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==Description==

==Description==

A disease of cattle and sheep caused by ''[[Clostridium haemolyticum]]'' which is a bacteria from the class Clostridia. C. haemolyticum is found in soil, poorly drained/wet pastures and is highly fatal to livestock. The bacteria produces a beta toxin which causes hepatic necrosis and intravascular haemolysis. The disease is often associated with a disease in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] that causes anaerobic conditions allowing the growth of bacteria and hence toxin production. The damage to the liver is frequently caused by liver fluke.

A disease of cattle and sheep caused by ''[[Clostridium haemolyticum]]'' a bacteria from the class Clostridia. C. haemolyticum is found in soil, poorly drained/wet pastures and is highly fatal to livestock. The bacteria produces a beta toxin which causes hepatic necrosis and intravascular haemolysis. Often associated with a disease in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] that causes anaerobic conditions allowing the growth of bacteria and hence toxin production. The damage to the liver is frequently caused by [[Fasciola hepatica|liver fluke]].

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Often clinical signs are enough to make a presumptive diagnosis. Additionally urine can be collected and either left to settle or centrifued. This will confirm the presence of haemolysis rather than frank blood in the urine where the red cells will settle at the bottom.

Often clinical signs are enough to make a presumptive diagnosis. Additionally [[Normal Composition of Urine - Anatomy

& Physiology|urine]] can be collected and [[Urine Analysis - Pathology|urinalysis]] undertaken. This will help to differentiate the presence of haematuria where frank blood is in the urine from haemolysis where haemaglobinuria is present in the urine.

A definitive diagnosis can be made by isolating C.haemolyticum from the liver however it can be difficult to culture. Additionally the organism can be confirmed on fluorescent antibody or immunohistochemical testing of liver tissue.

A definitive diagnosis can be made by isolating C.haemolyticum from the liver however it can be difficult to culture. Additionally the organism can be confirmed on fluorescent antibody or immunohistochemical testing of liver tissue.

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

Animals can be found dead often in lateral recumbency, bloat and little signs of struggle with blood in the nostrils, mouth, [[Rectum - Anatomy & Physiology|rectum]] and vagina.

Animals can be found dead often in lateral recumbency, bloat and little signs of struggle with blood in the nostrils, mouth, [[Rectum - Anatomy & Physiology|rectum]] and vagina.

If animals are seen alive, the most obvious sign is a port wine coloured urine that froths on voiding.

If animals are seen alive, the most obvious sign is a port wine coloured urine that froths on voiding.