Urgent warning of ‘flesh-eating’ disease killing hundreds of dogs – as map shows areas worst affected

PET owners have been 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 the blood vessels in a dog’s skin and kidneys, according to the Kennel Club.

Owners are advised to take their dog to the vet immediately if they suspect Alabama Rot

The life-threatening, incurable disease, also known as CRGV (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy), sees dogs develop painful ulcers on their paws and legs and can often lead to kidney failure.

Unfortunately, most cases in veterinarians are fatal Anderson Moores recorded 292 cases since 2012.

Click on the link above to see if there has been a case near you.

Owners have been warned to be vigilant as there have been ten confirmed cases in Britain so far this year.

The disease first came to light in the US in the 1980s.

No other animals or people are affected by it.

While initially it was thought that it only had influence greyhoundsany race, age or size can get it.

Alabama However, rot is not contagious, so one dog cannot pass it on to another.

However, multiple dogs in the same household can contract the disease at the same time.

Because the cause of Alabama Rot is not yet known, it is difficult to diagnose and treat, but the condition is associated with wet and muddy conditions and there tends to be an increase in cases over time to see. winter And spring months.

Although the condition is rare, the Kennel Club warns that the number of cases “appears to be increasing”.

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However, this could be due to more dogs being affected, or vets and owners simply being more aware of the condition.

Because the cause of the disease is unknown, it’s difficult to prevent your dog from picking up the disease, but experts say:

keep your dog away from very muddy areas
wash and dry your dog after a walk if he gets wet or muddy.

It is also advisable to check your dog’s body every day for signs of sores or sores.

If you are concerned that your dog has Alabama Rot, the RSPCA recommends taking him to the vet as soon as possible.

Symptoms include skin ulcers, visible swelling, red spots or skin lesions not caused by a known injury, and loss of appetite, increased drinking, vomiting and lethargy.

Signs of Alabama Rot can appear on a dog’s body between one and ten days after infection.

There have been just under 300 cases in Britain

Kidney failure can occur immediately after the ulcers develop, so it is essential that you seek urgent treatment.

Unfortunately, there are no tests that can be performed to confirm Alabama Rot, but your vet will examine your dog’s skin and may perform some general blood and urine tests to see how well his kidneys are doing.

You may need to perform the general tests several times to check how your dog is doing.

If your dog only has skin sores or sores, this is usually treated with topical ointments, while if Alabama Rot is suspected, vets will usually provide this. antibiotics.

Unfortunately, the disease can only be confirmed by taking kidney samples after the dog has died.

Pet owners are always advised to bring along insurance to help with vet accounts in case of accidents or illness.

You’ll have to check your policy to see if it includes Alabama Rot.

It is also best to check if there is a limit to the amount you can claim annually and you may not be fully covered for the treatment.