Canine Brucellosis

What is canine brucellosis?

Canine brucellosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Brucella canis. It mainly affects the reproductive organs, so it is a serious concern for breeders. It spreads through mating, through fluids from birth or abortion, and through vaginal discharge, semen and urine. Puppies can be infected before or soon after birth.

Many infected dogs look healthy, and the infection can last a long time. The bacteria can hide inside the body, and a dog can test negative early in the infection.

Canine brucellosis can pass to people. Wear gloves when handling birth fluids, aborted puppies or samples, wash your hands well, and see a doctor if you feel unwell.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Abortion, often late in pregnancy
• Stillborn or weak puppies
• Failure to become pregnant
• Swollen or shrunken testicles in males
• Back pain, stiffness or lameness
• Swollen glands

Some dogs show only infertility, and many show no signs at all.

Which lab tests help

The Canine Brucellosis (Rapid Test) looks for antibodies, proteins the body makes after meeting the bacteria. It is a screening test. It can sometimes be positive without infection, and it can be negative soon after infection, before antibodies appear. Vets often confirm a positive result with another test.

The Brucella canis RT-PCR looks for the genetic material of the bacteria in whole blood, a vaginal swab or semen. A positive PCR supports active infection. The bacteria are not always present in the sample, so a negative PCR does not fully rule out infection, and your vet may combine PCR with antibody testing or repeat tests later.

Cattle brucellosis tests do not detect Brucella canis, so a dog needs a dog-specific test.

For breeding males, a Semen Analysis (Dog) can show changes in the sperm that may point to infection or other problems. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) gives a general health picture. Breeders often test dogs before mating and before a new dog joins a kennel.

A registered veterinarian interprets every result together with the dog's breeding history and signs.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if a female dog aborts, has weak or stillborn puppies or fails to become pregnant, or if a male dog has swollen testicles or back pain. Keep a dog with a suspected infection away from breeding and from other dogs until your vet advises you.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal, and sample collection is free anywhere in Bhopal. Breeders and dog owners in other districts can send samples through their local vet, by courier or by bus parcel; call or WhatsApp +91 88175 01118 before sending. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book. Reports are shared on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.