Tyzzer Disease in Dogs

Tyzzer disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium pilformis. The bacterium is thought to multiply in the intestines and once reaching the liver, causing severe damage. Young dogs are at high risk of developing the disease.

Symptoms and Types

Due to the severity of the liver damage, some dogs with Tyzzer disease may die within 24-48 hours. Some early signs of the disease include:

• Lethargy
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Liver enlargement
• Abdominal distension
• Low body temperature

Causes

The bacterium Clostridium piliformis.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will conduct a complete medical history and perform a physical examination on your dog. He or she will then use routine laboratory tests including complete blood count, biochemistry profile, electrolyte panel, and urinalysis to assess the condition of your dog and severity of the disease.

If your dog has Tyzzer disease, the biochemistry profile testing may reveal abnormally high levels of liver enzymes, especially shortly before the dog's condition becomes dire.