Page 85 - Aussie Magazine - 2024 Issue 3

The answer is
definitely YES!
Multiple types of

sexually transmitted
infections, such as
herpes, can easily

be spread through
breeding populations

if precautions are
not taken.

If you suspect that your dog has
contracted an STD, take them
to be examined by a vet as soon
as possible, as the conditions
can often be uncomfortable and
may have larger ramifications for SYMPTOMS
the animal’s health. While the
majority of canine STDs cannot Symptoms, as stated above, can vary, and while there
be transmitted between species are some very specific ones to keep an eye out for, many
(such as via direct exposure to of your dog’s symptoms may be general to multiple
infected blood), some conditions, disorders and illnesses.
such as brucellosis, can also
infect humans.
• Lethargy
• Loss of libido
While there are several strains
of Brucella that can infect your • Premature aging
dog, the most common one is • Lymph node enlargement
Brucella Canis. This bacterium • Bone infections
is typically transmitted during • Joint infections
breeding and typically comes • Ocular disease
from an infected female. • Discospondylitis (infection or inflammation of the
There are some brucellosis- spinal column)
specific symptoms to look for. • Spontaneous abortion in the 3rd trimester (between
However, many of them are days 45 and 94)
more generalized and may not • Stillborn puppies
present as a bigger problem. • Unexplained infertility
Canine brucellosis is a bacterial • After loss of puppies, female dogs may suffer from
infection that can cause issues long lasting vaginal discharge
in reproduction in both male • Inflamed prostate
and female dogs. It is caused • Swollen or shrunken testicles
by the Brucella Canis bacterium • Swollen epididymis
typically.

A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 3/2024 | 85