Canine Brucellosis: Symptoms, Test Options, Treatment, and Prevention Tips

Did you know that your canine can catch a sexually transmitted disease such as Brucellosis and that an owner of the canine can become infected from this disease? What is Brucellosis? What are the symptoms and treatment of this disease and is there a test to determine if your canine has it? Let's address the questions.

Canine Brucellosis: What Exactly Is It?

Canine Brucellosis is a bacterial infection similar to Chlamydia in humans. Why is similar? Because if no treatment is taken, Brucellosis will eventually cause infertility in the canine that is infected. According to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention, "Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria of the genus Brucella. These bacteria are primarily passed among animals, and they cause disease in many different vertebrates. Various Brucella species affect sheep, goats, cattle, deer, elk, pigs, dogs, and several other animals. Humans become infected by coming in contact with animals or animal products that are contaminated with these bacteria." So in actual fact, this disease doesn't just affect canines. It affects other species as well. It can be spread by sexual relations between animals (bodily fluid exchange) and in rare instances it can be spread through the air.

Canine Brucellosis: What the Symptoms Are and Test Available to Determine Infection

The known symptoms of canine Brucellosis according to Bullwinkle.com "Litters aborted - usually at 45-55 days of gestation. Pups may be stillborn or die immediately at birth. Infected female dogs that do whelp a live litter can produce carriers of the disease. There can be inflammation of the prostate gland as well as swelling of the testicles. In some cases there can be atrophy (shrinking) of the testicles after the initial swelling occurs. Lesions can also occur due to the dog licking the painful areas. This can be a tough disease to diagnose and you may have to request the test for Brucellosis." If you notice any of these symptoms in your canine then contact your veterinarian immediately there is a test available to determine a positive or negative result of canine Brucellosis. Immediate treatment can help offset the severity of the disease. Remember, like other infectious diseases, canine brucellosis may not show any symptoms.

Canine Brucellosis: Test and Treatment Options

Veterinarians can perform a blood test on the dog to determine if canine brucellosis is present or not. A vet can also check for symptoms. Test fees will be determined by your veterinarian and may vary in cost. If you think that your pet may have canine brucellosis then immediately have a blood test run then follow up with another test two months later to completely rule out the bacteria.

Treatment of canine Brucellosis will involve a round of antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. The length and type of treatment could vary that is why it is advised to not try and guess if your dog has canine brucellosis and to self use treatment. You could possibly do more damage then good by trying to save money. Most veterinarians will accept payments for treatment of your animal. Even after treatment of canine brucellosis your pet will more than likely become a carrier of the disease.

Canine Brucellosis: Tips to Prevent Infection

Keep your dog away from other strange dogs. If you plan to breed your dog then have a canine brucellosis test performed as well as the dog that you are breeding yours with. If you dog has symptoms and is diagnosed with canine brucellosis, follow the necessary treatment proscribed by the vet and disclose the information to other people that may bring their dog around yours. Spread the information about canine brucellosis to others including the symptoms, type of test that is performed, and treatment options that are used. For more information on Canine Brucellosis symptoms, test options, treatment, and transmition to humans, visit by clicking: Center For Disease Control and Prevention.