Dog walkers have been warned of a “flesh-eating” disease affecting pets, as new cases were confirmed in the UK.
The urgent warning comes following an outbreak of the potentially fatal disease, known as Alabama Rot or CRVG, which can cause dog’s flesh to rot.
The rare illness can block blood vessels in your dog’s kidneys and skin.
A number of cases have been reported this year in Wales, Scotland and the North of England.
Dog experts from Kennel Store warned: “Alabama rot, also known as CRGV (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy), is a very rare but potentially life-threatening disease that blocks and damages the blood vessels in a dog's skin and kidneys.
“Dogs affected by Alabama rot often develop ulcers or sores (typically on the bottom part of the leg) and generally go on to develop kidney failure, which is often fatal.”
Kennel Store experts explained what causes Alabama Rot, the signs and symptoms, and the dangers if dogs are affected.
This is everything you need to know.
What causes Alabama rot?
The exact cause of Alabama rot is unknown, although research is ongoing. Most reports come from dog owners who walk their dogs in the countryside, and most cases are reported during winter and spring.
Cases are generally less common in the summer months compared to the winter months. The first case was reported in America, in the 1980s and at first it was thought to only affect Greyhounds.
It is now understood to affect all breeds, ages and sizes of dog.
What are the symptoms of Alabama rot?
- Skin ulcers that can appear on the legs or paws (these marks may appear as an area of redness, but could also present as a bruise, sting or an open sore)
- Ulcers may also develop on the muzzle, tongue, head, flank and belly
- Changes in appetite such as reduced appetite, excessive drinking, vomiting and lethargy are signs of acute kidney injury
How can you protect your dog from Alabama rot?
Wash all mud off following wet and muddy walks, especially if you’ve gone through woodland areas.
What is the treatment for Alabama rot?
Due to the underlying cause of Alabama rot still being unknown, there is no specific treatment. If your dog is showing symptoms of Alabama rot, it’s vital your dog is taken to the vets promptly, so a plan can be decided and treatment can begin. “
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel