Brucellosis in dogs is a bacterial disease. This pathology is serious since it is capable of causing other health problems, such as sterility or abortion in our dogs.
In this article we will explain what brucellosis in dogs is, as well as its symptoms and treatment. Finally, we will include how to prevent brucellosis in dogs. Read on to learn more!
What is canine brucellosis?
Canine brucellosis is a disease caused by a bacterium called brucella canis that damages the reproductive system and can cause the animal to suffer a spontaneous abortion, sterility, an infection in its reproductive system, or develop a sexually transmitted disease.
It is also possible that male or female dogs suffer from this disease and remain asymptomatic. In fact, this pathology does not affect females that suffer from it and, unfortunately, it is very contagious among dogs.
Below, we’ll explain the symptoms of brucellosis in dogs so you know when it’s time to call your vet to properly diagnose and treat your dog.
Symptoms of canine brucellosis
One of the most common symptoms of brucellosis in dogs is spontaneous abortion. Pregnant bitches suffer a spontaneous abortion, their unborn puppies are usually aborted about two weeks before the probable date of delivery, although they can also be born dead on the date or be born alive but get sick and die. If this happens to your dog, brucellosis must be one of the conditions that your vet should consider.
If the dog is suffering from an ongoing infection due to brucellosis, it is possible to detect enlarged lymph nodes, which are located in the groin or under the jaw. In males, their testicles can also become inflamed early in the disease, but as the disease progresses, they atrophy due to destruction of sperm, resulting in a reduction in size.
The diagnosis can be determined by a blood test or an abortive tissue removal. This test can also tell us if the dog has been infected at some point in its life. The vet will determine if your dog needs other tests for a more accurate diagnosis.
Treatment of canine brucellosis
Once your dog has been correctly diagnosed by the vet, he will also determine the best treatment for him. This will likely include intramuscular and oral antibiotics for about three weeks. Unfortunately, this will not kill the bacteria in all infected dogs. For this reason, its eradication is considered difficult.
Prevention of canine brucellosis
What can you do to prevent canine brucellosis in your dog or bitch? These are some of the actions you can take to avoid the disease in your pet:
- The sterilization of the dog (either male or female).
- Avoid large dog communities, where contagion can be easy.
- Do not acquire dogs of unknown origin.
- Keep your pet up to date with veterinary checkups and vaccinations.