Disease that ‘will kill your dog in 10 days’

First cases of Alabama rot in Scotland

VETS have confirmed the first Scottish cases of a deadly disease that rots the flesh of dogs. Three pets have been infected north of the Border in the past year, at least one of which has died.

Alabama rot, a disease which is picked up on dog’s paws and legs during muddy walks, can cause kidney failure in only ten days.

It originates in the US but was discovered in Britain around three years ago.

The condition causes tiny clots in blood vessels, which can lead to ulcers on the skin and eventually kidney failure.

There have been at least 61 confirmed cases of Alabama rot – also known as CRGV – in England, resulting in dozens of dogs dying or being put down.

Now the disease has spread to Scotland and vets are urging dog owners to ‘be vigilant’.

An online blog, posted by the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies states that there have been three confirmed cases north of the Border in the past year.

It reads: ‘All the dogs came from different places, and there is no association with any one site.

‘There is no reason to believe that owners should avoid walk- ing their dogs in any particular area. The number of cases is still very low but we would advise dog owners and veterinary surgeons to be aware of the condition and be vigilant.’

It adds: ‘ The initial lesions include inflammation, reddening, sores, swelling, bruising and ulcers. These usually affect the feet and lower limbs, but can be seen around the face and in the mouth.

‘Alabama rot can lead to acute kidney i njury ( AKI) causing kidney failure within ten days of the initial skin wounds.’

The blog urges that dogs with suspected AKI should be taken to a vet as soon as possible, as they will require urgent specialist care.

A veterinary practice in Loanhead, Midlothian, confirmed the first known fatal case of Alabama rot in Scotland.

ICR Vets said: ‘We can confirm t hat we t r eated a case of Alabama rot at the start of March. The disease is almost always fatal and our case sadly did not make it.

‘We are not advising any areas to avoid as we don’t know where the disease has come from, but the best advice is to wash and dry dogs’ feet after walks, and to be vigilant checking your dogs for new skin lesions.’

The cause of Alabama rot is at present unknown, which means there is nothing that can be done to prevent the condition.

However, most cases are recorded between November and May, suggesting that cold, wet weather may play a role.

The prognosis for animals who are treated before kidney failure is good, and most dogs will make a full recovery if their wounds are tended to.

However, most dogs with kidney failure succumb despite treatment. Dr Tim Nuttall, head of dermatology at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: ‘Our advice to owners is not to panic but be vigilant.

‘If you spot anything of concern, take your dog to a vet as soon as possible.’

The disease was first identified in the US in the 1980s when i t appeared t o only affect greyhounds. However, it now seems to strike dogs irrespective of breed or age.

‘Owners and vets should be vigilant’