Home » Diseases » In dogs » Brucellosis (Bacterial Infection Caused by the Brucella Species Brucella Canis)

Brucellosis (Bacterial Infection Caused by the Brucella Species Brucella Canis) in Dogs

Occurrence: rarer

Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Brucella canis. This infection primarily affects dogs and can cause both reproductive problems and systemic diseases.

The most important facts at a glance

Brucellosis in dogs is caused by the bacterium Brucella canis, which belongs to the family Brucellaceae. These bacteria are gram-negative, obligate parasites, and require a host for reproduction. The main transmission occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, especially during mating. Indirect transmissions via contaminated materials are less common. Signs of the disease include reduced fertility, Fever, and Swollen lymph nodes. Diagnosis is complex and includes serological tests and the detection of bacteria in blood cultures. Treatment is difficult, usually lengthy, and there is a high risk of relapse. A combination of antibiotics is often used, but complete cure is rare. Prevention is crucial as there is no effective vaccine. Regular testing in breeding facilities and hygienic measures are important to prevent the spread. Research focuses on improved diagnostic tests, new antibiotics, and the development of a vaccine. Close collaboration between veterinarians and other professionals is essential to ensure the health of the animals and not to endanger breeding ability.

Causes

Brucella canis belongs to the family Brucellaceae, a group of gram-negative, non-spore-forming, and aerobic bacteria. They are obligate parasites and require a host for reproduction. Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, such as urine, saliva, or genital secretions. Transmission during mating plays a particularly important role, as the bacteria are found in high concentrations in the reproductive organs.

The bacteria can also be spread through contaminated materials such as food, water, or kennel environments. However, indirect transmission via these routes is less common. Brucellosis can also be transmitted through transfusion of infected blood. The bacteria enter the dog’s body and spread through the blood to various organs and tissues, including the spleen, lymph nodes, and reproductive organs.

Susceptibility to infection can be influenced by factors such as age, sex, and the dog’s general health. Young and immunocompromised dogs are often more susceptible to infection. Stress and poor housing conditions can also increase the risk of the disease.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

The symptoms of a brucellosis infection in dogs can be very variable and range from asymptomatic cases to serious health impairments. A common symptom is Infertility in affected dogs, both in males and females. In pregnant bitches, Miscarriage can occur, usually in the last third of pregnancy, or the puppies are Stillbirth.

Other symptoms may include Fever, lethargy, Weight loss, and an enlarged spleen or lymph nodes. In male dogs, Inflammatory conditions of the testicles and epididymis can occur, which can lead to Infertility. Chronic infections can also lead to arthritis or discospondylitis, a painful inflammation of the spine.

In some cases, the infection can also lead to systemic diseases that affect various organs, leading to a variety of clinical signs. Because the symptoms are non-specific, the disease is often overlooked or mistaken for other diseases.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of brucellosis is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, serological tests, and bacteriological cultures. Serological tests such as the Rapid Slide Agglutination Test (RSAT) or the Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID) test are commonly used methods for detecting antibodies against Brucella canis. However, these tests are not always specific and can produce false-positive results, which is why confirmation by further tests is necessary.

A definitive diagnosis can be made by directly detecting the bacteria in blood cultures or tissue samples, but this can be challenging because Brucella canis is a slow-growing bacterium. In some cases, molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to confirm the diagnosis, especially when serological tests are not clear.

Since the diagnosis can be complex, it is important that veterinarians take a careful history and correctly interpret the clinical signs to make an accurate diagnosis.

Therapy

Treatment of brucellosis in dogs is difficult and often lengthy. Antibiotics can be used to combat the bacteria, but complete eradication of the infection is rare. A combination of doxycycline and an aminoglycoside antibiotic such as gentamicin or enrofloxacin is often used to reduce the bacterial load and alleviate symptoms.

The duration of treatment can be several weeks to months, and there is a high risk of relapse because the bacteria can persist in certain tissues. In addition to drug treatment, supportive measures such as improved nutrition and stress reduction can help strengthen the dog’s immune system and support recovery.

In severe cases or in dogs that do not respond to treatment, euthanasia may be considered to prevent further suffering and control the spread of the disease. Castration may also be considered to eliminate the reproductive organs as a reservoir for the bacteria.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with brucellosis varies greatly and depends on several factors, including the severity of the infection, the age and general health of the dog, and the effectiveness of the treatment. In many cases, the symptoms can be controlled with appropriate treatment, but a complete cure is rare.

Chronic infections can lead to permanent health impairments, especially if important organs are affected. Dogs that have been successfully treated may continue to carry the bacteria and transmit the disease to other animals, which poses a particular challenge in controlling the disease.

The quality of life of the affected dog can be impaired by the disease, especially if it leads to recurrent infections or chronic pain. Close cooperation with a veterinarian is crucial to develop the best treatment plan and improve the dog’s quality of life.

Prevention

The prevention of brucellosis in dogs is based on avoiding exposure to infected animals and controlling the spread in affected populations. Dogs used for breeding should be regularly tested for brucellosis to prevent transmission to offspring. Newly introduced dogs in breeding facilities should also be tested and observed during a quarantine period.

Owners should ensure that their dogs do not have contact with infected animals and should follow hygienic measures to prevent the spread of the bacteria. This includes regular cleaning and disinfection of kennels and other areas where the dogs are kept.

Since there is currently no effective vaccine against Brucella canis, prevention is key to controlling the disease. Public education about the risks and signs of the disease can help minimize the spread of infection and raise awareness of the need for preventive measures.

Close collaboration with veterinarians and other professionals in the field of animal health can help monitor the disease and take appropriate measures to prevent its spread. Regular monitoring and testing in breeding facilities are crucial to ensure the health of the animals and not to endanger reproductive capacity.

Outlook on current research

Brucellosis, caused by the bacterium Brucella canis, is an important disease in dogs that occurs worldwide and can be a major problem, especially in breeding facilities. Current research focuses on the development of improved diagnostic tests to detect the infection earlier and more accurately. One focus is on molecular biological methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which enable rapid and accurate identification of Brucella canis. These methods could complement or even replace conventional serological tests in the future.

At the same time, intensive research is being carried out on vaccines, as there is currently no approved vaccine against Brucella canis. Various approaches are being investigated, including inactivated bacteria and genetically modified strains that are intended to trigger an immune response without causing the disease. Initial results are promising, but comprehensive clinical studies are still needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of these vaccines.

Another important area of research is antibiotic therapy. Traditionally used antibiotics do not always show the desired effect, and there is a risk of developing resistant bacterial strains. Therefore, research is being conducted on new active ingredients and treatment regimens that could be more effective and safer. The goal is to completely eliminate the infection to prevent relapses.

In addition, the epidemiology of brucellosis is being further researched to better understand the transmission routes and develop effective prevention strategies. This involves investigating how the disease spreads within a population and which factors increase the risk of infection. This information is crucial for the development of control measures, especially in breeding facilities and animal shelters.

In conclusion, collaboration between veterinarians, epidemiologists, and microbiologists is essential to find holistic solutions to combat brucellosis. The One Health Initiative, which emphasizes the connection between human, animal, and environmental health, plays an important role in current research. By sharing knowledge and resources, innovative approaches can be developed to improve not only the health of animals but also that of humans.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is brucellosis in dogs? Brucellosis in dogs is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Brucella canis. It often leads to reproductive problems such as Infertility and Abortions in pregnant bitches.
How is brucellosis transmitted to dogs? Transmission can occur through direct contact with infected animals or through contact with contaminated materials such as urine, saliva, or genital secretions. Transmission during mating is also possible.
What symptoms occur in infected dogs? Symptoms may include fertility disorders, Abortions, Inflammatory conditions of the testicles or prostate in males, lethargy, Weight loss, and Lameness. However, some dogs show no obvious symptoms.
How is brucellosis diagnosed in dogs? Diagnosis is usually made by serological tests that detect antibodies against Brucella canis, as well as by cultural or molecular biological methods such as PCR, which can directly identify the bacterium.
Can brucellosis be transmitted from dogs to humans? Brucella canis is less commonly transmitted to humans compared to other Brucella species, but zoonotic transmission is possible, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Precautions should always be taken.
What treatment options are available for infected dogs? Treatment usually involves long-term antibiotic therapy to reduce the bacterial count. A complete cure is difficult to achieve, and in some cases, castration may be recommended to control the spread of infection.
How can the spread of brucellosis be prevented in breeding facilities? Prevention measures include regular testing of breeding animals for brucellosis, quarantine of new animals, strict hygiene measures, and avoidance of mating infected animals.
Is there a vaccine against brucellosis in dogs? There is currently no approved vaccine against Brucella canis. Research on potential vaccines is ongoing, but until an effective vaccine is available, prevention measures are crucial.
How long is the incubation period for brucellosis in dogs? The incubation period can vary but is typically between a few weeks to several months, depending on the individual and route of transmission.
What measures should pet owners take if their dog contracts brucellosis? Pet owners should isolate their dog to prevent transmission to other animals and closely follow the veterinarian’s instructions for treatment and further testing. It is important to take protective measures to minimize the risk of zoonotic transmission.