Brucellosis is a high-severity autoimmune condition that can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. Canine brucellosis is a bacterial reproductive disease caused by Brucella canis. It causes reproductive failure in breeding dogs, including abortion, stillbirths, and infertility, as well as orchitis in males. It is a zoonotic disease transmissible to humans. It is documented across 1 breed, though prevalence and severity can differ significantly between them. It typically becomes apparent at Breeding age. Early signs to watch for include abortion in late pregnancy, stillbirths, weak puppies, and infertility. When treatment is required, costs are estimated at £500-£2,000 depending on severity, location, and the specific intervention needed. This page covers symptoms, treatment options, and preventive steps — along with breed-specific information where available.

Signs & Symptoms

The following symptoms are commonly associated with Brucellosis in dogs. If your dog displays several of these signs, consult your vet promptly — early diagnosis typically leads to better outcomes.

• Abortion in late pregnancy
• Stillbirths
• Weak puppies
• Infertility
• Swollen testicles
• Back pain from discospondylitis

Treatment Overview

Treatment with prolonged antibiotic courses (doxycycline combined with aminoglycosides) reduces bacterial load but rarely achieves complete cure. Neutering reduces transmission risk. Infected dogs should not be bred.

Typical onset: Breeding age

Prevention & Screening

While not all cases of Brucellosis can be prevented, the following steps reduce risk or enable earlier intervention:

• Test all breeding dogs before mating with RSAT or AGID test
• New dogs entering a kennel should be tested and quarantined
• Maintain closed or tested breeding programmes