Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Reticulitis in Humans
What are the main symptoms of diverticulitis. How is diverticular disease diagnosed. What are the potential complications of untreated diverticulitis. What dietary changes can help manage diverticular disease. When should you seek medical attention for suspected diverticulitis.
Understanding Diverticular Disease: Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Diverticular disease encompasses two related conditions affecting the colon: diverticulosis and diverticulitis. These disorders involve the formation and potential inflammation of small pouches (diverticula) in the wall of the large intestine.
What is Diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis occurs when small, bulging pouches develop in the lining of the digestive tract, most commonly in the lower part of the colon. These pouches form when weak spots in the intestinal wall give way under pressure, creating small herniations.
What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of these diverticula. It can occur when bacteria get trapped in the pouches, leading to infection and inflammation. Diverticulitis is often considered a more serious condition than diverticulosis and may require immediate medical attention.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Diverticular Disease
Diverticular disease has become increasingly common in Western societies over the past century. Its prevalence increases with age, affecting more than half of adults over 70 years old in developed countries.
- Age: More common in individuals over 50
- Diet: Low-fiber diets are associated with higher risk
- Geography: More prevalent in Western nations
- Genetics: May play a role in susceptibility and location of diverticula
Is diverticular disease preventable? While not entirely preventable, maintaining a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated may help reduce the risk of developing diverticulosis and subsequent diverticulitis.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Understanding the symptoms of diverticular disease is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. While diverticulosis is often asymptomatic, diverticulitis can present with more severe symptoms.
Diverticulosis Symptoms
Many people with diverticulosis experience no symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Minor bleeding in the stool
- Anemia (in cases of repeated bleeding)
Diverticulitis Symptoms
Diverticulitis often presents with more acute and severe symptoms:
- Sharp, localized abdominal pain (often in the lower left quadrant)
- Fever
- Abdominal distension
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in bowel habits
How can you differentiate between diverticulosis and diverticulitis symptoms? The key difference lies in the severity and acuteness of symptoms. Diverticulitis typically presents with more intense pain, fever, and often requires immediate medical attention.
Diagnosing Diverticular Disease: Medical Procedures and Tests
Accurate diagnosis of diverticular disease is essential for appropriate treatment. Healthcare providers use a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of diverticulosis or diverticulitis.
Common Diagnostic Procedures
- Medical history and physical examination
- Colonoscopy
- Barium enema
- CT scan
- Blood tests
Why is a colonoscopy important in diagnosing diverticular disease? A colonoscopy allows doctors to visualize the entire colon, identify diverticula, and rule out other conditions such as colorectal cancer that may present with similar symptoms.
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Potential Complications of Untreated Diverticular Disease
While many cases of diverticulosis remain asymptomatic, untreated diverticulitis can lead to serious complications. Understanding these potential risks emphasizes the importance of prompt medical attention.
Serious Complications of Diverticulitis
- Abscess formation
- Bowel perforation
- Peritonitis
- Fistula development
- Intestinal obstruction
- Severe hemorrhage
What makes peritonitis a life-threatening complication of diverticulitis? Peritonitis occurs when the contents of the bowel leak into the abdominal cavity due to perforation, causing widespread infection that can rapidly become systemic and potentially fatal if not treated promptly.
Treatment Approaches for Diverticular Disease
The treatment of diverticular disease varies depending on whether the patient has diverticulosis or diverticulitis, as well as the severity of symptoms. Management strategies range from dietary modifications to surgical interventions.
Managing Diverticulosis
- High-fiber diet
- Adequate hydration
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding tobacco use
Treating Diverticulitis
- Antibiotics for infection control
- Pain management
- Temporary liquid or low-fiber diet
- Rest and monitoring
- Surgery in severe or recurrent cases
When is surgery necessary for diverticular disease? Surgery may be recommended for complications such as perforation, recurrent episodes of diverticulitis, or when conservative treatments fail to manage symptoms effectively.
Dietary Considerations and Lifestyle Changes for Diverticular Disease
Diet plays a crucial role in both the prevention and management of diverticular disease. Adopting a high-fiber diet and making certain lifestyle modifications can help reduce the risk of complications and improve overall gut health.
Recommended Dietary Changes
- Increase fiber intake gradually
- Consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Stay well-hydrated
- Limit red meat consumption
- Avoid processed foods high in saturated fats and sugar
Lifestyle Modifications
- Regular physical activity
- Stress management techniques
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
How does a high-fiber diet help prevent diverticular disease? A high-fiber diet promotes regular bowel movements, reduces pressure within the colon, and helps prevent the formation of diverticula by softening stool and making it easier to pass.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Diverticular Disease
Knowing when to consult a healthcare provider is crucial for managing diverticular disease effectively and preventing potential complications. Certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.
Red Flag Symptoms
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent fever
- Rectal bleeding
- Prolonged changes in bowel habits
- Nausea and vomiting that prevent liquid intake
- Signs of peritonitis (rigid abdomen, severe pain)
Why is prompt medical attention important for suspected diverticulitis? Early intervention can prevent the progression of diverticulitis to more severe complications such as abscess formation or bowel perforation, which may require emergency surgery.
Research and Future Directions in Diverticular Disease Management
As our understanding of diverticular disease continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Emerging areas of study include the role of gut microbiota, genetic factors, and novel therapeutic approaches.
Current Research Focus Areas
- Microbiome studies and probiotics
- Genetic markers for disease susceptibility
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques
- Anti-inflammatory therapies
- Personalized treatment strategies
How might understanding the gut microbiome impact diverticular disease treatment? Research into the gut microbiome could lead to targeted probiotic therapies or dietary interventions that promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, potentially reducing inflammation and preventing diverticulitis flare-ups.
Diverticular disease, encompassing both diverticulosis and diverticulitis, represents a significant health concern, particularly in Western societies. As the population ages and dietary habits evolve, the prevalence of this condition continues to rise. Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and potential complications of diverticular disease is crucial for early detection and effective management.
While diverticulosis often remains asymptomatic, the development of diverticulitis can lead to severe pain, infection, and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated. Prompt medical attention for symptoms such as acute abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits is essential to prevent the progression of the disease.
Dietary and lifestyle modifications play a pivotal role in both the prevention and management of diverticular disease. Adopting a high-fiber diet, staying well-hydrated, and maintaining regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing diverticula and minimize the likelihood of complications in those already diagnosed with diverticulosis.
Diagnostic techniques, including colonoscopy, CT scans, and barium enemas, allow healthcare providers to accurately assess the extent of diverticular disease and rule out other potential causes of symptoms. Treatment approaches range from conservative management with antibiotics and dietary changes to surgical interventions in severe or recurrent cases.
As research in this field progresses, new insights into the role of genetics, gut microbiota, and inflammatory processes may lead to more targeted and effective treatments. Personalized medicine approaches could potentially tailor interventions to individual patients based on their specific risk factors and disease characteristics.
For individuals living with diverticular disease, understanding the condition and working closely with healthcare providers is key to managing symptoms and preventing complications. Regular check-ups, adherence to treatment plans, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.
As we continue to unravel the complexities of diverticular disease, ongoing research and clinical advancements offer hope for improved prevention strategies, more precise diagnostic tools, and innovative treatment options. By staying informed about the latest developments and actively participating in their care, patients can play a crucial role in managing this common yet challenging digestive disorder.
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis – Better Health Channel
Actions for this page
Summary
Read the full fact sheet
- Diverticulosis is the formation of abnormal pouches in the bowel wall.
- Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of these abnormal pouches.
- Together, these conditions are known as diverticular disease.
- Treatment options include a change of diet, antibiotics and (rarely) surgery.
Diverticulosis occurs when small defects in the muscle of the wall of the large intestine or colon allow small pockets or pouches (diverticula) to form. Diverticulitis is infection or inflammation of these abnormal pouches. Together, these conditions are called diverticular disease.
Despite having some symptoms in common, diverticular disease isn’t associated with more serious conditions, such as bowel cancer.
However, diverticulitis is often a medical emergency, requiring immediate medical attention and, frequently, admission to hospital. Mild attacks can be treated at home, but should always be assessed promptly.
Causes of diverticular disease
Diverticulosis is extremely common. Old age and diet may be the most important risk factors. More than half of all adults over the age of 70 have the condition. Most of these people are unaware that they have diverticulosis.
Diverticulosis is less common in people under 50. Studies appear to show that diverticulosis became more common in the 20th century. It is also more common in ‘Western’ nations including North America, Europe and Australia. It is less common in Asia and very uncommon in Africa.
Discovery of these facts led to the theory that the low-fibre diet common in Western nations may be important. Animal studies show that this theory is possible. It has also been shown that vegetarians less commonly develop diverticulosis.
Exactly how a low-fibre diet may cause diverticulosis is not known.
There may also be genetic causes. It is interesting that Western people develop diverticulosis in the last third of the colon, while people in Asian countries – such as Japan, Taiwan and Singapore – generally develop diverticulosis in the first section of the colon. In the Japanese population living in Hawaii, the risk of diverticulosis is higher than those living in Japan. However, when diverticulosis develops in these people, it is still in the ‘Japanese’ location – the first third of the colon.
Diverticulitis seems to occur when a small puncture develops in the diverticular wall. This causes a small infection to develop, often forming an abscess.
Symptoms of diverticulosis
Diverticulosis is usually asymptomatic (has no symptoms). However, when many diverticula (pouches) are present, the normal smooth working of the bowel can be affected. This may cause a range of symptoms including:
- abdominal pain and bloating
- constipation and diarrhoea
- flatulence
- blood in the faeces – this is usually minor, but bleeding can sometimes be heavy if a diverticulum gets inflamed or is near a blood vessel
- anaemia from repeated bleeding may occur.
Many of these symptoms are similar to those of bowel cancer. Diverticulosis is more common, so these symptoms may be more likely to be due to diverticulosis than cancer. However, a specialist will usually assess these symptoms – your doctor will refer you.
Symptoms of diverticulitis
Symptoms of diverticulitis include:
- sharp pain, often located at a specific point – for example, in the lower left half of the abdomen
- fever
- distension (bloating) of the abdomen
- nausea and vomiting.
Complications of diverticular disease
Some of the possible complications of diverticular disease include:
- Abscess – untreated, diverticulitis may lead to an abscess (a ball of pus).
- Perforation – a weakened pocket of bowel wall may rupture. The contents of the bowel can then seep into the abdominal cavity. Symptoms include pain, high fever and chills. A perforated bowel is a medical emergency.
- Peritonitis – perforation can lead to peritonitis (infection of the membranes that line the abdominal cavity and abdominal organs). This complication is potentially life threatening.
- Haemorrhage – diverticula can be the source of haemorrhage. When bleeding occurs, it is important to exclude other causes. A person with diverticulosis can also get cancer.
This complication is potentially life threatening.Diagnosis of diverticular disease
Since diverticulosis is often asymptomatic (without symptoms), it tends to be discovered during examinations for other conditions such as colorectal cancer. Diverticulitis is usually diagnosed during an acute attack.
Tests to confirm the diagnosis of diverticular disease include:
- medical history – including dietary habits
- physical examination – including rectal examination
- colonoscopy – a slender flexible tube inserted into the anus so that the doctor can look at the entire length of the large intestine
- barium enema – a special contrasting dye flushed into the bowel via the anus and x-rays are taken
- CT scan – to detect abscesses outside the bowel lining
- blood tests – to check for signs of infection
- stool tests – to check for the presence of blood in the faeces or the presence of infections, which may mimic the symptoms of diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
Treatment for diverticulosis
For a person with diverticulosis, there is no proven way to prevent the formation of new diverticula. Treatment revolves around the settling of symptoms.
- A gradual switch to a diet with increased soluble fibre (green vegetables, oat bran and fibre supplements such as psyllium) usually leads to an improvement in bowel habit and mild symptoms.
- Some foods may make symptoms worse or even lead to diverticulitis. Nuts, seeds and pips are best avoided, while some people find avoiding legumes (peas and beans) and sweet corn also helps.
- Short-term use of laxatives to treat and prevent constipation may be advised.
- Rarely, elective surgery is performed to remove seriously affected bowel segments when symptoms are disabling.
Treatment for diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is often a medical emergency, requiring immediate medical attention and, frequently, admission to hospital. Mild attacks can be treated at home, but should always be assessed promptly.
Treatment may include:
- no eating or drinking – intravenous fluids are given to rest the bowel
- antibiotics
- pain-relieving medication
- surgery – if the weakened sections of bowel wall have ruptured or become obstructed, or if the attack of infection fails to settle
- colostomy – if it isn’t possible to rejoin the healthy sections of bowel, a colostomy bag will be fitted. This is more common if the surgery is performed as an emergency. The use of a colostomy is generally temporary and the bowel can be rejoined after six to 12 months, if health permits
- the long-term use of a mild antibiotic – this is often necessary to prevent further attacks.
Self-care suggestions
Suggestions include:
- Increase your daily intake of green vegetables. Introduce fibre gradually to avoid unpleasant symptoms such as flatulence.
- Consider using a fibre supplement (such as psyllium).
- Drink plenty of fluids to ensure your stools are soft, moist and easy to pass.
- Exercise regularly to encourage bowel function and peristalsis.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Gastroenterologist or specialist surgeon
- Dietitian – Find an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) in your areaExternal Link
- Diverticulosis and diverticulitis [online], GastroNet Australia, ACT. More information here.External Link
- Diverticulosis and diverticulitis [online], The Centre for Digestive Diseases – Sydney. More information here.External Link
- Diverticulitis [online], Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, USA. More information here.External Link
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:
Give feedback about this page
Was this page helpful?
More information
Content disclaimer
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only.
Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.
Reviewed on: 31-08-2014
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis – Better Health Channel
Actions for this page
Summary
Read the full fact sheet
- Diverticulosis is the formation of abnormal pouches in the bowel wall.
- Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of these abnormal pouches.
- Together, these conditions are known as diverticular disease.
- Treatment options include a change of diet, antibiotics and (rarely) surgery.
Diverticulosis occurs when small defects in the muscle of the wall of the large intestine or colon allow small pockets or pouches (diverticula) to form. Diverticulitis is infection or inflammation of these abnormal pouches. Together, these conditions are called diverticular disease.
Despite having some symptoms in common, diverticular disease isn’t associated with more serious conditions, such as bowel cancer. However, diverticulitis is often a medical emergency, requiring immediate medical attention and, frequently, admission to hospital. Mild attacks can be treated at home, but should always be assessed promptly.
Causes of diverticular disease
Diverticulosis is extremely common.
Old age and diet may be the most important risk factors. More than half of all adults over the age of 70 have the condition. Most of these people are unaware that they have diverticulosis.
Diverticulosis is less common in people under 50. Studies appear to show that diverticulosis became more common in the 20th century. It is also more common in ‘Western’ nations including North America, Europe and Australia. It is less common in Asia and very uncommon in Africa.
Discovery of these facts led to the theory that the low-fibre diet common in Western nations may be important. Animal studies show that this theory is possible. It has also been shown that vegetarians less commonly develop diverticulosis. Exactly how a low-fibre diet may cause diverticulosis is not known.
There may also be genetic causes. It is interesting that Western people develop diverticulosis in the last third of the colon, while people in Asian countries – such as Japan, Taiwan and Singapore – generally develop diverticulosis in the first section of the colon.
In the Japanese population living in Hawaii, the risk of diverticulosis is higher than those living in Japan. However, when diverticulosis develops in these people, it is still in the ‘Japanese’ location – the first third of the colon.
Diverticulitis seems to occur when a small puncture develops in the diverticular wall. This causes a small infection to develop, often forming an abscess.
Symptoms of diverticulosis
Diverticulosis is usually asymptomatic (has no symptoms). However, when many diverticula (pouches) are present, the normal smooth working of the bowel can be affected. This may cause a range of symptoms including:
- abdominal pain and bloating
- constipation and diarrhoea
- flatulence
- blood in the faeces – this is usually minor, but bleeding can sometimes be heavy if a diverticulum gets inflamed or is near a blood vessel
- anaemia from repeated bleeding may occur.
Many of these symptoms are similar to those of bowel cancer.
Diverticulosis is more common, so these symptoms may be more likely to be due to diverticulosis than cancer. However, a specialist will usually assess these symptoms – your doctor will refer you.
Symptoms of diverticulitis
Symptoms of diverticulitis include:
- sharp pain, often located at a specific point – for example, in the lower left half of the abdomen
- fever
- distension (bloating) of the abdomen
- nausea and vomiting.
Complications of diverticular disease
Some of the possible complications of diverticular disease include:
- Abscess – untreated, diverticulitis may lead to an abscess (a ball of pus).
- Perforation – a weakened pocket of bowel wall may rupture. The contents of the bowel can then seep into the abdominal cavity. Symptoms include pain, high fever and chills. A perforated bowel is a medical emergency.
- Peritonitis – perforation can lead to peritonitis (infection of the membranes that line the abdominal cavity and abdominal organs). This complication is potentially life threatening.
- Haemorrhage – diverticula can be the source of haemorrhage. When bleeding occurs, it is important to exclude other causes. A person with diverticulosis can also get cancer.
This complication is potentially life threatening.Diagnosis of diverticular disease
Since diverticulosis is often asymptomatic (without symptoms), it tends to be discovered during examinations for other conditions such as colorectal cancer. Diverticulitis is usually diagnosed during an acute attack.
Tests to confirm the diagnosis of diverticular disease include:
- medical history – including dietary habits
- physical examination – including rectal examination
- colonoscopy – a slender flexible tube inserted into the anus so that the doctor can look at the entire length of the large intestine
- barium enema – a special contrasting dye flushed into the bowel via the anus and x-rays are taken
- CT scan – to detect abscesses outside the bowel lining
- blood tests – to check for signs of infection
- stool tests – to check for the presence of blood in the faeces or the presence of infections, which may mimic the symptoms of diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
Treatment for diverticulosis
For a person with diverticulosis, there is no proven way to prevent the formation of new diverticula. Treatment revolves around the settling of symptoms.
- A gradual switch to a diet with increased soluble fibre (green vegetables, oat bran and fibre supplements such as psyllium) usually leads to an improvement in bowel habit and mild symptoms.
- Some foods may make symptoms worse or even lead to diverticulitis. Nuts, seeds and pips are best avoided, while some people find avoiding legumes (peas and beans) and sweet corn also helps.
- Short-term use of laxatives to treat and prevent constipation may be advised.
- Rarely, elective surgery is performed to remove seriously affected bowel segments when symptoms are disabling.
Treatment for diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is often a medical emergency, requiring immediate medical attention and, frequently, admission to hospital. Mild attacks can be treated at home, but should always be assessed promptly.
Treatment may include:
- no eating or drinking – intravenous fluids are given to rest the bowel
- antibiotics
- pain-relieving medication
- surgery – if the weakened sections of bowel wall have ruptured or become obstructed, or if the attack of infection fails to settle
- colostomy – if it isn’t possible to rejoin the healthy sections of bowel, a colostomy bag will be fitted. This is more common if the surgery is performed as an emergency. The use of a colostomy is generally temporary and the bowel can be rejoined after six to 12 months, if health permits
- the long-term use of a mild antibiotic – this is often necessary to prevent further attacks.
Self-care suggestions
Suggestions include:
- Increase your daily intake of green vegetables. Introduce fibre gradually to avoid unpleasant symptoms such as flatulence.
- Consider using a fibre supplement (such as psyllium).
- Drink plenty of fluids to ensure your stools are soft, moist and easy to pass.
- Exercise regularly to encourage bowel function and peristalsis.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Gastroenterologist or specialist surgeon
- Dietitian – Find an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) in your areaExternal Link
- Diverticulosis and diverticulitis [online], GastroNet Australia, ACT. More information here.External Link
- Diverticulosis and diverticulitis [online], The Centre for Digestive Diseases – Sydney. More information here.External Link
- Diverticulitis [online], Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, USA. More information here.External Link
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:
Give feedback about this page
Was this page helpful?
More information
Content disclaimer
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only.
Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.
Reviewed on: 31-08-2014
| Traumatic reticulitis and reticuloperitonitis – Reticulitis el reticuloperitonitis traumatica. | |||
Traumatic reticulitis and reticuloperitonitis – Reticulitis el reticuloperitonitis traumatica. Traumatic reticulitis and reticuloperitonitis – Reticulitis el reticuloperitonitis traumatica. Traumatic reticulitis – damage to the mesh wall by a foreign body with its subsequent inflammation; reticuloperitonitis – perforation of the mesh with the development of peritonitis. Most often, the disease is recorded in adult cattle, rarely in calves and, as an exception, in small cattle. Etiology . The disease occurs in animals when they swallow sharp and piercing foreign objects with food: nails, steel knitting needles, needles, pieces of steel wire, etc. This is possible in a pasture littered with metal objects, near industrial enterprises, construction sites, landfills, highways. Symptoms . Depending on which foreign body got into the mesh and where it penetrated into its wall, the perforation of which surrounding tissues and organs it caused, the clinical picture is expressed to varying degrees. In typical cases of traumatic reticuloperitonitis, when a foreign body has passed the mesh wall and caused inflammation of the peritoneum, the animals’ appetite sharply worsens or stops, chewing gum and belching disappear, general fatigue and anxiety progress, in most animals the body temperature rises by 1-1.5 °. In the first days of the disease, a pain syndrome is clearly revealed: the animals avoid fast movements and sharp turns, stand mainly with the forelimbs spread apart, when pain is provoked (pressing with a fist from below the region of the xiphoid cartilage, picking up the skin in a fold on the posterior slope of the withers or percussion on the left along the course attachment of the diaphragm), a painful reaction is clearly noticeable and anxiety is strongly expressed. The diagnosis of is made taking into account the anamnesis (the possibility of getting sharp piercing foreign objects with feed) and characteristic clinical symptoms, the main of which is the presence of pain when pressing the area of the xiphoid cartilage. A blood test establishes neutrophilic leukocytosis, a decrease in the number of eosinophils, and an increased ESR. In the urine, protein, albumoses and an increased content of indican are found. Metallic foreign bodies in the mesh can be detected by radiography (after prior fasting). Treatment. The prognosis is cautious, doubtful, and unfavorable in complicated forms of reticuloperitonitis. Radical methods of therapy are the extraction of iron-magnetic foreign objects freely lying in the mesh or stuck into its wall with an improved magnetic probe, and if it is impossible to extract the probe with a surgical intervention (rumenotomy followed by removal of foreign objects according to the method of K. A. Petrakov, 1970). Conservative treatment is effective only if the foreign body has penetrated into the mesh to the muscle layer or is small. Such treatment is also carried out in the preoperative period. In case of cardiovascular insufficiency and the development of intoxication, glucose with caffeine, hexamethylenetetramine, hypertonic solutions of sodium chloride are administered intravenously (reviews 1, 3, 157, 161). If conservative treatment does not give a positive result, and the operation cannot be performed, the animal is culled for meat. With complications of traumatic pericarditis, conservative treatment has no effect. ISO . Cow 181. Cow 182. Cow Prevention. Carry out a complex of organizational, economic and veterinary and sanitary measures aimed at cleaning pastures and farms from piercing and cutting objects. Roughage is cleaned from metal impurities manually, loose – by electromagnetic installations. Iron-magnetic foreign bodies in disadvantaged farms are recommended to be removed from the proventriculus with special magnetic probes, which can be done during medical examination. Good results are obtained by the introduction of magnetic rings into the proventriculus (strictly in accordance with the instructions), depending on their shape, size and degree of magnetism.
|
Particularly dangerous are pieces of wire and steel spokes with double-sided sharp ends (thorns from snowplow brushes). During the stall period of keeping, foreign bodies can be swallowed by animals when carelessly unpacking hay or straw baled with wire, less often with silage, seiazh or mixed fodder. Ingestion of foreign bodies occurs more often when animals are greedily eating food (after a long break in feeding, in the first days of grazing and with vitamin and mineral starvation). Cattle, compared with sheep and goats, easily swallow foreign objects. This is explained by the fact that he has a low sensitivity of the oral mucosa, and the existing numerous papillae are directed towards the pharynx. It should be remembered that not all foreign bodies that have fallen into the mesh cause trauma and inflammation. In many cases, they can only be detected by special methods or after the animals have been slaughtered.
When only the mucous membrane is traumatized without perforation of the wall (reticulitis), the disease can be almost asymptomatic. In this case, appetite is sometimes reduced or perverted, chewing gum and belching become lethargic and rare, hypotension of the fore-stomach is periodically noted, but the pain syndrome of the mesh area is not pronounced.
Iron-magnetic objects are detected with specially designed metal indicators and removed with magnetic probes (according to the method of S. G. Meliksetyan or A. V. Korobov, etc.), which are used strictly in accordance with the attached instructions. In differential diagnosis, hypotension and atony of the proventriculus, traumatic pericarditis, liver disease, and poisoning are excluded.
The animal is recommended to be placed in a separate sanitary pen or stall with a sloping floor so that the front part of the body is 10-15 cm higher than the back (to reduce pressure on the diaphragm from the side of the mesh). The diet consists of traza, soft meadow hay, bran mash or ground grain. Analgin or ethyl alcohol is used to reduce pain (reviews 180, 181). With hypotension and atony of the proventriculus, laxatives, Karlovy Vary salt (rec. 182), warm enemas are indicated in small doses.
t. d. N 15 in ampullis 
When harvesting hay and straw in bales, polymer synthetic materials are used instead of wire. Explanatory work should be constantly carried out among livestock breeders about the need and ways to prevent feed injuries in cattle. TRAUMATIC RETICULITIS
TRAUMATIC RETICULITIS
TRAUMATIC RETICULITIS The disease is characterized by damage to the mesh wall with sharp objects, followed by inflammation of the injured tissues and organs. Common in cattle, rare in other ruminants. Reticulitis is divided into acute and chronic. Economic damage consists of loss of fatness and milk productivity, forced slaughter, possible death due to its complications, as well as the cost of therapeutic and preventive measures. Etiology. The disease occurs when sharp objects are swallowed along with food, which is more often the result of its greedy intake. As a rule, these are metal objects – nails, wire, needles, etc. Predisposes to the ingestion of such objects insufficiency in the diet of animals of mineral substances – calcium, phosphorus and trace elements, which is more common in pregnant and highly productive cows, as well as in growing young animals. This causes them lizuha, as a result of which it becomes possible to swallow foreign, including sharp, objects. Symptoms. The most characteristic signs of the disease are a sudden onset, decrease or cessation of appetite for no objective reasons, a decrease in the number of chewing gums, the appearance of anxiety, periodic groans, especially when straining and moving, body temperature may rise to 39.8-40.5 ° WITH. In cows, milk yield is significantly reduced. Heartbeat and breathing quicken. On the part of the digestive system, weakening and decrease in the frequency of contractions, rhythm disturbance are noted. In the chronic course of the disease, the listed symptoms are less pronounced. Traumatic reticulitis may be complicated by reticuloperitonitis, reticulohepatitis, reticulopericarditis, etc. Animals recover when objects are encapsulated in the mesh wall or when they are surgically removed. The prognosis for complicated reticulitis is doubtful or unfavorable. Treatment. There are three main ways to treat reticulitis: 1) conservative; 2) medicinal; 3) operational. The conservative method provides for the exclusion of roughage from the diet and the introduction of liquid ones into it – talkers, mucous decoctions, etc., which would excite the receptor apparatus of the pancreas, in particular the mesh, to a lesser extent. The drug method is based on the introduction of antimicrobial drugs with an increase in body temperature, in particular penicillin intramuscularly at a dose of 4000-5000 IU per 1 kg of animal weight in a 0. |
The number of contractions of the scar is reduced to 2-3 in 5 min instead of 10-12 in healthy animals.