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Tyzzer's disease is an acute, highly fatal bacterial infection that is seen in a wide range of animals. It most commonly affects foals and laboratory animals as well as dogs, cats and calves. Foals are usually affected individually in sporadic cases whereas outbreaks of disease occur in rodents and rabbits. The bacteria that causes the disease is ''Clostridium piliforme'', a gram negative spore-forming intracellular bacterium.  

Tyzzer's disease is an acute, highly fatal bacterial infection that is seen in a wide range of animals. It most commonly affects foals and laboratory animals as well as dogs, cats and calves. Foals are usually affected individually in sporadic cases whereas outbreaks of disease occur in rodents and rabbits. The bacteria that causes the disease is ''Clostridium piliforme'', a gram negative spore-forming intracellular bacterium.  

The aetiology of the disease is poorly understood. Infection most likely results from oral exposure; possible mechanisms include ingestion of spore-forming faeces or contact with carrier animals.

The aetiology of the disease is poorly understood. Infection most likely results from oral exposure; possible mechanisms include ingestion of spore-forming faeces or contact with carrier animals. The disease most commonly affects young stressed animals.  

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

High dose sodium penicillin and trimethoprim sulpadiazine have been used successfully to treat foals with Tyzzer's disease. Other supportive treatment may include aggressive fluid therapy, parenteral nutrition and control of seizure activity using alpha-2 receptor agonist.  

High dose sodium penicillin and trimethoprim sulpadiazine have been used successfully to treat foals with Tyzzer's disease. Other supportive treatment may include aggressive fluid therapy with dextrose, parenteral nutrition and control of seizure activity using alpha-2 receptor agonists.  

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

The prognosis for foals with Tyzzer's disease is poor.  

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

==Prevention==

==Prevention==

No vaccines are available for prevention of Tyzzer's disease. Good hygiene is therefore essential for decreasing the risk of clinical disease.

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