Pet owners are being warned about a flesh-eating disease that has killed hundreds of dogs.
Alabama Rot is “very rare” but can be fatal because it blocks and damages blood vessels in a dog’s skin and kidneys, according to the Kennel Club.
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Owners are advised to take their dog to the vet immediately if they suspect Alabama Rot
Due to the life-threatening, incurable disease, also known as CRGV (Cutaneous Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy), dogs develop painful sores on their paws and legs and can often lead to kidney failure.
Most cases are unfortunately fatal, and veterinarian Anderson Moores has recorded 292 cases since 2012.
Click on the link above to see if there has been a case near you.
Owners are being warned to be vigilant as there have already been 10 confirmed cases in the UK this year.
The disease first appeared in the US in the 1980s.
It does not affect other animals or humans.
Although it was initially thought to only affect greyhounds, any breed, age or size can get it.
Alabama Rot is not contagious though, so one dog cannot pass it on to another.
However, several dogs in the same household can be infected at the same time.
Because the cause of Alabama Rot is not yet known, it is difficult to diagnose and treat, but it is associated with wet and muddy conditions and there is a tendency for cases to increase during the winter and spring months.
Although this condition is rare, the Kennel Club warns that the number of cases “seems to be increasing”.
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This could be caused by a higher number of affected dogs or by vets and owners simply being more aware of the condition.
As the cause of the disease is unknown, it is difficult to prevent your dog from picking it up, but experts say:
- keep your dog away from very muddy areas
- wash and dry the dog after the walk if it is wet or muddy.
It is also advisable to check your dog’s body every day for signs of ulcers or wounds.
If you are concerned that your dog may have Alabama Rot, the RSPCA recommends that you take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Symptoms include skin sores, visible swelling, red spots or skin defects not caused by a known injury, decreased appetite, increased drinking, vomiting, and lethargy.
Signs of Alabama Rot can appear on a dog’s body between one and 10 days after becoming infected.
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There have been just under 300 cases in the UK
Kidney failure can occur immediately after the sores appear, so it is vital to seek treatment immediately.
Unfortunately, there are no tests that can be done to confirm Alabama Rot, but your vet will examine your dog’s skin and maybe do some general blood and urine tests to see how well their kidneys are working.
It may be necessary to carry out general tests several times to monitor how your dog is doing.
If your dog only has skin ulcers or sores, this is usually treated with topical ointments, while if Alabama Rot is suspected, vets will usually give antibiotics.
Unfortunately, the disease can only be confirmed by taking kidney samples after the dog has died.
Pet owners are always advised to take out insurance to help with veterinary bills in the event of accidents or illness.
You will need to check your policy to see if Alabama Rot is covered.
It is also best to check if there is a cap on the amount you can claim each year and you may not be fully covered for your treatment.
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It is not yet known what causes this condition
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Source: HIS Education