TRAUMATIC reticuloperitonitis, colloquially referred to as ‘hardware’ or, more recently, ‘tyre wire’ disease, has become increasingly common and is particularly challenging to manage because the clinical presentation is often vague. This article discusses the diagnosis and treatment of the condition, and considers the changing clinicopathological pattern of the disease, including penetration of the rumen wall by migrating metallic fragments. It also suggests some preventive measures that may be easily implemented on‐farm.