Final answer:
Male dogs, especially those intended for breeding, should be tested for brucellosis because it can lead to reproductive issues such as spontaneous abortion. B. canis is the species of Brucella that affects dogs and diagnosis is commonly done through serological tests. Treatment includes antibiotics like doxycycline and ciprofloxacin.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, a male dog should be tested for brucellosis if there is a risk of infection or if breeding is intended. Brucellosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by facultative intracellular bacteria of the genus Brucella, with B. canis being the species that infects dogs. While brucellosis is primarily associated with cattle, which can transmit it through contaminated milk, it is also significant in dogs, particularly in breeding contexts, as it can lead to spontaneous abortion and infertility. The bacteria B. canis is challenging to diagnose through cultivation, as it is not easily found in the blood except during acute stages and because Brucella species are BSL-3 pathogens, requiring specialized safety measures during handling. Instead, agglutination tests and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are commonly employed for serodiagnosis. The prescribed treatment for dogs with brucellosis usually includes the antibiotics doxycycline or ciprofloxacin in combination with rifampin, with alternatives like gentamicin, streptomycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole available if necessary.