For dog owners, looking after their beloved pet and ensuring they're safe and healthy is a top priority.
But as a potentially deadly disease continues to sweep across the UK, it is more important than ever to keep on top of your dog's health.
CRGV, commonly known as Alabama Rot, is a canine disease of unknown causes that affects all breeds, ages and weights of dogs.
If the disease isn't spotted early enough it can lead to a sudden and potentially fatal kidney failure.
According to a map by Vets4Pets, there have been two confirmed cases of Alabama Rot within 20 miles of Essex as of January 13, 2019.
The majority of dogs who have been treated for CRGV in the UK have been walked in muddy and/or woodland areas.
According to animal charity Blue Cross, more cases are reported between November and May than during the rest of the year, suggesting dogs are more likely to be affected during winter and spring.
It also means dog owners should be taking extra precautions at this time of year to give their dog the best possible chance of avoiding the disease.
What are the key signs of Alabama Rot?
If you think your dog may have contracted CRGV, or you want to look out for the possible symptoms, these are the key signs of the disease:
- Skin lesions - These will often appear as a distinct swelling, a patch of red skin or open and ulcer like. They can often be found on the face, belly and legs of the dog.
- Sore skin - Skin sores that haven't been caused by any known injury commonly found below the elbow or knee could well be a sign of your dog having the disease.
- Kidney failure - Within 2-7 days of contracting CRGV there will often be outward signs of kidney failure, including vomiting, reduced hunger and unusual tiredness.
Between January and March last year, 29 dogs were killed by the disease, and it was feared that number would surge due to the spring's wet weather.
Unfortunately, the cause or causes of Alabama Rot are still unknown, so there is no definite way to stop your dog from contracting the disease.
There have also been cases of closely associated dogs becoming affected.
Is it a problem in Essex?
There have been two confirmed cases within 20 miles of Essex, and given the nature of how quickly the disease can be moved around and picked up, it's worth taking extra care after walking your dog.
The two confirmed cases close to Essex are:
Much Hadham, four miles from Bishop's Stortford.
Stanstead Abbotts, five miles from Harlow town centre. This case was picked up after the dog was walked in the Bencroft Wood area of Broxbourne.
What steps should I take to protect my dog?
While there isn't a known cause of the disease, there are ways to give your dog the best possible chance of avoiding Alabama Rot:
- Know the warning signs - This is key to treating the disease. If caught early then your vet can evaluate if your dog has contracted CRGV.
- Wash off woodland mud - The majority of cases are reported after dogs are taken for walks in muddy, woodland areas. Make sure you wash your dog thoroughly to ensure all woodland mud has been removed following a walk.
- Check for symptoms - Always be on the look out for the common symptoms, and if you're in any doubt call the vet.
How would your vet diagnose CRGV?
Your vet will first need to examine your dog’s general health.
Keeping detailed records of what signs of illness your dog exhibited and when those signs were discovered will help your vet to narrow the possible causes.
Next, your vet will want to examine any skin sores to try to determine how they could have been caused. Your vet may then run one or more blood and urine tests to evaluate kidney function.
These may need to be repeated over several days to establish whether there are any trends that would indicate a deterioration in health.
If a dog becomes infected with Alabama Rot, the best outcome results from early and intensive veterinary care. Your vet will treat the skin sores and kidney failure and may need to refer your dog to a specialist hospital.
Although some affected dogs have successfully recovered after treatment, sadly others did not survive the disease.
If you think your dog may have any of the clinical signs listed you should contact your vet immediately.
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