Alabama rot: Urgent warning for dog owners over deadly virus with 90% of cases reported in winter
Vets issue warning about virus that can cause kidney failure in dogs
- Pet owners are warned about Alabama rot disease, formally known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), which can cause fatal kidney failure in dogs.
- The disease affects blood vessels and kidneys, initially causing skin lesions on limbs or abdomen, followed by symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, and reduced urine output.
- The UK has recorded 330 confirmed cases of CRGV, with 90 per cent of incidents occurring between November and May, indicating a clear seasonal pattern.
- Veterinarians attribute the seasonal increase to environmental factors, as bacteria, possibly E. coli toxins, thrive in cold, wet, and muddy conditions.
- Experts advise avoiding muddy woodland areas during high-risk months and thoroughly cleaning dogs' paws and legs after walks to minimise the risk of infection.