New publications
Brucellosis in dogs
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
This is a disease caused by the bacteria Brucella canis. It is the leading cause of infertility and spontaneous abortions in dogs. Puppies infected in utero are usually aborted 45-59 days after conception. The disease should be suspected if the female has a miscarriage two weeks before the expected date, if there is stillbirth, or if the puppies become ill and die after birth.
Dogs with acute infection may have enlarged lymph nodes in the groin and/or under the jaw. Fever is rare. Males may have swollen testicles in the early stages, which then shrink and atrophy as sperm-producing cells are destroyed. It should be noted that brucellosis can infect both males and females without causing any signs of disease.
In dogs with acute infection, the bacteria are found in blood, urine, body fluids, and abortion materials. In dogs with chronic or inactive infection, the bacteria can be transmitted through vaginal secretions during estrus and semen.
The most common mode of transmission is contact with infected vaginal discharge from spontaneous abortions and with the urine of infected dogs. The disease can also be spread throughout a dog kennel this way. Males can become infected through oral or nasal contact with vaginal discharge from females in heat. Female dogs can become infected during mating with an infected male. Breeders should pay special attention to this because male dogs can accumulate the bacteria throughout their lives.
Treatment: Brucellosis is difficult to cure. Treatment is with antibiotic tablets and intramuscular injections of antibiotics for at least three weeks. This can cure up to 80% of dogs. In order for a dog to be considered cured, it must be free of bacteria for at least three months. Since cure is difficult to achieve, it is recommended to spay or neuter all infected animals to prevent transmission of the disease to other dogs.
[