Brucella canis is an intracellular gram-negative, small, rough intracellular bacterium. These bacteria usually cause infection to canine. Humans may also be infected; however, canine and dogs is usually the main host.

Brucella canis requires laboratory confirmation. Veterinarian strong recommends blood culture before declaring the dog infected. This virus believed to cross-react with anti-bodies and to other nonpathogenic species. Owner may consider using different test such as Rapid Slide Agglutination Test (RSAT), Tube agglutination (TAT) and Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGIDcwa) Tests and Improved Serodiagnostic Tests.

Infected animals do not require treatment because it is hard to get positive result. Serologic monitoring and blood culture is needed for 3 post medication months before a dog can be declared cured. Castration and spaying is possible to decrease the risk of transferring infection. The most feasible and effective treatment was achieved with tetracycline.

Male infected animals often have no sperm or decreased numbers of undeveloped sperm. Unspecified symptoms in both sexes include premature aging, libido loss, lethargy and lymph node enlargement. Frequent uveitis is visible in male dogs within several weeks of infection.

Brucella canis is cause by failure in reproduction and abortion. Infection starts when a infected placental waste is discharged from contaminated bitches who abort or in heat and in breeding. This is where the natural infection begins. Male dogs also contribute organisms when they urinate but relatively low, except when urine infected prostatic or seminal fluid is discharged.