Dog owners warned to remain vigilant after Alabama Rot death

Vets have warned dog owners not to let their pets play in muddy areas following the death of a retriever which contracted a rare disease.

Vets are urging owners to take precautions after several dogs, including this lurcher in Manchester, contracted Alabama Rot. Picture: Woodcroft

The dog died in the Borders town of Galashiels after developing Alabama Rot, which causes skin lesions and can lead to kidney failure.

It is thought to be only the second recorded case in Scotland, although there 
have been 150 confirmed 
cases in the UK as a whole since 2012.

The family pet, whose owners have asked not to be named, was playing in and around local rivers, including the Tweed, in days before she became affected.

She developed skin lesions on her legs and was taken to Border Vets, but she deteriorated and it was not possible to save her.

Also known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), Alabama Rot was first detected in the UK in 2012 and the number of cases has risen each year.

There have been more than 150 confirmed cases, including 29 cases in 2018.

The condition causes dogs to develop skin wounds or ulcers, most commonly on the limbs or face, and in 
some cases it can cause severe kidney failure which is often fatal.

As well as skin lesions, signs can include increased thirst and urination, vomiting and lethargy.

Mel Broad, clinical director at Borders Vets, said: “We are sad to report a confirmed case of Alabama Rot in a lovely young retriever dog from our area.

“She became unwell a few days after developing a skin sore on her lower leg.

“As a profession, vets still don’t know what the underlying cause of Alabama Rot is but it might be a bacteria contracted from water or muddy ground.

“The first sign is usually a sore on the legs, belly or face which might be bald, swollen, moist and quite red looking.

“The infection then causes irreversible kidney failure so almost all dogs affected will sadly die.”

Border Vets is urging dog owners not to panic but to take precautions by not allowing their pet to play in muddy areas and to wash them down after walks.

Ms Broad added: “Our advice is to try to avoid infection in the first place so we recommend avoiding letting your dog play in muddy areas and if they do get wet or dirty on a walk then wash them when you get home.

“Check them for any scrapes or sores and ask your vet to check out any wounds, especially ones you can’t explain.”