Which posture may be observed in cattle with traumatic reticuloperitonitis?

• A. Abducted elbows
• B. Hunched back
• C. Splayed hind limbs
• D. Head held low and mouth open

Answer: (A)

Traumatic reticuloperitonitis causes pain in the upper abdominal region, and cattle instinctively adopt a protective stance to minimize movement and pressure on the painful area. By spreading the forelimbs away from the body, the animal can brace itself and reduce strain on the abdominal wall when standing or shifting weight. This forelimb abduction is a classic, protective posture seen with visceral pain in cattle and is more specific to abdominal disorders like hardware disease than the other postures listed. While a hunched back can accompany abdominal discomfort, and a head held low with the mouth open or hindlimb positioning might occur with other issues, the distinctive stance with the elbows held out is most characteristic of this condition.