Alabama Rot

12th April 2018

The first thing to say, before you read one more word is,

If you suspect your dog is unwell or has any kind of unexplained skin lesions, please go directly to your local vets.

Petpals are NOT experts in Alabama Rot, we are not vets and Petpals staff do not receive any veterinary training from us. This article is here purely to bring together some of the main facts already available in the public arena, concerning this rare (0.0003%) but distressing condition.

Many of our clients have been asking us, ‘how can I stop my dog catching Alabama Rot?’ and ‘What are Petpals doing to ensure my dog doesn’t develop Alabama Rot?’ Understandable questions and ones that we hope to answer below although be warned, there is no one size fits all answer.

Alabama Rot Experts

Veterinary specialists Anderson Moores have done extensive research into Alabama Rot or, to give it its correct clinical name Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV for short) over the last three years. They are currently considered the foremost authority on the condition in the UK, therefore we are basing all of our answers on the information currently available (5 April 2018) on their website. We would recommend you visit this page as well, to read their answers to questions such as:

• What is CRGV?
• What causes CRGV?
• How do I stop my dog from getting CRGV?
• Where should I walk my dog to avoid CRGV?
• How will I know if my dog gets CRGV?
• How is CRGV treated?
• Can dogs get CRGV all year round?
• Does CRGV affect other animals or humans?

They have also produced a document ‘Alabama Rot notes for owners’. In this more detailed document David Walker and Laura Holm of Anderson Moores answer further questions such as ‘Is CRGV caused by, E.coli, Leptospirosi, Lymes Disease, Giant Hogweed, Fish Bacteria, Military Ordnance or Radioactivity?’

Alabama Rot Map

You may have heard of a map showing the locations of all affected dogs/areas across the UK. This has been created by Vets4Pets who are keeping it updated when a new case of CRGV is confirmed. Click below to access the map and see if your area is affected.

http://www.vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot/

Presuming by now you have read the two documents we’ve directed you to from Anderson Moores and looked at the map, you now know as much as we do about Alabama Rot.

But what about my dog?

As loving dog owners all we really want to know is ‘What can I do to keep my pet safe?’ Unfortunately there really isn’t an answer to that; the truth is no one knows how to stop it or how to avoid it and it is up to each individual to make their own decision.

Going back to the experts, and despite banner headlines in recent newspaper articles, Anderson Moores say:

• Washing dogs after a walk might be a sensible precaution but it is unknown as to whether this is necessary and of any benefit
  
• There is no evidence that dogs can catch CRGV from each other
• There is no evidence that they can catch it from a place where an infected dog has been (eg kennel, boarder, groomer)

What are Petpals doing to address the issue of Alabama Rot and protecting the dogs they walk and board?

In light of all the information you have read above we hope you will understand there is very little we can do, apart from avoid known outbreak areas and remain vigilant to skin legions and sores on the dogs we care for and walk. Alongside this we will stay right up to date with the latest advice from Anderson Moores and pass this on to our Petpals teams and our followers on social media, the moment we get any new information.

Fundraising to find a cure for Alabama Rot/CRGV

There is one main charity in place to fund research into Alabama Rot, the New Forest Owners Group, who give funds directly to Anderson Moores to continue the research work they do into the condition. Petpals will be making a donation to the fund to help them find a cure to this nasty condition. To make a donation visit: https://www.newforestdog.org.uk/nfdog-research-fund

Finally, to put things into perspective, although distressing, Alabama Rot is still a very rare condition. There have been 29 cases confirmed so far in 2018, out of the 8.5 million dogs in the UK*, that equates to 0.0003% of dogs in the UK contracting it. Although we completely understand some people’s fears, please don’t stop enjoying your walks, the chances of your dog contracting Alabama Rot/CRGV are extremely rare.

Petpals x

ENDS                                                                                                                                                     12 April 2018

* https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs – 8.5 million dogs in the UK

For further information:
Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists

• The Granary, Bunstead Barns, Poles Lane, Hursley, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 2LL
• Reception: 01962 767920   Fax: 01962 775909
• Website: https://www.andersonmoores.com/home/
• Alabama Rot Page: https://www.andersonmoores.com/owner/CRGV.php
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VetSpecialists
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/VetSpecialists
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AndersonMoores

New Forest Owners Group

• Website: https://www.newforestdog.org.uk/
• Fundraising Page: https://www.newforestdog.org.uk/nfdog-research-fund
• PayPal Donation Link: Click Here
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/@nfdogroup
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nfdog/

Vets4Pets

• Website: https://www.vets4pets.com/
• Alabama Rot Page: http://www.vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vets4PetsGroup
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/vets4petsgroup