By Chris Williamson-
Dog owners are being warned about a new disease plaguing dogs with kidney failure.
Alabama Rot is a mysterious disease in dogs that is very difficult to treat. Its symptoms include skin ulcers which can lead to renal (kidney) failure.
Not much is known about Alabama Rot, and some vets believe it could be a type of bacteria, whilst others think it could be a parasite.
Many vets across the UK suspect it to be a toxin released from E. coli bacteria commonly found in the manure of animals such like cattle and sheep. In many cases, many dogs suddenly lose their appetite for food reflecting a level of tiredness not expected given the level of care given to them. In other cases, they show symptoms of depression and vomit for no known reason.
There are currently eight confirmed cases in London. Affected areas include Putney, Southfields, East Molesey, Harrow and Fetcham. Experts recommend that dogs are properly washed after muddy walks. Clinically known as idiopathic cutaneous and renel glomerular vasculepathy or CRGV, first appeared in the United States in 1980. Alabama rot was first identified in Alabama and was believed to be limited to the Greyhound breed, suggesting a genetic link to the disease. The disease was first observed in the UK in 2012, and by 2014, 44 cases of the disease had been reported in the UK. Only a small percentage of the overall number of dogs have been reported to have the disease, but this does not make it any less serious for dog owners to be alerted.
Many dog owners are unaware of Alabama rot and may be taken by surprise upon observing any of the symptoms in their dog. Owners who notice any of the symptoms are advised to contact are vet immediately for advise.
The actual cause of the disease is not yet known, but its existence is still worth noting. Most signs of Alabama rot appear as a sore or swelling below the elbow or the knee. Vets4Pets are campaign to increase awareness of the illness. A spokesperson said in a statement “Alabama Rot is a doggy disease of unknown cause that affects all breeds and doesn’t discriminate in terms of age and weight.”