<i>Brucella canis</i> in two juvenile labrador retriever littermates with no known travel history

Abstract Two labrador retriever littermates presented separately to investigate chronic lethargy and shifting lameness. In both cases, clinical examination revealed a multi‐limb lameness. Neither the patients nor their dam or sire had a travel history outside the UK. Imaging of the vertebral column in both cases was consistent with discospondylitis. Brucella canis serology demonstrated a rising antibody titre in Case 1 and a strong positive antibody titre in Case 2 (4+/3200), consistent with a diagnosis of B. canis . Due to concerns relating to the poor prognosis, antimicrobial stewardship and zoonotic risk, both patients were euthanased. Since 2020, the UK has seen a rise in cases of B. canis , with most cases having been in imported dogs. This case report highlights how B. canis should be considered in dogs with no travel history and identifies challenges relating to diagnosis and managing these cases in practice.