If you are a dog owner, this is one disease you absolutely need to know about! Alabama rot is not something I had heard about until a couple of years ago. It was causing havoc in the dog population as its effects were sweeping across the United States. The disease has been spreading more widely around the UK in recent months. We thought it was essential to give you some more information, so that you can know your enemy and act accordingly to try to protect your dog.
What is Alabama rot?
This flesh-eating disease has the medical name cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy, but is known widely as Alabama rot. The first cases of this disease appeared in the state of Alabama in the United States about 30 years ago. Cases are now being seen across the UK. Although still rare for a dog to contract the disease in the UK, there is a high mortality rate for those that do.
How do dogs contract this disease?
It is thought to be a bacterial infection that a dog acquires from walking in muddy areas. Cases of the disease appear to be highest between the months of November and June.
How can I tell if my dog has Alabama rot?
If a dog contracts the disease it has lesions and sore patches that develop on legs, paws and the abdomen – any area that has been in direct contact with mud. The dog may want to lick the wounds constantly. He may also show signs of tiredness and have a lack of appetite. He may vomit. This could indicate that the dog’s kidneys have also been affected by the disease.
How to keep your dog healthy?
So far, the best advice is to wash your dog’s legs and feet thoroughly after going on muddy walks in the countryside. Let’s face it, keeping your dog mud-free at this time of year can be an almost impossible task. However, there are things that you can do to make cleaning up easier. A vehicle-specific rubber boot mat such as the Travall Liner can make it simpler to clean the mud out of your car boot after every excursion. You can jet spray or wipe it over in a jiffy.
What to do if you suspect your dog has Alabama rot?
Take your dog to the vet immediately for an assessment. Your vet will be able to advise on an appropriate course of treatment, but be aware that only a small number of dogs are able to survive this disease. Also, ensure that you give the vet details of the locations where you have walked your dog.
Information given in this article is not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional. Please consult a vet for advice specific to your dog.
