Dealing with Brucellosis in Dogs

Brucellosis is a serious bacterial infection that can affect various animals, including dogs. Caused by Brucell bacteria, brucellosis in dogs is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can also be transmitted to humans, although this is rare. Infected dogs can suffer from a range of symptoms, some of which can be severe or chronic. Understanding the causes, symptoms, transmission, treatment options, and prevention methods for brucellosis is essential for pet owners to manage the disease and protect their pets' health.

What is Brucellosis in Dogs?

Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria from the Brucella genus. In dogs, the primary species responsible for the infection is Brucella canis. This bacterium can affect a dog’s reproductive system, causing issues like infertility and abortion in female dogs and a range of symptoms in males, including scrotal swelling and pain. Though brucellosis is primarily a reproductive disease in dogs, it can also affect other organs, leading to systemic issues.

Brucella canis is typically transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as urine, vaginal secretions, semen, and aborted fetal tissue. This makes brucellosis particularly prevalent in breeding dogs or those that have had contact with infected animals.

How Common is Brucellosis in Dogs?

Brucellosis in dogs is relatively uncommon but still poses a risk, particularly in certain situations. It is more likely to be found in:

• Kennels or breeding facilities with poor hygiene practices or a high turnover of animals.
• Unspayed female dogs who may be exposed to infected male dogs.
• Rescue organizations that bring in animals from high-risk areas.
• Imported dogs from countries with a higher prevalence of brucellosis.

The risk of brucellosis is generally low in household pets that are not exposed to these higher-risk environments. However, the disease remains a concern in places with high dog populations, poor quarantine practices, or where stray dogs are prevalent.

Symptoms of Brucellosis in Dogs

Brucellosis can manifest with a variety of symptoms, some of which can be mild or non-specific. The symptoms can range from reproductive issues to general systemic signs of infection. Common symptoms of brucellosis in dogs include:

1. Reproductive Issues

Female Dogs:
Brucellosis in female dogs often results in aborted pregnancies or stillbirths, usually during the second half of pregnancy. It can also lead to infertility or vaginal discharge after birth.

Male Dogs:
In males, symptoms include scrotal swelling, pain, and inflammation of the testicles (orchitis). They may also have enlarged prostate glands and reduced sperm quality, which can lead to infertility.

2. Lymphadenopathy

Enlargement of lymph nodes is common in dogs infected with brucellosis, as the bacteria can spread to these tissues.

3. Lameness and Joint Pain

Brucellosis can cause inflammation of the joints (arthritis) or discospondylitis (inflammation of the vertebrae), which may result in lameness or pain during movement.

4. Fever and Weight Loss

Some infected dogs may develop a persistent fever and experience unexplained weight loss, signs that the infection is affecting other organs in the body.

5. Eye Issues

In rare cases, brucellosis can cause eye inflammation (uveitis) and other vision problems.

6. General Malaise

Dogs with brucellosis often appear lethargic or depressed, and they may experience reduced appetite.

Not all dogs with brucellosis will exhibit all of these symptoms, and in many cases, the symptoms can be vague or go unnoticed until the dog is diagnosed with infertility or joint issues.

How is Brucellosis Spread in Dogs?

Brucellosis in dogs is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. This can happen in the following ways:

• Sexual contact:
  The most common route of transmission is through mating, especially if one of the dogs is infected.
• Vaginal secretions or semen:
  Infected female dogs can spread the bacteria through vaginal secretions, while males spread the bacteria through semen.
• Aborted fetuses:
  Female dogs that abort a pregnancy can shed large amounts of the bacteria in the placenta or aborted tissue, which can then infect other animals that come into contact with it.
• Urine:
  Brucellosis can also be spread through the urine of an infected dog, although this route is less common.
• Direct contact with infected tissue:
  Coming into contact with contaminated bedding or equipment in a kennel can also increase the risk of infection.

Human transmission is rare but possible, particularly if there is direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Brucella canis can pose a health risk to humans, particularly those with weakened immune systems or pregnant women.

Can Dogs Be Vaccinated Against Brucellosis?

Currently, there is no commercially available vaccine for brucellosis in dogs in many countries, including the U.S. Although a vaccine has been developed and is used in certain countries, it is not yet widely available in all regions.

Preventing brucellosis primarily depends on:

• Preventing exposure to infected animals (especially untested breeding dogs or those with unknown histories).
• Testing for brucellosis, especially before breeding or purchasing dogs.
• Good hygiene practices in breeding facilities and kennels to minimize the risk of infection spreading.
• Quarantining infected animals and keeping them away from others until they are fully treated or deemed non-contagious.

How to Test for Brucellosis in Dogs

Brucellosis in dogs is typically diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, clinical examination, and an assessment of the dog’s history. Here are some of the methods used to test for brucellosis:

1. Brucella Antibody Test (RBC agglutination test)

This is the most common test for diagnosing brucellosis. It detects the presence of antibodies against Brucella bacteria in the dog’s blood. A positive result indicates that the dog has been exposed to the bacteria, but it doesn’t necessarily confirm active infection.

2. Brucella Culture Test

A more definitive test involves growing the bacteria from samples taken from the dog (e.g., blood, urine, vaginal secretions). However, this method can take longer and is not as commonly used in clinical practice.

3. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test

PCR is a molecular test that detects Brucella DNA in samples. This test is highly sensitive and can help identify the bacteria in early stages of infection.

4. Urine Culture

As brucellosis can be shed in urine, testing a dog’s urine can also help confirm the presence of Brucella infection.

5. Clinical Signs and History

A veterinarian will also consider the dog's clinical signs, history of exposure to infected animals, and whether the dog has been involved in breeding or has had contact with known infected animals.

Brucellosis in Dogs Treatment

There is no quick or guaranteed cure for brucellosis in dogs, but treatment is possible with a combination of antibiotics. Treatment typically requires a prolonged course of medication and, in some cases, may not fully resolve the infection, particularly in more chronic cases.

1. Antibiotics

Doxycycline combined with rifampin is the standard treatment for brucellosis in dogs. These antibiotics work together to kill the bacteria and prevent its spread. Treatment can last for several weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the infection.

However, even with antibiotics, brucellosis can be challenging to completely eradicate in some dogs, especially if the infection is chronic.

2. Surgical Treatment

In severe cases, such as infection of the prostate or testes, surgery may be required to remove the affected tissue. This is generally a last resort if antibiotics are not effective.

3. Isolation

Infected dogs should be isolated from other animals to prevent the spread of the disease. This is especially important in multi-dog households or breeding facilities.

Can Brucellosis Be Cured in Dogs?

While brucellosis can be managed, it is often difficult to cure completely in dogs, especially if the infection is severe or has been present for a long time. Early detection and prompt treatment with antibiotics can improve the chances of successfully managing the disease. However, in some cases, the infection can become chronic, and the bacteria may persist despite treatment.

Infected dogs that are not cured may need lifelong management, and in breeding programs, dogs with brucellosis should be removed from the breeding pool to prevent the spread of the disease.

Conclusion

Brucellosis in dogs is a serious bacterial infection that can lead to significant health issues, particularly in breeding dogs. While it is relatively uncommon, brucellosis is highly contagious, and once an animal is infected, the disease can have lasting effects on its health. Early detection, appropriate treatment, and proper preventive measures such as testing and hygiene are key to managing and controlling the spread of this disease.