases of the rumen were measured. Fifteen goats were euthanised after CT examination, placed in sternal recumbency and frozen at -18 ºC for three to 10 days. Thirteen goats were then cut into 1.0- to 1.5-cm-thick transverse slices. One goat was cut in dorsal-plane slices and another in sagittal slices. The structures in the CT images were identified by using the corresponding anatomical slices.

[The use of ultrasonography for diagnosing the cause of colic in cows. A review]. / Kolikdiagnostik mittels Ultraschall beim weiblichen Rind. Eine Übersicht.

Ultrasonography is a very useful technique for diagnosing the cause of colic in cows. It allows visualisation of abnormal reticular contour and occasionally of abnormal contractility in cows with reticuloperitonitis. In right-displaced abomasum, the dilated abomasum can be detected between the right abdominal wall and the liver. Fluid ingesta are seen ventrally and a gas cap of varying size dorsally. Dilated loops of small intestines that are almost always static are the main diagnostic criterion for ileus of the small intestine, but the cause of the ileus can only rarely be determined. Cholestasis can almost always be diagnosed by imaging a dilated biliary system. With obstruction at the level of the hepatic portal, only the intrahepatic biliary ducts are dilated, while a dilatation of the entire biliary tract, including the gallbladder, occurs in the case of an obstruction near the duodenal papilla. Urinary tract diseases cause colic in cows when concrement or inflammatory products become lodged in a ureter. The importance of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of diseases causing colic in cows varies. For example, with colic attributable to ileus of the small intestines, cholestasis or urinary tract disease, ultrasonography is a very useful diagnostic tool. On the other hand, for diagnosis of left or right displacement of the abomasum or caecal dilatation, ultrasonography is generally not required, but it is helpful in difficult cases to confirm or rule out a tentative diagnosis and to avoid an unnecessary exploratory laparotomy.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of reticular motility in 144 cattle with vagal indigestion.

The reticular motility in 144 cattle with vagal indigestion was evaluated by ultrasonography; 97 had proximal functional stenosis (reticulo-omasal stenosis) and 47 had distal functional stenosis (pyloric stenosis). A 3.5 MHz linear transducer was used to measure the frequency, amplitude, duration and speed of the reticular contractions per three minutes while the animals were standing and unsedated. The mean (sd) number of contractions per three minutes was 4.3 (2.09) with a range from 0 to 12; nine of the cattle had one or two contractions, 17 had three contractions, 59 had four or five contractions, 37 had more than five contractions and 12 had reticular atony. The cattle with proximal functional stenosis had 4.6 (2.01) contractions per three minutes, significantly more (P<0.05) than those with distal functional stenosis (3.6 [2.16]). The position, contour and size of the reticulum, the amplitude and speed of the contractions and the area surrounding the reticulum did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of reticular motility during rest, eating, rumination and stress in 30 healthy cows.

A 3.5 MHz linear transducer was used to assess the motility of the reticulum in 30 healthy, standing, non-sedated cows while they were at rest, eating, ruminating and under stress. The ultrasonographic examinations were made over periods of nine minutes and video recorded for analysis. The reticulum contracted in a biphasic pattern while the cows were resting, eating or stressed. The first contraction was incomplete and was followed by a period of incomplete relaxation. A complete second contraction occurred immediately afterwards, followed by an interval of complete relaxation and the return of the organ to its original position. When the cows were ruminating, a regurgitation contraction, which was incomplete, occurred immediately before the biphasic contraction. The number of reticular contractions in a nine-minute period was largest when the cows were eating (13.9 contractions, or approximately 1.5 per minute) and smallest when they were stressed (9.3 contractions, or approximately 1 per minute). The duration of the first reticular contraction was shortest during rumination (2.4 seconds) and longest when the cows were eating (3.0 seconds). The interval between two biphasic contractions was shortest when the cows were eating (31.6 seconds) and longest when they were stressed (53.8 seconds).

Ultrasonographic assessment of the reticular motility in cows after administration of different doses of metoclopramide and neostigmine.

The aim of the present study was to use of ultrasonography for assessment of reticular motility after administration of various doses of metclopramide and neostigmine in cows. A total of ten Holstein cows were used in six trials in each one single dose of each drug was used. Metoclopramide was used at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg/kg intramuscularly, whereas neostigmine was used at 0.02, 0.03, and 0.04 mg/kg subcutaneously. Reticular motility was assessed using 3.5 MHz transducer just before drugs administration and every 20 minutes after administration with total time of two hours. At twenty minutes postadministration, metoclopramide at a dose rate of 0.3 mg kg significantly (P<0.01) produced shortening of the interval time between the two biphasic reticular contractions by 25% and significantly (P<0.05) increased the amplitude of the first reticular contraction by 42%, but with mild neurological signs. Neostigmine produced non-significant increase in reticular contraction rate and strength. The results of the present study indicate that metoclopramide and neostigmine at selected doses are not clinically useful agents for increasing reticular contraction rate and strength. The findings of this study in healthy animals may not be extrapolatable to findings in cattle with reticuloruminal hypomotility.

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.

Ultrasonographic Examination of the Reticulum, Rumen, Omasum, Abomasum, and Liver in Calves.

This article describes the ultrasonographic findings of the reticulum, rumen, omasum, abomasum, and liver of calves from birth to 100 days of age. Reticular motility is used to exemplify how the forestomach function in calves progresses and gradually approaches that of adult cattle. The ultrasonographic examination of the esophageal groove reflex and the investigation of factors affecting esophageal groove closure are described. The ultrasonographic findings of the forestomachs and abomasum of calves with ruminal drinker syndrome are discussed. The article concludes with the description of the ultrasonographic examination of the liver.

Clinical, laboratory, ultrasonographic, and anatomopathological aspects of 30 cases of traumatic reticulosplenitis in cattle / Aspectos clínicos, laboratoriais, ultrassonográficos e anatomopatológicos de 30 casos de reticulo-esplenite traumática em bovinos

Ingestion of metallic and/or sharp foreign bodies triggers cases of traumatic reticuloperitonitis and its sequelae in cattle. Among these sequelae, we can highlight traumatic reticulosplenitis, that has high mortality, although its frequency in the ruminant medicine is low. Therefore, based on the scarcity of information on this disease, the current study aimed to evaluate the clinical, laboratory, ultrasonographic, and pathological findings of 30 adult cattle diagnosed with traumatic reticulosplenitis. Clinical, ultrasound, and anatomopathological findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics and laboratory data were evaluated using measures of central tendency. Clinically the animals presented dehydration and alterations in behavior, appetite, and ruminal motility. Hematological findings revealed neutrophilic leukocytosis (37077.17±25004.59cell/µL) with regenerative left shift and hyperfibrinogenemia (1130±364.98mg/dL). The ultrasound examination enabled visualization of mobile and echogenic filaments that corresponded to the presence of fibrin adhesions. Displacement of the reticulum and irregularity in its contour, as well as alterations in the quantity, pattern, and amplitude of reticular contractions were also observed. Splenic alterations such as abscesses were found, characterized as circular structures of varying sizes delimited by capsules containing variable echogenicity. Splenic vein thrombosis and spleen folding were also observed. The results obtained in the current study indicated that traumatic reticulosplenitis causes nonspecific clinical signs, severe laboratory alterations and, mainly, that ultrasound is an efficient method for the diagnosis of this disease, since the anatomopathological lesions confirmed the ultrasound findings.(AU)

A ingestão de corpos estranho de origem metálica e/ou pontiagudos desencadeia em bovinos, quadros de Reticuloperitonite Traumática e suas sequelas. Dentre as quais podemos destacar a retículo esplenite traumática cuja letalidade é elevada, embora a mesma apresente uma baixa frequência na clínica de ruminantes. Portanto, baseado na escassez de informações sobre esta enfermidade, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar os achados clínicos, laboratoriais, ultrassonográficos e anatomopatológicos de 30 bovinos adultos diagnosticados com retículo esplenite traumática. Os achados clínicos, ultrassonográfico e anatomopatológico foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva, e os dados laboratoriais foram avaliados utilizando-se as medidas de tendência central. Clinicamente os animais apresentaram desidratação e alterações no comportamento, apetite e na motilidade ruminal. Os achados hematológicos revelaram leucocitose (37077.17±25004.59cell/µL) por neutrofilia com desvio à esquerda regenerativo e hiperfibrinogenemia (1130±364.98mg/dL). O exame ultrassonográfico possibilitou a visualização de filamentos móveis e ecogênicos que corresponderam à presença de aderências fibrinosas, observou-se também, deslocamento do retículo e irregularidade no seu contorno além das alterações na quantidade, padrão e amplitude das contrações reticulares. Permitiu ainda, a constatação de alterações esplênicas como abscessos que foram caracterizados como estruturas circulares de variados tamanhos delimitada por capsula contendo no seu interior conteúdo de ecogenicidade variável. Trombose da veia esplênica e dobramento do baço. Os resultados obtidos nesse trabalho, indicaram que a retículo esplenite traumática causa sinais clínicos inespecíficos, severas alterações laboratoriais e principalmente que a ultrassonografia é um método eficiente para o diagnóstico dessa enfermidade uma vez que as lesões anatomopatológicas confirmaram os achados ultrassonográficos.(AU)

Ultrasonography of the reticulum in cows.

The reticulum and adjacent organs were examined ultrasonographically in 51 cows by use of a 3.5-MHz linear transducer applied to the ventral aspect of the thorax over the sixth and seventh intercostal spaces. Examination included assessment of the contour of the reticulum, of reticular contractions, and of the organs adjacent to the reticulum. The normal reticulum appeared as a half-moon-shaped structure with a smooth contour; it contracted at regular intervals and was situated immediately adjacent to the diaphragm and ventral portion of the abdominal wall when relaxed. Contents of the reticulum could not normally be imaged because of its partly gaseous composition. The ruminoreticular groove, craniodorsal blind sac of the rumen, and the ventral sac of the rumen were observed caudally. The distal aspect of the spleen and parts of the omasum, abomasum, and liver could be imaged. Reticular motility was characterized by a biphasic contraction pattern. Four biphasic reticular contractions usually were observed during a 4-minute period. During the first (incomplete) contraction, the reticulum contracted by a mean of 7.2 +/- 2.30 cm. There was then low-grade, incomplete relaxation of the reticulum, followed immediately by the second reticular contraction, during which the reticulum usually disappeared from the 17.5-cm-deep screen. The reticulum then reappeared in its normal position. The first reticular contraction lasted a mean of 2.6 +/- 0.33 seconds and the second contraction lasted 3.9 +/- 0.55 seconds. The mean interval between 2 biphasic contractions was 44.9 +/- 10.53 seconds. The speed of the first reticular contraction was 5.4 +/- 1.32 cm/s.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Contrast study of the gastrointestinal tract in the goat (Capra hircus).

Radiographic anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract of the goat (Capra hircus) was studied. Intraluminal contrast medium was used to evaluate the mucosal surfaces of stomach and intestines, and extraluminal contrast medium was used to evaluate the serosal surfaces of organs in the peritoneal cavity.

Radiographic findings before and after oral administration of a magnet in cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate by use of radiography the efficacy of oral administration of magnets in the treatment of traumatic reticuloperitonitis in cows. ANIMALS: 90 cows referred because of indigestion. PROCEDURE: Radiography of the reticulum was performed. In all cows, radiographic findings revealed a metal foreign body in the reticulum. A magnet was administered orally, and the reticulum was again radiographed to assess the position of the magnet and to determine whether the foreign body was attached to the magnet. RESULTS: The magnet was observed in the reticulum in 75 cows and in the cranial aspect of the dorsal sac of the rumen in 9 cows; in 6 cows, the magnet was not observed. The foreign body was fully attached to the magnet in 49 cows. In 6 cows, the foreign body was in contact with the magnet but still penetrated the reticulum. In 24 cows, the foreign body did not contact the magnet, and in 11 cows, it was not clear whether the foreign body was attached to the magnet. A foreign body at an angle to the ventral aspect of the reticulum of > 3 degrees was less likely to become attached to a magnet, compared with a foreign body situated horizontally on the ventral aspect of the reticulum. A foreign body with no contact to the ventral aspect of the reticulum or a perforating foreign body was also less likely to become attached to a magnet. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Position of the foreign body within the reticulum greatly influences the efficacy of treatment with a magnet.

Reticulography of the cow in dorsal recumbency: an aid in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic reticuloperitonitis.

The accuracy of radiographic evaluation of the reticulum for traumatic reticuloperitonitis was evaluated. In a retrospective study involving 30 cows that had been radiographed in standing position, the diagnosis of penetrating foreign body was made with certainty in only 3 of 19 cases in which foreign bodies were identified. In 8 cases, no foreign body was identified radiographically, but a foreign body was found at surgery. In a prospective study, 19 cows were radiographed in both the standing and dorsal recumbent (dorsal reticulography) positions; in 10 cases, the diagnosis made on the basis of the standing radiograph was changed because of the dorsal reticulographic findings. When compared with surgical or necropsy findings in 9 cases, dorsal reticulography was accurate in determining whether a radiopaque foreign body was embedded in the reticulum wall. Thus, dorsal reticulography was shown to be an accurate diagnostic method for evaluating cows with suspected traumatic reticulitis, whereas radiographs obtained in the standing position were relatively inaccurate.

Accuracy of radiography of the reticulum for predicting surgical findings in adult dairy cattle with traumatic reticuloperitonitis: 123 cases (1981-1987).

Radiographic and surgical findings were compared in 123 cattle suspected of having traumatic reticuloperitonitis. Radiography of the reticulum proved to be a sensitive test for detection of a foreign body (FB). An abnormal FB position on a radiograph was a good predictor of FB perforation. If an FB was fully attached to a magnet, it was unlikely to be perforating the reticular wall. When abnormal reticulum size, abnormal reticulum location, and gas shadows adjacent to the reticulum were found simultaneously on a radiograph, hepatic or perireticular abscess was likely. Reticular radiography proved to be a useful diagnostic aid in cattle suspected of having traumatic reticuloperitonitis.

Reticular foreign bodies. Causative or coincidence?

A radiographically identified penetrating reticular foreign body is a near-certain cause of traumatic reticulitis, parareticular abscessation, or peritonitis. An extrareticular wire or nail is the most likely cause of reticulitis or peritonitis in an animal with compatible clinical signs. An immobile reticular foreign body may be trapped in the reticular mucosa, penetrating a mucosal fold (but not the reticular wall), or piercing the wall of the reticulum.

Ultrasonographic findings in five cows before and after treatment of reticular abscesses.

Five cows with reticular abscesses were examined clinically, haematologically, radiographically and ultrasonographically. They all had clinical signs typical of traumatic reticuloperitonitis, including chronic indigestion, pyrexia, an absence of or reduced ruminal motility, weight loss and a positive reaction to foreign body test. A haematological examination revealed anaemia, increased concentrations of plasma protein and fibrinogen and a decreased clotting time in the glutaraldehyde test. On the basis of the radiographic examination, a tentative diagnosis of reticular abscess was made in four of the cows, because the reticulum was displaced from the peritoneum or because there was an extensive gas-fluid interface in the reticular region. By ultrasonography, a large reticular abscess with a well developed capsule was visible in each of the cows. The abscess was located between the reticulum and ventral peritoneum in two of them, between the reticulumn and right thoracic wall in two and between the reticulum and spleen in the other cow. A foreign body penetrating the abscess could be visualised ultrasonographically in one cow. In two cows, the abscesses were drained through an ultrasound-guided transcutaneous incision. In the other three cows, the abscess was incised and drained from within the reticulum during a rumenotomy. Ultrasonographic examination revealed that the abscess had been completely evacuated in four cows, but only by about two-thirds in the remaining cow. All the cows were clinically healthy when they were discharged.

Comparison of ultrasonographic and radiographic findings in cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis.

The radiographic and ultrasonographic findings in 26 cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis were compared. The cows were divided into three groups based on the radiographic findings; the first group consisted of 12 cows in which the principal radiographic finding was a foreign body penetrating the reticulum; the second group contained four cows in which the principal radiographic finding was gas shadows or a gas-fluid interface, the third group consisted of 10 cows that had no reliable radiographic evidence of traumatic reticuloperitonitis, such as an abnormal contour, position or shape of the reticulum. In no case could the foreign bodies be visualised by ultrasonography. In all the cows except one with radiographic evidence of abnormal gas inclusions and gas-fluid interfaces, ultrasonography revealed echogenic, partitioned and capsulated structures with central hypoechogenic cavities. In addition, in some of the cows with no radiographic evidence of the condition, severe changes indicative of inflammatory processes were visible by ultrasonography.