What are the symptoms of brucellosis in animals?

How does brucellosis affect my animal? Brucellosis causes reproductive problems (e.g. abortions, stillbirth, infertility) in most species of animals. Other signs can include arthritis in cows and pigs, mastitis and lameness in goats, and oozing skin lesions in horses (“fistulous withers”).

What is the best treatment for brucellosis?

Treatment options include doxycycline 100 mg twice a day for 45 days, plus streptomycin 1 g daily for 15 days. The main alternative therapy is doxycycline at 100 mg, twice a day for 45 days, plus rifampicin at 15mg/kg/day (600-900mg) for 45 days.

Can brucellosis be cured in dogs?

Sadly, there is no guaranteed cure for this infection in dogs. It is very difficult for antibiotics to effectively penetrate cells to eradicate the disease. Long-term doses of combinations of antibiotics have been tried, as well as neutering and isolation of infected dogs, but the infection often reappears.

How do I know if my dog has brucellosis?

Clinical Signs in Dogs Infected male dogs may have abnormally sized testicles (swollen or shrunken). Other signs observed with canine brucellosis include infertility, anorexia, weight loss, pain, lameness, incoordination, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle weakness.

Can brucellosis be passed to puppies?

Brucellosis can spread from dogs to people through contact with an infected dog’s birthing fluids and vaginal discharge while birthing puppies. This is why dog breeders and veterinarians are at higher risk.

Can puppies have brucellosis?

Brucellosis may also be transmitted through semen or urine and can be shed by intact or neutered males for several years in cases of chronic infection. Puppies can become infected from their mother during pregnancy.

Can a puppy get brucellosis?

Dogs and people can get brucellosis. Dogs in breeding programs, stray dogs that have not been spayed or neutered, and unowned or free roaming dogs are at higher risk of having brucellosis. In people, dog breeders and veterinarians are most at risk of infection because of their work with birthing puppies (whelping).

Can puppies be tested for brucellosis?

Testing is often the only way to detect it. Be aware that these signs can mimic other diseases, and many infected dogs show no signs. As a result, it can be difficult to tell if a dog has brucellosis based on outward appearance alone. Testing done by a veterinarian is the best way to know if your animals are infected.