12/08/2024
Lovely little Dinky came to see us recently for a blood test to determine if she had Brucella, she was so well behaved for her bloods and had lots of treats afterwards! ๐๐ฆด
Dinkyโs bloods thankfully have come back clear of Brucella so her owners donโt need to worry ๐พ๐ฉท
๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐จ ๐ฝ๐ง๐ช๐๐๐ก๐ก๐?
Brucella is a contagious infection that affects dogs and humans caused by the bacteria brucella canis. It's not common in the UK but it can be found in imported dogs from countries where the disease is more widespread. Brucella canis is common in Eastern Europe, South America, parts of North America, the Middle East and Asia.
๐๐จ ๐ข๐ฎ ๐๐ค๐ ๐๐ฉ ๐ง๐๐จ๐ ?
Thereโs very little brucella in dogs in the UK at the moment. Only dogs which have been imported from other countries, spent time abroad or had close contact (such as mating with or living in the same household) with another dog with the infection are at risk.
๐พ๐๐ฃ ๐ฝ๐ง๐ช๐๐๐ก๐ก๐ ๐พ๐๐ฃ๐๐จ ๐จ๐ฅ๐ง๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ค๐ข ๐๐ค๐๐จ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐ช๐ข๐๐ฃ๐จ?
Brucella canis is a zoonotic disease which means it can spread from animals to humans, the overall risk of getting infected with Brucella canis is fortunately very low. People in regular contact with imported dogs, vets and vet nurses, and lab staff who handle bodily fluids are at the highest risk of being exposed. Even dogs without any symptoms can spread Brucella canis.
๐๐ค๐ฌ ๐๐ค ๐ ๐ ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฌ ๐๐ ๐ข๐ฎ ๐๐ค๐ ๐๐๐จ ๐ฝ๐ง๐ช๐๐๐ก๐ก๐?
Some dogs with Brucella canis have no symptoms, while others do. Either way, they can still be infectious to other dogs and people. Some possible symptoms are; lethargy, lameness and back pain and swollen lymph nodes. If your pet has been imported from abroad or has been around other dogs, your vet may recommend a blood test to check if your pet has Brucella.
If you would like to book your pet in for a blood test to check for Brucella, contact our practice and a member of the team will be able to help! โจ
Phone the practice โ๏ธ 01865 249190
WhatsApp ๐ฑ 07701 410399
Email โ๏ธ [email protected]