Changes

==Description==

==Description==

The disease in rabbits and rodents is usually characterised by an unkempt coat, depression and fatal diarrhoea. Foals are usually aged between one and six weeks of age and are often clinically normal at birth. Rapidly progressive clinical signs relating to an acute hepatitis then develop. Clinical signs include acute lethargy, loss of suckle reflex, severe icterus, neurological signs (such as head pressing or circling), pyrexia and diarrhoea. Animals may be found dead without known pre-existing clinical signs. The course of the disease from the onset of clinical signs to death is usually around 48 hours.  

The disease in rabbits and rodents is usually characterised by an unkempt coat, depression and fatal diarrhoea. Foals are usually aged between one and six weeks of age and are often clinically normal at birth. Rapidly progressive clinical signs relating to an acute hepatitis then develop. Clinical signs include acute lethargy, loss of suckle reflex, severe icterus, neurological signs (such as head pressing or circling), pyrexia and diarrhoea. Animals may be found dead without known pre-existing clinical signs. The course of the disease from the onset of clinical signs to death is usually around 48 hours.  

 

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. Clinicopathological abnormalities often include metabolic acidosis, hypoglycaemia, haemoconcentration (elevated PCV), increased hepatic enzymes (SDH, GGT and ALP) and serum bilirubin concentration. Coagulation profiles may be abnormal with a prolonged PT, PTT and increased fibrin degredation products. Ultrasound of affected animals may show a grossly enlarged liver with rounded edges. Definitive diagnosis relies either on observation of intracellular bacteria at the periphery of liver lesions or on bacterial culture. Giemsa stain is used to visualise the bacteria which are seen as intrahepatocellular filamentous rods.  

Definitive diagnosis relies either on observation of intracellular bacteria at the periphery of liver lesions or on '''bacterial culture'''. Giemsa stain is used to visualise the bacteria which are seen as intrahepatocellular filamentous rods.  

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.  

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.  

==Pathology==

==Pathology==

Grossly, hepatomegaly is present with multifocal white-grey areas of necrosis and hyperplasia of the hepatic lymph nodes. On cut section the liver displays loss of normal architecture with haemorrhagic centres in each hepatic lobule. Whitish streaks may be present on the myocardium.

Grossly, hepatomegaly is present with multifocal white-grey areas of necrosis and hyperplasia of the hepatic lymph nodes. On cut section the liver displays loss of normal architecture with haemorrhagic centres in each hepatic lobule. Whitish streaks may be present on the myocardium.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

''[[Clostridium piliforme]]'' has been reported to be susceptible to penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and streptomycin in studies using infected embryonated eggs. High dose sodium penicillin and trimethoprim sulpadiazine have been used successfully to treat foals with Tyzzer's disease. Parenteral nutrition is particularly important in affected animals due to a reduction in hepatic metabolism. Other supportive treatment may include aggressive fluid therapy with dextrose and control of seizure activity using a sedative such as xylazine.

''[[Clostridium piliforme]]'' has been reported to be susceptible to penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and streptomycin in studies using infected embryonated eggs. High dose sodium penicillin and trimethoprim sulpadiazine have been used successfully to treat foals with Tyzzer's disease. Parenteral nutrition is particularly important in affected animals due to a reduction in hepatic metabolism. Other supportive treatment may include aggressive fluid therapy with dextrose and control of seizure activity using a sedative such as xylazine.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

The prognosis for foals with Tyzzer's disease is poor with a mortality rate approaching 100%.  

The prognosis for foals with Tyzzer's disease is poor with a mortality rate approaching 100%.  

==Prevention==

==Prevention==

No vaccines are available for the prevention of Tyzzer's disease. Good hygiene and adequate colostrum intake are therefore essential for decreasing the risk of disease. Stress factors such as transport and overcrowding have been linked to Tyzzer's disease, therefore these should be minimised.  

No vaccines are available for the prevention of Tyzzer's disease. Good hygiene and adequate colostrum intake are therefore essential for decreasing the risk of disease. Stress factors such as transport and overcrowding have been linked to Tyzzer's disease, therefore these should be minimised.  

==References==

==References==

[[Category:Hepatitis,_Bacterial]][[Category:Rodents]][[Category:Horse]]

[[Category:Hepatitis,_Bacterial]][[Category:Rodents]][[Category:Horse]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_Review]][[Category:To_Do_-_SophieIgnarski]]

[[Category:Expert_Review]][[Category:To_Do_-_SophieIgnarski]]

[[Category:Cat]][[Category:Dog]]