How common is Lungworm & Alabama rot?
from the Kennel Club
Lungworm
is what we call an 'emerging' disease: it's gradually becoming more common. Until recently it only appeared in select 'hot
spots' in the south of the UK, but over the last few years, it's been
successfully identified in various parts of the country. It's unclear
exactly what's caused this spread (and that of other parasites,
including ticks), but increased movement of pets around the country, and
abroad, as well as greater contact between wildlife and the urban
environment are all thought to be very influential factors.
Not every snail or slug carries the disease and lungworm's
geographical limitations means infection is currently relatively
uncommon, but it does rear its head from time to time; and in extreme
cases, causes death of infected patients, so it is potentially extremely
serious.
Alabama Rot
Alabama rot, also known as CRGV (Cutaneous and Renal
Glomerular Vasculopathy), is a very rare potentially life-threatening diseasethat blocks and damages the blood vessels in a dog’s skin and kidneys. Affecteddogs will often develop ulcers or sores on the bottom part of their legs and
will go on to develop kidney failure, which is often fatal. At the moment the
only way to confirm Alabama rot is by analysing tissue from the dog’s kidney
after it has died.
What causes Alabama rot?
The cause of Alabama rot is not known and so unfortunately
diagnosing and treating an affected dog can be very difficult. Many of the dogs
that died from Alabama rot had been walking in muddy woodland areas during
winter and spring months, so it’s thought that wet muddy conditions may somehow
be linked to the cause.
How common is Alabama rot?
Alabama rot is a well-publicised, but very rare disease that
is known to have affected around 150 dogs in the UK between November 2012 and
March 2018. Reports of Alabama rot seem to be on the increase, which may be
because more dogs are becoming affected, or that vets and owners are more aware
of the condition.
Where is Alabama rot found in the
UK?
When Alabama rot was first noticed, most of the cases
appeared to be around the New Forest area. Since then, affected dogs have been
found throughout the UK. There are no reported cases in East Anglia to date the
nearest being Stanstead
Abbotts
What are the signs of Alabama
rot?
- Marks,
sores or ulcers on the skin
- Skin
ulcers usually appear on the legs or paws, but could appear anywhere on
the body, including the head, tummy, around the mouth and nose, or on the
tongue. These marks may appear as an area of redness or could look like a
cut, bruise, sting or open sore. These signs could be caused by a large
number of different things, but in a small number of cases this could be
the first signs of Alabama rot. Always speak to your vet if your dog
unexpectedly develops any of these signs.
- Kidney
failure
- Being
off their food.
- A
change in drinking.
- Being
sick.
- Not
weeing as much.
- Being
tired.
- Signs
of kidney failure usually appears around three days after the marks on the
skin, but can appear more quickly, or may sometimes take up to ten days.
Signs that there are problems with the kidneys include:
If you’re concerned that your dog might have Alabama Rot
it’s very important that you speak to your vet as soon as possible.
see other hearth concerns on the Disney Diaries Page....
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