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==Description==

==Description==

Tyzzer's disease is an acute, highly fatal bacterial infection that is seen in a wide range of animals. It most commonly affects foals and laboratory animals as well as dogs, cats and calves. Foals are usually affected individually in sporadic cases whereas outbreaks of disease occur in rodents and rabbits. The bacteria that causes the disease is ''Clostridium piliforme'', a gram negative spore-forming intracellular bacterium.  

Tyzzer's disease is an acute, highly fatal bacterial infection that is seen in a wide range of animals. It most commonly affects foals and laboratory animals as well as dogs, cats and calves. Foals are usually affected individually in sporadic cases whereas outbreaks of disease occur in rodents and rabbits. The bacteria that causes the disease is ''Clostridium piliforme'', a gram negative spore-forming intracellular bacterium found in soil and faeces.

The aetiology of the disease is poorly understood. Infection most likely results from oral exposure; possible mechanisms include ingestion of spore-forming faeces or contact with carrier animals. The disease most commonly affects young stressed animals.

The aetiology of the disease is poorly understood. Infection most likely results from oral exposure; possible mechanisms include ingestion of spore-forming faeces or contact with carrier animals. Following ingestion, the spores colonise the intestine and liver via the portal circulation. The disease most commonly affects young stressed animals.

Tyzzer's disease should be considered in foals in the above age group with clinical signs indicating hepatic disease and laboratory evidence of hepatic involvement. Ultrasound of affected animals may show a grossly enlarged liver with rounded edges. Definitive diagnosis relies on observation of intracellular bacteria at the periphery of liver lesions or bacterial culture. Giemsa stain is used to visualise the bacteria.  

Tyzzer's disease should be considered in foals in the above age group with clinical signs indicating hepatic disease and laboratory evidence of hepatic involvement. Ultrasound of affected animals may show a grossly enlarged liver with rounded edges. Definitive diagnosis relies on observation of intracellular bacteria at the periphery of liver lesions or bacterial culture. Giemsa stain is used to visualise the bacteria.  

Laboratory diagnostic tests are of little value in small mammals as death is usually rapid. In foals, clinicopathologic abnormalities often include metabolic acidosis, hypoglycaemia, haemoconcentration and increased hepatic enzymes.

Laboratory diagnostic tests are of little value in small mammals as death is usually rapid. In foals, clinicopathologic abnormalities often include metabolic acidosis, hypoglycaemia, haemoconcentration (elevated PCV) and increased hepatic enzymes (SDH, GGT and ALP). Serum bilirubin concentration is also elevated.