What Is Canine Brucellosis?
Canine brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Brucella canis. It mainly attacks the reproductive organs, causing infertility and pregnancy loss, but it can also infect the spine, eyes, and other organs. The bacteria can hide inside cells for long periods, so infected dogs often look healthy while still able to spread the disease.
Brucellosis is a particular concern in breeding kennels and in dogs from unknown backgrounds. It is also zoonotic, meaning it can infect people, although human cases are uncommon.
Why it matters
There is no vaccine, and antibiotics rarely clear the infection completely. Testing before breeding is the main way to protect your dogs and your household.
How It Spreads
- Mating with an infected dog
- Contact with fluids from birth or pregnancy loss, vaginal discharge, or semen
- Urine, and less often saliva or nasal secretions, from infected dogs
- From mother to puppies before birth or through nursing
Signs Owners Notice
- Pregnancy loss, usually in the last few weeks of pregnancy, or weak puppies that die soon after birth
- Failure to conceive, or a long-lasting vaginal discharge
- Swollen or painful testicles and reduced fertility in males
- Back pain or stiffness from discospondylitis
- Eye inflammation (uveitis), swollen lymph nodes, or lethargy
Many infected dogs, especially spayed or neutered pets, show no signs at all.
Diagnosis
Vets usually start with a blood screening test. Because screening tests can give false positives, a positive result is confirmed with further blood tests, bacterial culture, or PCR testing, often through a state or university diagnostic lab. Brucellosis is a reportable disease in many US states, so your vet may need to notify animal health officials.
Treatment and Management
- Antibiotics: long courses can reduce shedding, but relapse is common and a cure is not guaranteed.
- Spay or neuter: removing the reproductive organs reduces the amount of bacteria shed. See the dog spay guide and spay vs neuter.
- Removal from breeding: infected dogs should never be bred.
- Kennel control: in breeding facilities, state rules may require testing, isolation, or other measures.
Practical Tips for US Pet Owners
- Require a recent negative brucellosis test from both dogs before any breeding.
- Ask breeders and rescues about testing, especially for dogs transported across state lines. See how to spot a responsible breeder.
- Wear gloves when handling birth fluids or a pregnancy loss, and wash hands well.
- Find a practice through veterinary clinic listings.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if your dog loses a pregnancy, cannot conceive, has swollen testicles, or develops unexplained back pain. Tell your doctor if you are ill after handling an infected dog.
Key Takeaways
- Canine brucellosis is caused by Brucella canis and mainly affects fertility.
- It spreads through mating and reproductive fluids and can infect people.
- Testing before breeding and spay or neuter are the key controls.
FAQ
Can humans catch brucellosis from dogs?
Yes, but it is uncommon. People at highest risk are breeders, vet staff, and anyone handling birth fluids from infected dogs.
Is there a vaccine for canine brucellosis?
No. Prevention relies on testing and avoiding contact with infected dogs’ reproductive fluids.
Can a dog with brucellosis live a normal life?
Many spayed or neutered dogs live comfortably, but they may remain infected, so ongoing vet guidance is important.