Deadly Dog Disease Called Alabama Rot Confirmed In Devon

Deadly Dog Disease Called Alabama Rot Confirmed In Devon

A new case of deadly dog disease, Alabama Rot, was discovered in Moreleigh in the South Hams and it’s a cause for concern for both vets and dog parents.

The new discovery puts the number of new cases to three after two more were confirmed in Epsom in Surrey, and Devizes in Wiltshire. This puts the total number of recorded cases in 2020 to 44. Since 2012, the UK has had 248 confirmed cases of the disease spread across 47 counties. Alabama Rot, also known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), is caused by damages in the skin and kidney blood vessels.

What’s especially worrying is that vets are yet to determine neither the cause of the disease nor the cure. Dr. Huw Stacey, vet, and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, acknowledges that the disease is unnerving but also points out that it is rare and so dog parents should not panic.

“While it is understandable that dog owners will be worried by Alabama Rot, it is still a very rare disease and we’d encourage owners to continue exercising their pet,” Stacey said. “If a dog becomes affected, the best chance of recovery lies with early and intensive veterinary care at a specialist facility such as Anderson Moores”

Dr. Huw Stacey’s words are a reiteration of a statement made by the UK’s leading expert on the disease, David Walker.

He said, “Further confirmed cases mean it is understandably very worrying for dog owners; however, this disease is still very rare, so we’re advising dog owners to remain calm but vigilant, and seek advice from their local vet if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions”

Worried dog parents can visit www.vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot/ for more information on the disease and to also access the map for confirmed cases.

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