22 February 2024 , 12:36
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Dog owners are being warned about confirmed cases of the deadly Alabama Rot across the UK.
This incurable disease causes painful sores on a dog's paws and legs, often leading to kidney failure. Early intervention is crucial as most cases sadly end in death. Since 2012, there have been 318 confirmed cases in the UK, with 10 already recorded in 2024, according to Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists.
The disease, also known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), was first reported in America in the 1980s and was initially thought to only affect greyhounds. Wet and muddy conditions have been linked to the disease, so dog owners should be extra careful during rainy and damp winter weather.
Alabama Rot is a disease that can affect any breed, age or size of dog. It first damages the blood vessels in the skin, which can then lead to kidney damage. Alabama rot is not contagious, meaning one dog cannot pass it on to another. However, several dogs from the same household can contract the disease, likely from walking in an area where the disease is present, reports My London.
Alabama Rot is a disease that only affects dogs, so humans and other animals are safe from it. It's quite rare, so dog owners shouldn't let the fear of it stop them from having fun outdoors with their pets. To view the interactive map showing all the recorded cases, click here.
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What causes Alabama Rot?
We don't know exactly what causes Alabama Rot yet, but some research suggests it might be linked to muddy woods and wet walks. It seems like dogs might get the disease from something on the ground. Most cases happen in winter and spring, with fewer in the summer.
Signs and symptoms in your dog
The RSPCA says dog owners should call their vet straight away if they see signs of Alabama Rot. These include:
- Skin sores, visible swelling, red patches or skin defects not caused by a known injury
- Changes in appetite - reduced appetite, drinking more, vomiting and lethargy are signs of acute kidney injury
Alabama rot can show up on a dog's body between one and 10 days after they've been exposed to it. Kidney failure can happen right after sores appear on a dog, so it's really important to get treatment as soon as possible.
How can it be prevented?
Since we don't fully understand what causes Alabama Rot, experts are not completely sure how to prevent it either. But for now, the advice is to always clean and dry your dog after walks. Lots of dogs love rolling in mud and playing in water, where they might pick up harmful germs.
Dog owners should clean their pet's paws after every walk, especially if they've been near water or mud. It's also a good idea to check your dog's body every day for any ulcers or sores.
How to treat it
If your dog has skin ulcers or sores, the Kennel Club suggests using topical ointments. If Alabama Rot is suspected, vets will usually give antibiotics and check the dog's kidney function. If the dog's kidneys are affected, then the vet will need to keep an eye on the dog. Alabama Rot can only be confirmed after a dog has passed away through kidney samples. This means we don't know the survival rates.
Will pet insurance cover Alabama Rot?
Whether your pet insurance covers Alabama rot depends on your policy. It's important to have insurance to help with vet bills in case of accidents or illness. Some policies only cover accidents, so you wouldn't be covered if your pet gets sick, even with Alabama rot. But if your insurance covers illness, it should cover Alabama rot.
However, if there's a limit on how much you can claim each year, you might not be fully covered for treatment. It's best to check with your provider before taking out or changing your insurance.