Description
Brucella Test for Dogs
Brucellosis in dogs is an underestimated danger for our imported dogs.
Brucella canis has become a recent threat to the UK dog population due to the increase in numbers of untested foreign rescue dogs entering the country.
It is, for the most part without symptoms and many vets are now requiring all imported dogs to be tested for Brucellosis before any treatment is given. Although we do not agree with these vets, we can help you and your dog get the treatment they may need at your veterinary practice by satisfying the vet’s Brucella canis testing requirements by providing a service that does not carry an over-inflated price tag.
We offer a qualitative LFA immunochromatographic assay (Brucella canis blood test (serology)) that has been validated for use on whole blood, plasma, and serum, for the detection of IgG antibodies against Brucella canis. It has been qualified and validated with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 99% (Ferreira Vicente et al. (manuscript in preparation)). This test is designed to detect any likely positive samples (as is the RSAT test used by APHA). The LFA used by Dragon Lab is our preferred test as it produces less false positives than the RSAT test.
Serum samples with non-negative results should be confirmed by iELISA (and ideally blood culture) with AHPA.
Dragon Lab’s testing service provides same day results, which is one of the fastest turn around times of Brucella testing for dogs in UK. Helping you get those important results as soon as possible.
Does my dog need a Brucella canis test?
- Most vets are now requiring a Brucella test for dogs for all imported dogs prior to commencement of any treatment.
- For breeding bitches: annual testing of all females in the breeding stock (approx. 3 weeks before their expected season)
- For stud dogs: annual testing of every stud dog (before mating; esp. European foreign-bred dogs)
Interested in reading more about the Brucella canis test? click here
Any non-negative samples are recommended to be confirmed by agglutination test and will be reported to APHA.
APHA
Please note: DSe varies with the time-course of infection. Validation is a continuous process and these figures may change over time as more samples become available.
Testing process
- You buy a test
- We send you a kit
- You send the blood sample back in the prepaid box provided.
- We analyse your dog’s blood sample and send you the results. The results will be explained and advice given.
How to get a blood sample
- Contact your vet and ask for a blood draw into a 2mL sample tube.
- Green or orange sample tube (included in test kit) for Titre Testing, Lungworm Screening or Progesterone Testing.
- For Brucella canis: EDTA tube (included in test kit).
Hand-delivered samples
- Let us know that you are delivering the sample by calling/WhatsApp/text: 07813 664608 and to arrange payment
NO TIME TO ORDER A KIT?
Your vet can use their own sample tube.
This can be sent to us with your contact details included to:
Dragon Lab & Canine Services, Synod Ganol, Llandysul, SA44 6JE
Why Choose Us?
Dragon Lab & Canine Services are experts in canine immunology.
We have over 14 years laboratory and canine immunology experience. This has gained us invaluable knowledge when it comes to canine immunology testing and vaccination guidance. Our lungworm testing service not only provides you with the numbers but also the knowledge and advice of our extensive experience.
All laboratory tests are run on-site following GMP and strict SOP protocols. SAME DAY RESULTS.
Titre tests can be performed at any stage of a dog’s life. However, the best time is shortly before they are due their ‘booster’. This lets you know if they actually need at ‘booster’ or not. If you are wanting to titre test a puppy, it is best to wait until 3-4 weeks after their vaccination.
The higher the number the higher the titre or concentration of antibodies. The reporting range is from 0 (no antibodies detected) to 6. The results are always relative to a positive control.
A score of 2 and above is considered positive, meaning the animal is protected.
How often should I titre test?
The frequency of repeat titre testing is at the discretion of the owner. If your previous titre test result was borderline positive (1 or 2), then you may want to titre test sooner than if the result was a strong positive (3+).
Antibody titres can wane as animals get older and there may be a point at which an older dog may need re vaccination, however, this decision should be made on a risk analysis based on age and potential side affects from a vaccine at an older age and any other existing medical conditions.
You may feel that if you have younger dogs you are happy with testing less frequently. If you are testing to satisfy the requirements of a third party (ie dog boarder, kennel, council licensing etc), then please see their recommendations.
We recommend testing at 16 weeks, or 3-4 weeks after their vaccination.
Progesterone Testing
We recommend taking an initial sample at day 9 following your dog showing the first signs of bleeding. Subsequent tests/advice will depend on this initial result.
We try and limit the number of tests required to accurate predict ovulation. It is better to take an initial sample and retest 3/4 days after than to completely miss ovulation. Typically two or 3 tests are required.
