Clostridium piliforme infection (old name, Bacillus piliformis) is the causative agent of Tyzzer disease. Think hepatitis and acute death in icteric foals 7-40 days old. Dogs, cats, and calves can also be affected.
On necropsy see HUGE LIVER with disseminated, multifocal areas of necrosis, thick, congested intestines, focal myocarditis.
Tx as best can with 50% dextrose, fluids, IV antimicrobials (e.g., tetracyclines, penicillin, erythromycin, or streptomycin). Foals may respond dramatically to dextrose, but relapse into a coma and die after a few hours. Organism is resistant to sulfas, chloramphenicol.
Tyzzer is NOT reportable. Disease is sporadic, not highly contagious – specific preventive measures like (quarantine) usually not indicated. May occur again on the same property in subsequent years.
