Changes

''Clostridium perfringens, C. difficile'' and ''C. spireforme'' produce toxins causing oedema, haemorrhage, mucosal dysfunction and necrosis. Clostidial enteritis manifests as 2 syndromes. The first is acute diarrhoea that is likely to have been caused by dietary changes, antibiotic therapy, concurrent diseases or physiological stresses. The second manifestation occurs in older (>6months) hamsters where they slowly loose weight and condition and die without diarrhoea.<br />

''Clostridium perfringens, C. difficile'' and ''C. spireforme'' produce toxins causing oedema, haemorrhage, mucosal dysfunction and necrosis. Clostidial enteritis manifests as 2 syndromes. The first is acute diarrhoea that is likely to have been caused by dietary changes, antibiotic therapy, concurrent diseases or physiological stresses. The second manifestation occurs in older (>6months) hamsters where they slowly loose weight and condition and die without diarrhoea.<br />

Acute diarrhoea is macroscopically diagnosed at necropsy by serosal and mucosal haemorrhages of the cecum and sometimes the lower intestine. Definitive diagnosis for either manifestation is made via bacterial culture. The second manifestation is diagnosed macroscopically via a thickening of the cecal wall containing inflammatory cell infiltrate.  

Acute diarrhoea is macroscopically diagnosed at necropsy by serosal and mucosal haemorrhages of the cecum and sometimes the lower intestine. Definitive diagnosis for either manifestation is made via bacterial culture. The second manifestation is diagnosed macroscopically via a thickening of the cecal wall containing inflammatory cell infiltrate.  

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'''Colibacillosis'''

'''Colibacillosis'''

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Microscopic pathology includes lesions in the small intestine and cecum together with serosal oedema. There will also be submucosal oedema and effacement of enterocytes colonised by bacteria in the small intestine or cecum. Often there is no inflammatory cell inflitrate in the lamina propria or submucosa.

Microscopic pathology includes lesions in the small intestine and cecum together with serosal oedema. There will also be submucosal oedema and effacement of enterocytes colonised by bacteria in the small intestine or cecum. Often there is no inflammatory cell inflitrate in the lamina propria or submucosa.

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'''Ileitis'''

'''Ileitis'''

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Microscopic pathology includes lesions in the ileum and cecum and serosal haemorrhage. The ileum is often also thickened. Intestinal segments will have mild to moderate segmental hyperplasia of the mucosa. Intestinal crypts will appear elongated with marked proliferation of enterocytes and often goblet cells. Lymphoid hyperplasia may be seen together with leukocytes near the base of the villi. Diagnosis is primarily made via histolology.

Microscopic pathology includes lesions in the ileum and cecum and serosal haemorrhage. The ileum is often also thickened. Intestinal segments will have mild to moderate segmental hyperplasia of the mucosa. Intestinal crypts will appear elongated with marked proliferation of enterocytes and often goblet cells. Lymphoid hyperplasia may be seen together with leukocytes near the base of the villi. Diagnosis is primarily made via histolology.

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'''Salmonellosis'''

'''Salmonellosis'''

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Macroscopic pathology includes fluid filled small intestine and cecum. The lungs may have a patchy haemorrhagic appearence. Small white foci are visible in the liver. The most significant macroscopic pathology is a septic lesion partialy occluding thrombosis of pulmonary venules. Multifocal necrosis of the liver, lymph nodes and spleen may also be visible.

Macroscopic pathology includes fluid filled small intestine and cecum. The lungs may have a patchy haemorrhagic appearence. Small white foci are visible in the liver. The most significant macroscopic pathology is a septic lesion partialy occluding thrombosis of pulmonary venules. Multifocal necrosis of the liver, lymph nodes and spleen may also be visible.

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'''Tyzzer's Disease'''

'''Tyzzer's Disease'''

Macroscopic pathology is widespread and includes enterocolitis with oedema,hyperemia of the large intestines, lymphadenitis and multifocal liver necrosis.

Macroscopic pathology is widespread and includes enterocolitis with oedema,hyperemia of the large intestines, lymphadenitis and multifocal liver necrosis.

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===GI Parasites===

===GI Parasites===

'''Nematodes (Pinworms)'''

'''Nematodes (Pinworms)'''