Tracking Dogs Infected with Brucella canis after Antibiotic Treatment

Brucella canis may cause infection of the sexual organs in male dogs, miscarriage in females and infertility or dyscospondilitis in both sexes. Prompt treatment of infection involves a round of antibiotics whose length and type vary. Different drug combinations have been used but relapse occurs shortly after therapy is discontinued. We report three cases of dogs with B. canis isolation and positive serology that were neutered and treated with different antibiotic protocols separated by intervals of 30 days. Dogs were monitored over a long period by clinical examination, serology, bacteriology and PCR. One of them continued to show positive IELISA, RSAT and PCR in blood 3 years after the last treatment. Another canine showed positive urine PCR and this being an important finding since the animal had been neutered almost 3 years ago. In spite of the small number of dogs, this report suggests the importance of monitoring positive cases and of taking sanitary measures to prevent spread of the disease and to adequately protect the human environment.

Keywords: Canine brucellosis; Monitoring; PCR; Treatment; Dogs; Infected