Alabama Rot

A short update and some facts to respond to recent, worrying local news:

• Alabama rot (CRGV/ cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy) has first been discovered in the USA in the 1980s (predominantly in Greyhounds).
• Up to date (April 2021) there have been 277 confirmed cases of Alabama rot in the UK (Countryfile magazine).
• The causative agent of Alabama rot is currently unknown and there is no known treatment for the disease.
• Most lesions noticed on your animal's extremities and face are minor injuries and have got nothing to do with Alabama rot.
• Most vets would prescribe antibiotics and nonsteroidals to treat wounds, but there is no evidence that this is protecting your dog of Alabama rot.
• There have been reports of fast progressing cases of Alabama rot, with presentation of smelly, extensive wounds and others of smaller lesions, apparently healing after initial treatment.
• Death occurs due to kidney failure in the later stages.
• There is no evidence that Alabama rot is a zoonosis (can spread to humans).
• The only way to diagnose Alabama rot is by histological examination of the kidneys (obtained during a post mortem examination). This can take up to three weeks. A blood test at your vet's can only diagnose kidney failure, which can occur due to a number of reasons.

We have information leaflets available at reception and would advice all dog owners to check their animals after each walk. Should any lesions be present on the extremities, we advice to clean these thoroughly and desinfect them thereafter.