Dog owners across the country are being urged to look out for the signs and symptoms of Alabama rot after seeing a spike in confirmed cases of the life-threatening disease.
The condition is rare but has continued to claim lives. According to Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialist, ten fatalities have been recorded this year.
Josh Walker, a vet at Anderson Moores said: “We know the disease is associated with increasing rainfall and increasing temperatures in the autumn.
"It might be that the very wet, slightly warmer November has led to a surge in cases - it's important for everyone to be aware of the signs."
What is Alabama rot?
Alabama rot, also known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease. It was thought to only affect greyhounds, but it’s now understood to affect all breeds.
The condition results in tiny blood clots forming in small vessels, leading to skin ulcers. In more severe cases, it can lead to micro-clots forming within the kidney, which can cause acute kidney failure.
How long has it been around?
The illness was first discovered in Alabama, US in the 1980s. In the UK, it has led to the death of 318 dogs since 2012, when the first confirmed cases began cropping up.
The disease is most common in the winter and spring, particularly in wet weather. Dog owners are advised to wash off mud properly after taking them for a walk.
What to do if your dog is affected
The RSPCA encourages dog owners to watch out for signs and symptoms of the disease, which include skin sores, lethargy and loss of appetite.
The animal charity also warns that the majority of skin sores will not be caused by Alabama rot and could be a result of other things such as bruises and cuts.
But what should you do if your dog has caught the disease? If you notice any of the symptoms in your dog, it is advised that you seek veterinary attention promptly.
Mr Walker said: "It's important for everyone to be aware of the signs. If you do see an unexplained lesion, particularly if your dog is unwell, go to your local vets.”
"Research is ongoing and we hope a cause will be forthcoming."
Can Alabama rot be cured?
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Alabama rot and research at the Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists and the Royal Veterinary College is still on-going to help understand the cause
