Outbreak of Alabama Rot, a Flesh-Eating Disease in Dogs, Sweeps Across UK

Your Pets Daily Editor — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Alabama rot is a disease that can sadly be fatal to dogs. With a recent spike in UK cases, veterinarian Dr Corinne Wigfall at Petsure shares her expert tips on how to prevent the disease. Plus, how you can spot symptoms quickly if you think your dog might have picked it up.

Dr Corinne Wigfall says, "Alabama rot causes clots to form in small blood vessels. It starts as skin lesions and can tragically lead to kidney failure for some dogs.

"With cases of Alabama rot increasing in the UK, it's crucial to be aware of the tell-tale signs. The disease can affect any dog, regardless of age or breed."

Be mindful of where you walk your dog

There is currently no confirmed research as to how Alabama rot picked up. Some researchers suggest it may be caused by bacteria like E.coli. Others report a link between dogs getting the disease and having recently been out in muddy woodland areas.

Try to avoid walking your dog in wet, humid and muddy environments. If your dog has been rolling around in the woods, make sure you thoroughly clean and dry their coat. You can check recent reports and avoid the areas suffering the most from Alabama rot.

Check your dog daily

A lack of confirmed knowledge of the disease makes it tricky to give specific prevention advice. Sadly, there's no vaccination available for Alabama rot.

Make sure to check your pup daily for any lesions or bumps. Look for raised, circular sores and ulcers on the skin, as these are the main symptoms. Your dog's face, legs, and paws are the most commonly affected body parts, so give those a thorough check. They might have a dark centre and bruises, so watch out for these too.

Watch your dog's behaviour

The earlier you catch wind of symptoms, the better. Other signs to watch out for are lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, increased urination, and, rarely, bodily stiffness. Get your dog checked by your vet if they're acting differently or you spot something unusual.

Get treatment

If you think your dog might have Alabama rot, or you've noticed any of the above symptoms, take your pup to the vet straight away. If Alabama rot isn't treated as soon as possible, it could reach the kidneys within a few days of skin lesions appearing.

The vet will ask questions about the symptoms you've noticed, inspect the wounds, and take blood or urine samples. They may give your dog antibiotics to stop or treat an infection in the wounds. If the vet is concerned about possible kidney damage, intravenous fluids will be started straight away to help protect the kidneys. This means your pooch will need to stay at the veterinary clinic for treatment.

Alabama Rot - 10 Confirmed Cases In 2024 - Dog Expert Explains Cause, Symptoms, and Treatment

Your Pets Daily Editor — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000

2024 has already seen 10 confirmed cases of Alabama rot in the UK, which can cause ulcers, kidney failure and can even be fatal if left untreated.

Dog experts Kennel Store have explained what causes Alabama rot, what the signs and symptoms are and the dangers if dogs are affected.

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.

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?

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.

Your Pets Daily - Alabama Rot