Deadly dog disease hits Oldham

A new case of the deadly dog disease Alabama Rot has been confirmed in Oldham. 

Along with cases in Bolton and Somerset, these are the first of 2020 to be confirmed by veterinary specialist referral centre, Anderson Moores. 

In total, the UK has now seen 207 confirmed cases of Alabama Rot - also known as CRGV (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy) - across 43 counties since 2012. 

Alabama Rot is a disease that damages blood vessels in the skin and kidney. It causes blood to clot in the vessels which damages the lining and the delicate tissues of the kidneys. This causes ulcers on a dog's skin, but sadly it causes kidney failure in the kidneys, which can be fatal.

David Walker, the UK’s leading expert on the condition, from Anderson Moores, said: “We are sad to announce more cases from 2019, as we are now in the time of year when cases are most common.

“Further confirmed cases mean it is understandably very worrying for dog owners; however, this disease is still very rare, so we’re advising dog owners to remain calm but vigilant, and seek advice from their local vet if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.

“While there is currently no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease, any concerned dog owners should visit www.vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot/ for advice and a map of confirmed cases.”

Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, has been supporting research on the condition for a number of years, and is advising dog owners to contact their vet if they have any concerns.

He said: “While it is understandable that dog owners will be worried by Alabama Rot, it is still a very rare disease and we’d encourage owners to continue exercising their pet.

“If a dog becomes affected, the best chance of recovery lies with early and intensive veterinary care at a specialist facility such as Anderson Moores. 

“Treatment is supportive, but is only successful in around 20 percent of cases, which is why we’re encouraging all dog owners to use the online interactive guide to help them understand the clinical signs and confirmed locations of the condition, and visit a vet if they have any concerns.”