Archive Case #37: Bovine Hardware Disease

Clinical Clues

1. A recently calved dairy cow is producing less milk and appears uncomfortable when rising.
2. The farmer reports reduced appetite and a stiff, guarded gait.
3. The cow stands with its elbows abducted and resists walking downhill.
4. Pain is elicited over the cranial abdomen and the withers pinch test is abnormal.
5. Ultrasonography suggests inflammation around the reticulum with local fibrin deposition.
6. Penetration of the reticulum by a metallic foreign body can lead to painful cranial abdominal inflammation in cattle.

Diagnosis

Bovine Hardware Disease

This case is most consistent with Bovine Hardware Disease because the cow has cranial abdominal pain, reduced production, and findings localised to the reticulum. The most important clues are the guarded posture, positive pain tests, and reticular inflammation, which make simple indigestion less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.