DOG OWNERS ADVISED TO BE AWARE OF ALABAMA ROT AS THE RARE BUT DEADLY FLESH EATING DISEASE KILLS TWO MORE DOGS

There are fresh warnings to dog owners about Alabama Rot after two more dogs have died in the UK this month, taking the total this year so far to five as we head in to what is considered to be the time of year when the rare but deadly disease is most prevalent.

The latest cases have been identified in Bristol and Devon and although infections remain rare, dog owners across the country are being advised on what signs to look for should their dog become ill.

The two new confirmed cases follow 28 throughout 2021 and 47 in 2020, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the UK to 284.

David Walker, RCVS and EBVS European specialist in small animal internal medicine, leads the team at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Winchester, He said:

Quote

 

“We’re very sad to confirm two further cases of CRGV. Unfortunately, we find ourselves in the time of year when cases are most commonly identified.

“It is understandably worrying for dog owners; however, I must stress this disease is still very rare. We’re advising dog owners across the country to remain calm but vigilant and to seek advice from their local vets if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.”

 

What is Alabama Rot?

Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV or ‘Alabama rot’) is a serious disease which has only recently been recognised in dogs in the UK.

It causes lesions on the skin and occasionally in the mouth, which can look like bites, sores, wounds or stings. Some dogs go on to develop life-threatening kidney failure.

Any age, sex, or breed of dog can be affected. CRGV is a disease caused by damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidney. 

It causes tiny blood clots to form in the blood vessels which blocks them and can ultimately lead to damage of the affected tissue. In the skin, this causes ulceration; however, in the kidney it can lead to severe organ dysfunction (kidney failure).

What is CRGV? CRGV is a disease caused by damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidney. It causes tiny blood clots to form in the blood vessels which blocks them and can ultimately lead to damage of the affected tissue. In the skin, this causes ulceration; however, in the kidney it can lead to severe organ dysfunction
(kidney failure).

Symptoms

The first symptoms of Alabama Rot are skin lesions, ulcers or sores, not caused by any known injury. These appear on the legs, body, mouth or tongue (see column on right). The dog will lick at the sores. Within days, dogs get symptoms of acute kidney injury (vomiting, reduced hunger or unusual tiredness).

Treatment & Cure?

At the moment there is no vaccination available for the disease as the underlying cause is still unknown.

Sadly 90% of dogs which contract the disease succumb to it, with only 10% making a recovery.

Prevention

At the moment there is no real advice regarding how to prevent your dog catching the disease as the cause of it is still unknown.

If you suspect your dog to have contracted it then you should contact the RSPCA or your local Vet surgery immediately, if you have other dogs then separate them to avoid the infection spreading to them.

It should also be noted that at this time of year ticks and parasites are prevalent and can cause skin rashes and hair loss on dogs. Before fearing the worst, get your pet checked out to be on the safe side.