Alabama rot – welcome breakthrough with this deadly disease.
Scientists are optimistic they are winning the war against Alabama rot – a deadly disease affecting dogs.
Alabama rot, also known as the ‘black death’ disease, is a rising concern amongst pet owners. It is responsible for the death of around 130 pets in Britain.
Now this ground-breaking discovery could stop the disease in its tracks.
Alabama rot is the name given to Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy or CRGV. It causes small clots in blood vessels, tissue damage, skin ulcers and eventually, renal failure.
Possible causes
Suggested sources for the disease are parasites, bacteria and E.coli-produced toxins. However, the root of Alabama rot is unclear making it hard to protect dogs from getting it. And even harder to treat them. In 9 out of 10 cases it proves to be fatal.
So this breakthrough by researchers at the Royal Veterinary College in London is good news for pets and their owners.
Treatment
The treatment involves filtering the dog’s blood. This removes any toxic substances including those causing Alabama rot. The clean blood is then returned to the patient.
This treatment, known as Therapeutic Plasma Exchange, was given to 6 seriously ill dogs. Two of them made a full recovery. It’s the first time dogs so severely affected by Alabama rot have survived. These results give the researchers cause to celebrate.
The disease only appeared in the UK six years ago but was first identified in Alabama, USA in the 1980’s. Although it was initially spotted in greyhounds, it can affect dogs of any breed. As yet, there is no vaccination against it.
Precautionary action
Many of the dogs needing treatment walked in woodland or muddy areas. Therefore a wise precautionary action is to wash your dog after walks.
Finally, concerned pet owners should remain calm but vigilant. Regularly check your dog for symptoms of the disease such as skin lesions, sore skin and fever. Most importantly, if your dog is unusually tired, off his food or vomiting, it could signal kidney failure.You need to seek urgent medical help.
To read more click here for our article on Alabama rot.
First Aid for Pets provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for veterinary advice. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person or animal, however caused. It is strongly advised that you attend a practical First Aid for Pets course or take our online course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.