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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 (elevated PCV) and increased hepatic enzymes (SDH, GGT and ALP). Serum bilirubin concentration is also elevated.

Laboratory diagnostic tests are of little value in small mammals as death is usually rapid. Recently, a PCR test has been described for use in these animals but this is not currently commercially available.

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.