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Also known as: '''''Antibiotic-associated enterocolitis — Clostridial enteropathy — Antibiotic toxicity — Antibiotic-associated enterotoxaemia'''''

 

Also known as: '''''Antibiotic-Associated Enterocolitis — Clostridial Enteropathy — Antibiotic Toxicity — Antibiotic-Associated Enterotoxaemia'''''

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

'''Hamsters and guinea-pigs''' are particularly susceptible, and the disease is characterised by '''profuse diarrhoea with a high mortality''' which develops 1-5 days after antibiotic administration.  

'''Hamsters and guinea-pigs''' are particularly susceptible, and the disease is characterised by '''profuse diarrhoea with a high mortality''' which develops 1-5 days after antibiotic administration.  

The bacterial flora of most rodents is '''Gram positive''' with organisms such as streptococci and lactobacilli.  

The bacterial flora of most rodents is '''Gram positive''' with organisms such as [[:Category:Streptococcus species|streptococci]] and lactobacilli.  

When a '''narrow-spectrum antibiotic''' with activity against Gram positive organisms such as penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, clindamycin is administered, the normal bacterial flora is killed and there is '''overgrowth of abnormal flora''', particularly ''E. coli'' and ''Clostridium'' species. '''''Clostridium difficile''''' is one of the organisms linked to the condition.

When a '''narrow-spectrum antibiotic''' with activity against Gram positive organisms such as penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, clindamycin is administered, the normal bacterial flora is killed and there is '''overgrowth of abnormal flora''', particularly ''[[E. coli]]'' and [[:Category:Clostridium species|''Clostridium'' species]]. '''''[[Clostridium difficile]]''''' is one of the organisms linked to the condition.

These bacteria multiply, produce toxins which are absorbed and can lead to a potentially fatal '''enterotoxaemia'''.

These bacteria multiply, produce toxins which are absorbed and can lead to a potentially fatal '''enterotoxaemia'''.

This is particularly the case if the antibiotic is administered by the '''oral route'''. Parenteral administration can also lead to problems due to certain antibiotics such as ampicillin and penicillin being excreted in the bile.

This is particularly the case if the antibiotic is administered by the '''oral route'''. Parenteral administration can also lead to problems due to certain antibiotics such as ampicillin and penicillin being excreted in the bile.

==Clinical signs==

==Clinical Signs==

There will have been a history of '''recent antibiotic treatment''' and the development of profuse, watery diarrhoea.

There will have been a history of '''recent antibiotic treatment''' and the development of '''profuse, watery diarrhoea'''.

This might be the only sign, but if enterotoxaemia is developing, the animal may experience '''systemic signs''' such as: lethargy, inappetance, pyrexia, weakness, coma and death.

This might be the only sign, but if enterotoxaemia is developing, the animal may experience '''systemic signs''' such as: lethargy, inappetance, pyrexia, weakness, coma and death.

{{Learning

{{Learning

|flashcards = [[Small Mammals Q&A 01]]

|flashcards = [[Small Mammals Q&A 01]]<br>[[Rabbit Medicine and Surgery Q&A 19]]

}}

}}

==References==

==References==

Percy, D. (2007) '''Pathology of laboratory rodents and rabbits''' ''John Wiley and Sons''

Percy, D. (2007) '''Pathology of laboratory rodents and rabbits''' ''John Wiley and Sons''

[[Category:To Do - Helen]]

 

[[Category:To Do - Review]]

 

 

[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]

[[Category:Rabbit Digestion]]

[[Category:Rodent - Alimentary System]]