Urgent warning to dog owners over ‘flesh-eating’ disease as cases spike in UK – check 5 things to watch out for on walks
DOG owners have been urgently warned about a “flesh-eating” disease as cases have spiked in the UK.
The sickness damages a dog’s blood vessels in the skin and kidneys, which causes visible sores on the skin.
It can then lead to severe organ dysfunction and ultimately kidney failure.
Alabama rot, otherwise known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), is a very rare, potentially life-threatening disease in dogs.
Tiny blood clots form in the blood vessels which blocks them.
This causes the skin to form ulcers and severe organ dysfunction in the kidneys.
While some dogs just develop skin sores, others can develop kidney failure too.
Recovery is expected in this first group, according to vet experts Anderson Moores.
However, many dogs that get to the stage of kidney failure do not survive because of the disease.
Symptoms to look out for on your dogs include:
- Skin sores, visible swelling, red patch or skin defects not caused by a known injury. These skin lesions typically appear below the knee or elbow, and occasionally on the face or at the bottom of the chest or abdomen.
- Changes in appetite – reduced appetite, drinking more, vomiting and lethargy are signs of acute kidney injury.
The RSPCA have said: “Remember, the majority of visible skin lesions will not be caused by Alabama rot disease, and most cases of kidney failure will be a result of another cause.”
It added that while it’s extremely difficult to give advice about how to avoid Alabama rot, it recommends “washing off all mud following a wet and muddy walk, especially through woodland.”
If your dog begins showing symptoms, the RSPCA recommends that you “contact your vet immediately for further advice.”
It added: “If it is Alabama rot, early recognition and aggressive management are likely to have the best results.”
What causes the illness, however, is currently unknown, as is why some dogs seem to suffer more than others.
While diagnosis and treatment can be very difficult, there is active research ongoing to try and understand it more.
All that is known so far is that the disease is more common in winter and spring, and in dogs who walk in muddy, woodland areas.
While Alabama rot can affect any dog, whatever age or breed, the most affected groups have been Labradors, spaniels, and Hungarian vizslas.
Anderson Moores noted that although the disease can be very serious, the number of dogs affected with skin lesions and kidney failure is relatively low when compared to other canine illnesses.
The Winchester based vet specialist has been running research on the disease since 2012 and has a dedicated website offering advice and information, including an up-to-date map of UK cases.
Cases of Alabama Rot in the UK
Alabama Rot is an incredibly rare but potentially lethal disease that targets a dog's kidneys.
Between November 2012 and July 2021 there were just 277 confirmed cases across the UK.
91% of these cases were observed between November and May.
The UK has now seen 324 confirmed cases in total with 15 cases so far in 2024.
A live map of cases can be found on vet specialist Anderson Moores’ website.
The number of cases reported in the UK is extremely low, so there’s little reason to be worried.
Thousands of dogs are walked in the countryside every day, and it’s important to remember that only a very small number of dogs have been affected.
The threat is very low, and while there may be an environmental trigger, we can’t confirm that some areas are safer than others.
You have no need to panic, but you can visit Anderson Moores’ website for more information.
If you wish, you can also contribute to furthering research at The Alabama Rot Research Fund (ARRF).
Alabama rot is not the only disease to watch out for, however.
Five things to look out for when walking your dog
We list five things to look out for when walking your dog, according to pet insurance provider Animal Friends.
Fallen Leaves
While it’s fun to run through that pile of leaves on the floor, walking on the path beside it might be better for you and your pooch.
Hidden sticks and branches can cut or wound dogs, so don’t be tempted to throw the ball over the pile just in case!
As these leaves rot, they turn into a mouldy compost-like substance which contains bacteria and fungus, which can lead to stomach upset if your dog ingests the leaf mould.
So, make sure to clean your dog off after that cool autumn walk.
Conkers
While conkers tend to fall towards the end of September, a few strays find themselves on the ground a lot earlier than the rest, so keep your eyes peeled for these hazardous seeds.
While they might seem harmless once out of their spiky shells, they can block airways and contain a chemical that’s toxic to dogs so it’s best to steer clear of any conker trees on your walks.
Mushrooms
Most wild-growing mushrooms are harmless, however, there are a number of mushrooms that are toxic to dogs and humans.
The good thing is, most dogs will just avoid them, but any wild mushroom should be considered a risk to your dog on your walks.
It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Yew
While it might be a reminder of Christmas, the yew tree is a large, evergreen tree that can prove fatal for dogs and humans.
Their seeds are highly toxic and are hidden in a red, fleshy, edible, berry-like aril that might attract some curious sniffers.
Some florists even use yew to create wreaths at Christmas time, so be sure to avoid these.
Ivy
Ivy berries are an important plant for wildlife, but they’re poisonous for dogs and people.
The berries are bitter and black when ripened. Make sure your dog doesn’t go foraging for ivy berries while out and about on your walks.