Two deaths from CRGV confirmed this year
Symptoms include skin leisons below the knee or elbow.
Two fatal cases of cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), also known as Alabama rot, have been confirmed so far this year in the UK.
In January, a three-year-old Labrador died after catching CRGV. The following month, a six-year-old Hungarian vizsla also died from the disease, which has a 90 per cent mortality rate. Both dogs lived in Berkshire.
A third case, confirmed in Hampshire, did not prove fatal.
The cases were confirmed by researchers at Anderson Moores, who are leading research into the rare disease which was initially detected in the UK in 2012. Although it first appeared to be localised to the area around the New Forest, it has since spread to other regions.
The majority of cases are reported during the winter and spring. In 2022, a total of 11 cases were recorded across the country.
Sabina Richardson, owner of the Hungarian vizsla, whose name was Marnie, has spoken out to raise awareness of the symptoms of CRGV. She told The Mirror: "Marnie's first symptoms were sores on her paws which then began to spread onto her legs. She also stopped eating and started to vomit. We took her to local vets who gave her antibiotics but she couldn't keep the tablets down and continued to deteriorate.
"By this point, we were very concerned and visited another vets, who said they feared it was Alabama Rot. They gave Marnie an injection of antibiotics and took blood tests which confirmed her kidneys were failing.
"That was such a shock and it was really tough when we finally had to make the heart-breaking decision to put her to sleep.”
Josh Walker, who co-leads CRGV research at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, said: “We’re advising dog owners across the country to remain calm but vigilant and seek advice from their vets if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
