30/10/2026
Meet Margot & Salta, who belong to Amy, one of our nurses, they were rescued from Bulgaria. And meet Stan & Winnie, Tom the vet's dogs, who came from Romania and Gran Canaria🐾
All four have had their Brucella canis tests, and we wanted to share why testing is so important for dogs who have been imported from abroad. ❤️
🦠 What is Brucella canis?
Brucella canis is a bacterial infection that affects dogs but can also be passed to humans. This is known as a zoonotic disease.
Many infected dogs show no symptoms at all, so they can appear perfectly happy and healthy while still carrying the infection.
In people, symptoms can range from mild, flu-like illness to more serious complications.
🐾 How is it spread?
The main risk comes from contact with infected reproductive fluids, such as those associated with mating, giving birth or pregnancy loss. The bacteria can also be present in urine, blood and other bodily fluids.
🌍 Which dogs should be tested?
We recommend testing all dogs imported from overseas, regardless of which country they have come from, as well as dogs that have been in contact with imported dogs.
Even if your dog has been living in the UK for years and appears perfectly healthy, it's still worth checking whether they've been tested.
💉Why is testing so important?
As well as protecting you, your pet and our veterinary team, testing can help avoid additional costs and complications if your dog ever needs emergency or specialist treatment.
Our out-of-hours veterinary provider and many referral centres require Brucella canis testing for imported dogs before certain treatments or procedures.
If your dog hasn't been tested, additional precautions may be necessary, including protective clothing (PPE) and special handling arrangements.
⚠️ These additional PPE and handling fees may not be covered by your pet insurance, meaning you could be responsible for paying them yourself.
Having your dog tested in advance can help avoid unnecessary delays, stress and unexpected costs when your pet needs veterinary care.
❤️ What happens if my dog tests positive?
Please don't worry that a positive result automatically means your dog will be refused treatment or euthanised. That is absolutely not the case!
We will continue to care for your pet, with additional precautions where necessary to protect our team, other patients and their owners.
For imported dogs who haven't been tested, you may notice our team wearing additional protective clothing, such as gloves and gowns. This is simply a precaution to keep everyone safe.
🩸 How is the test done?
It's a straightforward blood test that checks for antibodies to Brucella canis.
Antibodies can take between 2 weeks and 3 months to become detectable following infection, so the timing of testing is important.
🥳 Brucella canis testing is now available for just £65!
Previously costing around £150, we're delighted to be able to offer testing at a much more affordable price.
Whether your dog has recently arrived from overseas, has been part of your family for years, or has been in contact with an imported dog, testing can offer valuable reassurance and help keep everyone safe.
📞 Please contact our reception team by phone or email to book your dog's test.
🐶❤️ Because keeping our pets healthy also means keeping the people who love and care for them safe!
