Brucellosis
There has recently been a buzz on social media and in the news about a growing presence of Brucellosis in dogs in Ontario. We have also had a number of clients call to inquire about the risk of Brucellosis to their dogs. This blog provides some information on Brucellosis and the risk to you and your dog.
What is Brucellosis?
Brucellosis is an infection caused by the Brucella bacteria. Brucella has a number of subspecies, the most common one affecting dogs is Brucella canis. There are other subspecies common in cattle, pigs, and goats.
How is Brucellosis spread? Can my dog get it at the park?
The most common mechanism of spreading Brucella between dogs is through breeding. There is a small risk of spread through sniffing or licking contaminated urine however this is much less common. For the majority of our clients who are not breeding their dogs, the risk of Brucellosis infection in their dogs is low. It is not typically spread through casual contact between dogs, such as playing in the park or sniffing each other on a walk. Puppies can be exposed to it while developing inside the uterus.
What if I am getting a new dog?
Brucellosis can spread in poorly regulated breeding such as puppy mills and feral dogs. If you think your puppy may have originated in a puppy mill or if you are adopting a rescue dog from another country, consider having them tested for Brucellosis. Particularly, if you are planning on breeding your dog it is strongly recommended to have them tested prior to breeding. Additionally, if your dog displays signs of Brucellosis and has a risk of exposure, testing is recommended.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The most common sign of Brucellosis is an aborted pregnancy in a female dog. Other potential signs of the disease may include inflammation of the inner eye (uveitis), inflammation of the discs inside the spine (diskospondylitis), and multiple joint inflammation (arthritis).
Is it treatable?
Brucellosis is treatable with antibiotics, however the infection can return after the course of antibiotics is completed. The bacteria is very good at hiding deep within the body.
Can people get it from their dog?
Yes, Brucella canis has been known to cause a fever, headache, back pain, or eye inflammation in humans.
