Diseases

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Clostridium difficile enteritis

Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic gram-positive, spore-forming bacillus. It typically causes diarrhea in one- to seven-day-old piglets. 

Clinical Signs +

Infected piglets present with diarrhea associated with colitis of the large intestine. In rare cases, the diarrhea is accompanied by dyspnea caused by a hydrothorax. When performed, a necropsy often reveals an edema of the mesocolon.

Diagnosis +

Diagnosis must be confirmed by the presence of either toxin A or B in suspensions of intestinal contents.1

Treatment +

In laboratory tests, the bacterium responds to several antibiotics. No controlled study has been done on the effect of antibiotics on the disease.

Consult your veterinarian before administering antibiotics and vaccines to animals. Your veterinarian is the best person to talk to for recommendations that are right for your farm.1

REFERENCE:

1 Merck Veterinary Manual, Third Edition

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