Bacterial Infection: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What Is Canine Brucellosis? Dog Disease Found To Be Spreading In UK For First Time - With Three People Also Infected
Brucella canis can spread from dogs to humans in rare cases (NationalWorld/Adobe Stock)
A dangerous bacterial infection has been found spreading in the UK's dog population for the first time - but the disease has also been transmitted to three people
A new government risk assessment updated on Monday (18 September) found 97 dogs had tested positive for the Brucella canis bacteria in the year to June, largely linked to pets brought in from overseas.
However, it also revealed rather than just imported dogs testing positive, a number of UK dogs had as well. The Express reports this is the first time the disease has ever been recorded spreading domestically.
The bacteria, which can cause infertility in dogs, has also been discovered in two humans so far this year - making three total cases of people becoming infected in the UK.
But what is the risk of a person picking up Brucella canis, and how safe are dogs at home?
Here's everything you need to know.
How is the Brucella canis bacteria affecting dogs in the UK?The number of dogs who have tested positive for the Brucella canis bacteria has been steadily rising since 2020 - largely linked to pets being brought in from overseas.
A Defra - or Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs - spokesperson told NationalWorld all UK cases have been in dogs that have either been imported, have mated with an imported dog, have had contact with the "birthing products" of an imported dog - or are the puppies of an imported dog.
The UK's chief veterinary officer, Dr Christine Middlemiss, said: "We take the risks posed by Brucella canis very seriously and require all cases to be reported to the Animal Plant Health Agency. This allows us to monitor the number of confirmed cases and keep risk assessments updated.
"We continue to work closely with our colleagues at [the UK Health Security Agency], dog welfare groups and vets to minimise the risks posed and recommend prospective owners make sure any dog imported from regions where Brucella canis is present is tested before arrival."
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The disease is frequently sexually transmitted between dogs, and can affect the reproductive organs - even causing infertility or spontaneous abortions. The disease can move to other tissues, including the eyes, kidneys, heart or brain, and once infected, a dog is typically considered infected for life.
The majority of cases have been linked to dogs imported into the UK from Eastern Europe, and Defra is urging prospective owners to consider rehoming from a reputable organisation in the United Kingdom rather than importing pets from abroad.
"Those choosing to import pets from abroad should do so responsibly by ensuring they purchase from a reputable seller or breeder and that it is transported by an authorised transporter," they said.
"If considering importing a dog into the UK (or rescuing a dog that has been imported) we recommend prospective owners ensure testing for other diseases including Brucella canis is carried out before the movement takes place."
Can it be cured?A Brucella infection in dogs is considered very difficult to treat, and may never be fully cured. In the US, where the disease is more widespread, the Minnesota Department of Health says treatment can include spaying or neutering the animal, giving it antibiotics for several months, and frequent blood tests to monitor treatment progress.
Even then, relapses are common, and the dog's quality of life may suffer. Treatment is usually only attempted in circumstances where the dog can be completely isolated from other dogs - potentially for the rest of its life.
In the UK, euthanasia is currently the only option recommended by the government. In part, this is to stop the disease spreading more widely.
Can it be spread to humans?Yes. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says there have been three cases of humans becoming infected with Brucella canis since 2022.
The first, a woman from Stoke-on-Trent who caught it from a pregnant rescue dog from Belarus last August, was reported by the BBC at the time. All five of her dogs had to be put down.
Of the two more recent cases, one was picked up when a patient with symptoms arrived at hospital, and the other was a worker at a vet centre.
In a statement sent to NationalWorld, UKHSA's head of emerging infections and zoonoses Wendi Shepherd said: "Brucella canis is an infection carried by dogs that can be transmitted to humans.
"We have seen a small number of cases of Brucella canis in people in the UK this year," she continued. "However, the risk to the general public in the UK is very low and the risk to people who have had close contact with an infected dog is low."
From cases reported worldwide, a Brucella canis infection is usually mild in humans, the UKHSA said. "But people who have weakened immune systems, are pregnant, or are young children may be more likely to experience more serious infection."
The NHS says the disease caused by Brucella strains of bacteria is called brucellosis - with the dog variant known as canine brucellosis. It can be picked up from animal's bodily fluids, but this is very rare.
It causes flu-like symptoms in humans, which can either appear suddenly or over the course of two weeks. These include a high temperature, loss of appetite, sweating, headaches, extreme tiredness, and back or joint pain.
There is no vaccine to prevent the disease, but it can be cured with a course of antibiotics.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) For Dogs: Safe Dosages And Uses
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Leaving an anxious dog behind can be a terrible feeling for a pet owner, especially when their house is full of chewed up shoes and destroyed pillows upon return.
Pet anxiety isn't all that uncommon. In a 2020 study, researchers in Finland surveyed dog owners and found nearly three-fourths (73%) of dogs had some kind of anxiety, with noise sensitivity being the most common trait, followed closely by fear.
Fortunately, there are treatments for anxiety in dogs, including medication like fluoxetine, an antidepressant that has effectively treated the symptoms of anxiety and other behavioral disorders in dogs.
And for most pet owners, the medication is covered by pet insurance.
Here's a look at fluoxetine and whether it's safe to give to your dog.
Is Your Dog Covered?Get Peace of Mind With the Best Pet Insurance of 2023
What Is Fluoxetine (Prozac) Used for in Dogs?Similar to its use for humans, fluoxetine—also referred to by the brand name Prozac—is most commonly used to treat anxiety in dogs.
"Fluoxetine may be used to treat a number of behavioral disorders in dogs such as aggression, separation anxiety, phobias and compulsive behaviors," says Dr. Jennifer Sperry, D.V.M., veterinary advisor for Pets Plus Us, a pet insurance company in Canada.
While treating a dog with fear, phobia, aggression or anxiety usually focuses on changing a dog's emotional response with counterconditioning or reinforced-based techniques, sometimes it's not enough on its own.
"Early intervention with medication may be necessary to achieve success and can be in the best interest of the fearful, anxious or phobic dog," notes the Merck Veterinary Manual.
"The main benefits of using fluoxetine in dogs are the potential for improved behavior and reduced symptoms of anxiety or compulsive behaviors, leading to a better quality of life for the pet and its owners," says Dr. Robert Gonzalez, D.V.M., regional medical director for Small Door Veterinary, a chain of veterinary facilities in the Northeast.
Is Fluoxetine Safe To Give to Dogs?When given under the direction of your veterinarian, fluoxetine is safe to give to dogs.
"Fluoxetine can be a safe medication for dogs, but it is important to schedule an exam with your veterinarian before starting your dog on any new medication," says Dr. Erica Thiel, D.V.M., Midwest area medical director for IndeVets, a nationwide veterinary staffing service.
Fluoxetine vs. ProzacIt's important to note that fluoxetine is referred to by a variety of other names, which are branded names from different manufacturers of the same medication. While Prozac is one of the most common, other brand names for fluoxetine include Sarafem, Rapiflux and Selfemra.
Any use of these drugs in dogs is "off label" meaning they haven't been approved for use in dogs by the FDA.
In 2022, the FDA did approve the medication Reconcile, which contains fluoxetine hydrochloride, for use with dogs. Reconcile is intended to treat separation anxiety in dogs along with behavior modification training.
Thiel notes that veterinarians still prescribe fluoxetine off-label instead of Reconcile "for a variety of reasons including ease of access (more pharmacies will carry these products over Reconcile), dosing options and occasionally due to cost concerns for the client."
When Owners Can Give Fluoxetine to DogsFluoxetine should only be given to dogs if it has been prescribed by a veterinarian to help treat anxiety or behavioral issues.
Fluoxetine should only be given to your dog after you've taken them to the vet.
"Your veterinarian will check that your dog is healthy with no underlying conditions that would make it unsafe to give your dog fluoxetine," Thiel says. "They will also verify that your dog is not taking any medication(s) that should not be administered with fluoxetine."
When Owners Shouldn't Give Fluoxetine to DogsIt's always best to talk to your veterinarian about all medications and supplements your dog is taking, as well as any known allergies when it comes to medications.
Fluoxetine should not be used in dogs for the following reasons:
A safe dosage of fluoxetine will depend on several factors, including the dog's size, weight, and its specific behavioral needs for the medication.
Fluoxetine is generally prescribed for dogs at 1 to 2 milligrams per kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) every 24 hours, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.
The VCA Hospitals note that fluoxetine is available in tablet, capsule or liquid form, and can be given with or without food.
Can Dogs Overdose On Fluoxetine?While fluoxetine is safe and approved by the FDA to treat anxiety in dogs, too much can lead to toxicity, according to the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists.
Dogs can overdose on fluoxetine, and may develop something called serotonin syndrome, Thiel says.
Sperry notes that "signs of serotonin syndrome can appear in as little as an hour or can take several days to develop."
Symptoms of serotonin toxicity in dogs include:
If you suspect your dog has taken too much fluoxetine, it's important you call your veterinarian right away.
Can I Give My Dog Fluoxetine Every Day?Fluoxetine is intended for daily use and typically given to dogs every 24 hours
Fluoxetine Side Effects for DogsWhen taken as prescribed, fluoxetine should help ease wide fluctuations in mood such as fear and anxiety.
"In many cases, fluoxetine can help reduce anxiety and compulsive behaviors, leading to a calmer and more relaxed dog, Gonzalez says."It can improve the dog's overall quality of life by alleviating symptoms associated with behavioral disorders."
But as is the case with most medications, fluoxetine does carry the risk of side effects.
The most common side effects for dogs taking the standard dose of fluoxetine include:
"Some dogs may also experience increased anxiety or aggression as an initial side effect before the medication starts to take effect," Gonzalez notes. "It's important to monitor your dog closely during the initial weeks of treatment for any concerning side effects."
How Long Does it Take for Fluoxetine to Start Working?Fluoxetine does not start working immediately.
"It generally takes about two weeks for fluoxetine to reach therapeutic levels in the body and start showing positive effects," says Dr. Diana Watkins, D.V.M., owner of 143 Veterinary Services in Cohasset, Massachusetts.
In some instances, it can take 4 to 8 weeks for the full effects of fluoxetine to be seen in some patients, Thiel adds.
How Long Does Fluoxetine Stay in a Dog's System?How long fluoxetine stays in a dog's system can vary depending on the dog's overall health and metabolism, as well as how long the dog was on the medication.
Typically, fluoxetine stays in the body anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, Gonzalez says.
Thiel notes it's important that owners not abruptly stop giving fluoxetine to their dogs, especially if they've been on the medication for a while. Dogs need to be slowly tapered off of fluoxetine.
"Sudden withdrawals can increase the risk of side effects, and even potentially worsen the undesirable behavior the dog was experiencing and put on fluoxetine for in the first place," Thiel says.
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Bottom LineUnder the proper care of a veterinarian, and in conjunction with a behavioral modification plan, fluoxetine can be used safely to treat and manage anxiety in dogs. Not only can it help improve your dog's well-being and quality of life, but it can help improve yours as well.
If you think your dog may be a candidate for fluoxetine, it's important to visit your veterinarian—only they can determine if the medication is appropriate for your dog.
Two Test Positive For Brucellosis In Thiruvananthapuram
10 October 2023, 06:35 AM IST
1 min read
Representational image (Photo: AFP)
Thiruvananthapuram: A father and son in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has tested positive for Brucellosis disease on Monday.
The most commonly affected animals include cattle, goats, sheep and dogs.
The father and son living at Vembayam, in the capital city outskirts turned feverish but despite medical attention it did not help them.
On further investigations and detailed tests it was revealed both were found to be positive for brucellosis disease.
According to the authorities, while the son has recovered, the father is still under treatment at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College hospital.
The family has cattle at their home.
Brucellosis, is a bacterial infection, and human beings can get affected from infected animals or animal products contaminated with the bacteria.
People with brucellosis do have fever, headaches, back pains, and physical weakness and some cases it affects other organs. Strong antibiotics are recommended but the recovery may take some time.
The animal husbandry and the health department's have been put on high alert in the area.IANS
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