Dog walkers have been warned of a “flesh-eating” disease affecting pets, as vets warned owners to take extra precautions on muddy walks. The urgent warning comes following an outbreak of the potentially fatal disease, known as Alabama Rot or CRVG, which can cause dog’s flesh to rot, hit the UK last year. The rare illness can block blood vessels in your dog’s kidneys and skin.
This is what you should look out for. Symptoms of Alabama Rot The first symptoms of Alabama rot are usually lesions, ulcers, or sores that typically appear on the lower leg, stomach and face. Your dog will lick at the wound, which might cause baldness.
Within a couple of days, your dog could show signs of kidney failure which include a lack of appetite, being sick, and unusual tiredness. Catrin George, animal wellbeing specialist at Animal Friends Pet Insurance explains: “Alabama rot is a disease that causes blood to clot in the blood vessels, which leads to kidney damage and can sadly result in kidney failure. “While the exact cause of Alabama rot is not yet known, dogs may be at risk on autumn walks as it's suspected that the disease spreads from wet, muddy and wooded areas.
Unfortunately, the only prevention advice from vets is to make sure to wash your dog following any wet and muddy walks. “If your dog is showing any of these symptoms without an obvious injury, it’s time to visit the vet.” What causes Alabama rot? The exact cause of Alabama rot is unknown, although research is ongo.