Brucellosis in Dogs

Brucellosis in dogs is a bacterial infection caused by Brucella canis, an organism that tends to settle in the reproductive organs and lymph nodes. The infection spreads between dogs through breeding, contact with infected reproductive fluids, or occasionally through contaminated environments. It can persist for months or years without obvious signs in some animals. Owners often encounter this condition in one of several ways: difficulty achieving pregnancy despite repeated breeding attempts, unexpected loss of a litter in mid- to late pregnancy, or discharge from the reproductive tract that prompts investigation. In other cases, the infection is identified through screening before breeding or during routine health checks. Some dogs may show subtle signs such as lethargy, slightly enlarged lymph nodes, or joint discomfort, though many appear entirely well. This page explores the signals that may prompt investigation, the mechanisms by which the infection affects the body, the tests used to identify and monitor it, and the approaches taken to manage it in affected dogs and breeding populations.