Dog owners on high alert as deadly ‘Rot’ disease spreads

Dog owners throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom have been warned to be extra vigilant after it was revealed that a deadly canine disease is spreading.

Alabama Rot, or idiopathic cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), results in painful lesions on the dog's skin and eventually develops into kidney and liver failure. The disease, which has a fatality rate of 90 percent, originated in the USA 30 years ago but at that stage it only appeared to affect greyhounds. At least 20 cases, affecting all breeds of dog, were confirmed in the UK in 2016. Though it is not believed to be spread from dog to dog, pet owners have been advised to rinse their pets clean with plenty of water after walking in the mud to reduce the chance of infection. David Walker, from Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, warned:

“We have a strong suspicion Alabama Rot has an environment trigger but we cannot confirm that with 100 per cent confidence. “The suspicion is that whatever causes this disease is ingested orally. “It’s difficult to say ‘don’t walk within a geographical areas’ because we don’t know what happened prior to developing signs and where the dog picked it up."

Anyone who suspects their dog is unwell, suffering from loss of appetite, vomiting or lesions on their legs or lower body, is advised to contact their vet immediately.