Alabama Rot RETURNS as heartbroken mother reveals dog killed by fresh outbreak
ALABAMA rot, the nightmarish flesh eating condition which can kill dogs has returned, with it believed to have claimed the life of a beloved pet.
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Dog owners are being urged to watch out for symptoms of the horrible infection, which can lead to a dog’s flesh rotting on the skin and occasionally mouth. Without treatment, it can lead to kidney failure and death.
The mother of the dog’s owner issued a warning after the death of the beloved pet in Manchester.
Writing in the Atherton Residents’ Association Facebook page, she said: “Absolutely heartbroken today, my daughter’s 14 yr dog Mia died today from Alabama Rot so just warning all you dog walkers take care this horrible infection is back again.”
Other cases have been reported recently in Leicestershire and Yorkshire.
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The cause of the disease, clinically known as idiopathic cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), is currently unknown, but most case diagnosed so far have been between November and May.
It first surfaced in the 1980s in America. Since 2012, at least 112 dogs have died from the illness in the UK.
Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at national veterinary service chain Vets4Pets, said: “The concern among vets in the UK is that, unlike the Alabama Rot that affected greyhounds in America, the disease in the UK does not seem to target any specific breed, age, sex or weight of dog.
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“Treatment is supportive, but is only successful in 20-30 per cent of cases, which is why we’re encouraging all dog owners to use the online interactive guide to help them understand the clinical signs and confirmed locations of Alabama Rot.
“The first sign that is normally seen is a skin sore that isn’t caused by a known injury. Most commonly these sores are found below the elbow or knee and appear as a distinct swelling, a patch of red skin or are open and ulcer-like.
“If a dog becomes affected the best outcome will probably come from early and intensive veterinary care, which has resulted in some dogs successfully recovering.
“Any dog owners who are worried that their pet might have Alabama Rot should contact their veterinary practice immediately.
Experts including David Walker, of Winchester-based Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, are working to try and find the causes.
He said: “The cause of Alabama Rot, clinically known as idiopathic cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), is still unknown and there is no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease.”
