Pet owners warned about killer bug Alabama Rot after cases were found in new parts of the country
THREE new cases have now been confirmed - two in counties previously unaffected
A PLAGUE like disease which can kill dogs has spread to new parts of the UK, experts warned today.
Three new cases of deadly Alabama Rot, a flesh eating bug, have been found - two in counties previously unaffected.
Cumbria, Devon and Monmouthshire, Wales, have now each reported a case, bringing the total up to 81 cases since 2012.
Neither Cumbria or Devon have ever reported any cases of the illness before.
Vets are now urging dog owners to take extra precautions when out walking their dogs this winter.
David Walker, from Anderson Moores veterinary specialists, said: “The cause of Alabama Rot, clinically known as idiopathic cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), is still unknown and sadly there is no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease.
“While there is currently no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease, there is a very useful guide available online to help people understand where in the UK confirmed cases have been found and advice on how to spot signs."
In total, 81 cases of Alabama Rot have now been confirmed, 17 in 2016 alone.
David added: “Only tests on a kidney from a dog suspected to be suffering from the disease will give 100 per cent confirmation of the disease.”
Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, added: “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.
“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.”
What is Alabama Rot and how can I spot it?
A disease of unknown cause that affects all breeds and doesn’t discriminate in terms of age or weight.
Skin lesions - sometimes circular and about the size of a five pence piece, and often with defect in the skin like an ulcer. They are often on the lower leg, below the knee and elbow.
Kidney (renal) failure – vomiting, tiredness and not eating. These are very vague symptoms and can represent a number of other conditions.
The average time from showing skin lesions to signs of kidney failure is three days but can be anywhere from 10 days to simultaneous presentation.