Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

What causes hardware disease in ruminants?

1. Plant material

2. Metal

3. Bacteria

4. Parasitic infection

The correct answer is: Metal

The primary cause of hardware disease in ruminants is the ingestion of metal objects, such as nails or wire, which can be found in their environment, especially in grazing areas. When these metal objects are swallowed, they can penetrate the walls of the rumen or reticulum, leading to a condition known as traumatic reticuloperitonitis. This can cause serious inflammation and infection, as the metal can irritate the tissues and even puncture internal organs. In contrast, the other options, such as plant material, bacteria, and parasitic infections, are not the direct causes of hardware disease. While ruminants may encounter various plant materials in their diets, these do not result in the mechanical injuries typical of hardware disease. Bacteria could contribute to secondary infections following trauma, but they are not the initial cause. Similarly, parasitic infections generally affect the animal's health in different ways and do not lead to the specific condition associated with ingesting metal objects.