Deadly dog disease Alabama Rot confirmed in Cheltenham

Four more cases of the deadly dog disease Alabama Rot have been confirmed in the UK, with one in Cheltenham.

There is no way of preventing your dog catching, cutaneous renal glomerular vasculopathy, often termed CRGV or Alabama Rot, and treatment is only successful in 20 per cent of cases.

An update from veterinary specialists Anderson Moores revealed that a further four cases had been spotted, with one in Gloucestershire.

A spokesman for the organisation said: “Unfortunately, we have to confirm a further four cases of cutaneous renal glomerular vasculopathy (often termed CRGV and sometimes known as Alabama Rot).

“The cases were from Ivybridge (Devon), Oakham (Rutland), Cookstown (County Tyrone) and Cheltenham (Gloucestershire).

"This brings the total number of confirmed CRGV cases to 204 since 2012, with 29 in 2019.”

Alabama Rot causes damage to the blood vessels of the skin and kidneys. Canines infected with the disease suffer from skin ulcers, kidney failure and even death.

It’s thought that the disease is picked up on the paws and legs on muddy walks, and owners are encouraged to wash off woodland mud.

This information on Alabama Rot - or Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) is provided by Anderson Moores veterinary specialists.

What is CRGV?

CRGV is a disease caused by damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidney. It causes tiny blood clots to form in the blood vessels which blocks them and can ultimately lead to damage of the affected tissue. In the skin, this causes ulceration; however, in the kidney it can lead to severe organ dysfunction (kidney failure).

What causes CRGV?

The cause at this time remains unknown but investigations are ongoing.

How do I stop my dog from getting CRGV?

Unfortunately, as the cause is currently unknown, it is very difficult to give specific advice about prevention. You may wish to consider bathing any area of your dog which becomes wet or muddy on a walk; however, at this stage we do not know if this is necessary or of any benefit.

Where should I walk my dog to avoid CRGV?

Cases of CRGV have been reported from across many different counties in the UK and we are not currently advising dog owners to avoid any particular locations. Although an environmental cause for this disease is considered possible it has not been proven with testing to date.

How will I know if my dog gets CRGV?

Unexplained redness, sores or swelling of the skin (particularly on the paws or legs but also the body, face, tongue or mouth) are often the first sign of this disease. It is important to remember that most of the time a skin problem will NOT be caused by CRGV; however, the lesions in CRGV can be difficult to distinguish from cuts, wounds, stings or bites, so if in doubt it is better to seek veterinary advice. Even if the skin changes are caused by CRGV, many dogs will not develop kidney problems and will recover fully.

KEY MESSAGE: although CRGV can be very serious, the number of dogs affected with skin lesions and kidney failure remains low (94 confirmed cases across the UK between November 2012 and April 2017).

How is CRGV treated?

If your dog develops a skin lesion your vet will be able to advise you on the most appropriate management. Your vet will decide if your dog needs antibiotics and if the area needs covering. Some forms of painkiller (called non-steroidals) may be best avoided. Dogs developing kidney failure (which is called acute kidney injury) will need much more intensive management and your vet may recommend referral to a specialist.

How to follow Gloucestershire Live

Sign up to our daily newsletter - To get the latest headlines direct to your email inbox every day, click here.

Follow Gloucestershire Live on Facebook - Like our Facebook page to get the latest news in your feed and join in the lively discussions in the comments. Click here to give it a like.

Follow us on Twitter - For breaking news and the latest stories, click here to follow Gloucestershire Live on Twitter.

Follow us on Instagram - On the Gloucestershire Live Instagram page we share gorgeous pictures of our stunning county - and if you tag us in your posts, we could repost your picture on our page. Our Instagram Stories are also full of the best things happening in the county. Click here to follow Gloucestershire Live on Instagram.

Download our app - it's completely free and you'll be the first to know about any breaking news. Search 'Gloucestershire Live' in your Apple App Store or Google Play Store.