Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 16th December 2016
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Vets confirm new cases of Alabama rot
Dow walker
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

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.