Discospondylitis in Three Dogs Infected with Brucella canis

Abstract

SUMMARY Three dogs were examined because of spinal pain or muscle weakness. Diagnostic techniques included radiology, vertebral biopsy, bacteriologic culture, and determination of Brucella canis titers. Brucella canis was isolated from discospondylitic lesions of one or more intervertebral spaces from each of the 3 dogs and from testicles of 2 dogs. Two dogs recovered after spinal decompression, vertebral curettage, and oral tetracycline therapy. The 3rd dog was euthanatized at the owner's request.