Die Hundebrucellose ist eine Zoonose, die sowohl bei Menschen als auch bei Tieren durch Brucella verursacht wird. Sie verursacht vor allem Hundebrucellose und Fortpflanzungsstörungen bei Hunden, kann aber auch zu Bandscheibenentzündung, Osteomyelitis, Meningoenzephalitis und Uveitis führen.
Adult dogs infected with Brucella rarely show severe clinical symptoms, or may only exhibit lymphadenitis. They may also show systemic symptoms after a latent period of 2 weeks to as long as 6 months. Pregnant bitches often miscarry between 40 to 60 days of pregnancy. Within the 1 to 6 weeks before miscarriage, infected dogs generally do not have high body temperature, but the vulva and vaginal mucosa are swollen, and there may be light brown or greyish-green discharge from the vagina.
Miscarried fetuses often exhibit partial tissue autolysis, subcutaneous edema, congestion, and subcutaneous hemorrhage in the abdominal region. In early pregnancy (10 to 20 days after mating), embryos may die and be absorbed by the mother’s body. Miscarried bitches may develop uteritis and subsequent infertility after repeated mating. Male dogs may develop orchitis, epididymitis, scrotal swelling, scrotal dermatitis, and sperm abnormalities. In addition to reproductive system symptoms, infected dogs may also develop arthritis, tenosynovitis, and occasionally limping. Some infected dogs may also develop uveitis.