Brucellosis is a highly contagious bacteria infection that can be spread amongst dogs and even to humans. Dogs with brucellosis usually show symptoms related to the reproductive tract. Brucellosis can go as far as causing infertility if not curbed and controlled. In this article, you will learn all about brucellosis, its symptoms and its treatment.
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Content:
- What Is Brucellosis in Dogs
- What Does Brucellosis in Dogs Look Like
- Canine Brucellosis Test and Treatment
- Conclusion
What Is Brucellosis in Dogs
Canine Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Brucella canis, a gram-negative non-sporting aerobic coccobacillary bacterium that predilects in the reproductive system and causes damage. When this bacterium proliferates and overwhelms the immune system, it leads to brucellosis.
From experience, brucellosis is mostly transferred from one infected dog to another dog through coitus or ingestion of fluids from the reproductive organs such as seminal fluids, vaginal discharge, milk and even urine. Other sources of infection like milk, blood and saliva are possible but not common as cited in research.
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What Does Brucellosis in Dogs Look Like
Brucellosis has typical conditions and is very easy to identify because of its involvement with the reproductive system. Dogs with brucellosis would show signs. Studies have shown that brucellosis in dogs has an average incubation period of 5 weeks depending on the sex and condition.
After a while, symptoms begin to show up but reproductive damage may take a while and would vary with dogs. The following are some of the symptoms that may occur in brucellosis:
- Male dogs
Male dogs will show symptoms affecting the scrotum, penile organs and their urinary system may be hampered. These symptoms include:
- Epididymitis
- Scrotal enlargement
- Scrotal dermatitis
- Scrotal/testicular atrophy
- Infertility
- Prostate enlargement
- Female dogs
Symptoms of brucellosis in female dogs are more pronounced because it affects the uterus and would vary depending on some factors such as pregnancy and age.
Some of the symptoms that may occur in brucellosis in female dogs include:
- Abortion
- Stillbirth
- Vaginal discharge
- Inability to get pregnant
- Gives birth to weak puppies
- Puppies die after some days
Other non-specific symptoms may occur such as enlarged lymph nodes, fever and lethargy.
“My dog was diagnosed with brucellosis and the Vet recommended not to let the dog out or come in contact with other dogs”, - Reddit user
Canine Brucellosis Test and Treatment
It is crucial to carry out tests when brucellosis is suspected to confirm the existence of the condition. Even dogs who show no symptoms should be checked routinely for brucellosis. Dog parents should consider spaying/neutering as an option for preventing brucellosis.
“Brucellosis can remain subclinical in neutered/spayed dogs or dogs with no reproductive activity”, - Dr. Greg Burns
Samples are collected from reproductive tissues where brucellosis usually dominates such as aborted tissues, vaginal discharge, blood, urine, semen and milk. The following tests are conducted to diagnose and isolate the bacterium causing brucellosis:
- PCR assay
- Tissue culture
- ELISA
- Canine brucella multiple assay (CBM)
- Tube agglutination test (TAT)
- Rapid slide agglutination (RAST)
- Agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID)
- Immunofluorescent antibody test (IFA)
After isolation of B. canis and the confirmation of brucellosis, the next line of action is to curb and contain the infection. The infected dog would be quarantined and isolated from other dogs and humans to prevent possible transmission of brucellosis and its spread.
Due to its public health threat, dogs with brucellosis are usually opted in for euthanasia with the consent of the dog parent. When euthanasia is declined, the dog must be neutered and subjected to long-life antibiotics regimen like tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones are prescribed for at least 3 months.
Strict adherence to isolation and surveillance monitoring protocols must be followed. With antibiotics treatment, there is no assurance of mitigating the effects of the infection. The dog would continue to shed the bacteria which may lead to complications and emergencies.
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Conclusion
Brucellosis is a public health concern and should be taken seriously since both dogs and humans are at risk. Symptoms of brucellosis should be reported immediately to the Veterinarian and if confirmed, the dog should be euthanized or quarantined and isolated as. Treatment is not as effective as euthanasia is in curbing the spread of brucellosis.
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