Dog owners are being urged to contact their vet if they have any concerns about Alabama rot.

Dog owners urged to be aware of symptoms

Veterinary specialists Anderson Moores has confirmed three new cases of Alabama rot in Cumbria, Monmouthshire and Devon.

Alabama rot, also known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), was first recognised in greyhounds in the USA 1980s.

In 2012, a disease bearing a resemblance to Alabama rot started to appear in the UK and has since been confirmed in a total of 25 counties.

In light of the new cases, vets are urging the public to be aware of the symptoms and to speak to their vet if they are concerned.

BVA president Gudrun Ravetz said: “Dog owners in areas of the UK where Alabama Rot has been detected will understandably feel anxious about the reported cases, but the risk is low with only a small proportion of dogs in these areas having been affected.

“Owners should make sure they are aware of the signs and symptoms, such as skin sores on the limb extremities, and contact their local vet immediately if they have any concerns.”

CRGV is caused by damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidney, leading to ulceration and, in some cases, kidney failure. Typical symptoms of the disease include unexplained redness, sores or swelling of the skin.

Currently, the cause of CRGV is unknown, so it is difficult to give specific advice about prevention. Together with Vets4Pets, Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists are continuing their work to find the cause of the outbreak.

Speaking to the Plymouth Herald, David Walker of Anderson Moores said: "The cause of Alabama Rot, clinically known as idiopathic cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), is still unknown and there is no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease.

"While there is currently no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease, there is a very useful guide available online to help people understand where in the UK confirmed cases have been found and advice on how to spot signs. Any concerned dog owners should visit www.vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot/."

Mr Walker urges all vets in the UK to contact Anderson Moores if they suspect Alabama rot.

"Only tests on a kidney from an affected dog, most likely post mortem, will give 100 per cent confirmation of the disease," he said. "There have been a number of cases 'confirmed' by vets, but unless we carry out analysis of the affected pet, we will never be able to confirm the disease."

An advice sheet for vets can be found at http://www.andersonmoores.com/about/new.php?u=H489EW6SJWR9DETSWBGM