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British dog owners warned about flesh-eating disease as new cases have been confirmed in the country

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Lucy Buglass

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    • Following an Alabama Rot breakout, dog owners across the UK have been warned about the flesh-eating disease.

    Five more dogs have died as a result of Alabama Rot, which thrives in cold, wet weather that’s common during winter months.

    Winchester-based veterinary clinic Anderson Moores confirmed that two dogs died near Horsham, West Sussex, as well as one in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, and one in Hungerford, Berkshire too.

    Sharing a Facebook update on 20th December, the clinic confirmed two more cases of Alabama Rot, which is also known as cutaneous renal glomerular vasculopathy.

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    Anderson Moores wrote, ‘Unfortunately, we have to confirm a further 2 cases of cutaneous renal glomerular vasculopathy (often termed CRGV and sometimes known as Alabama Rot).

    The cases were from Wimbledon (Greater London) and Hawick (Roxburghshire). This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 200 since 2012, with 25 in 2019.’

    The UK’s leading expert David Walker said, “We are now in the time of year when cases are most common. Further confirmed cases mean it is understandably very worrying for dog owners, however, this disease is still very rare, so we’re advising owners to remain calm but vigilant, and seek advice from their local vet if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.”

    Despite the rareness of the disease, there is currently no clue for Alabama Rot, so dog owners are advised to be vigilant this time of year, especially when walking dogs.

    Dr Ian Hopkins said, “The best advice is to continue enjoying exercising your dog but always be mindful of certain symptoms which may indicate a nasty disease such as Alabama Rot. These can include lethargy, vomiting and maybe your dog is drinking more than usual.”

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    Describing the symptoms, he added, “With Alabama Rot, the dog will often have skin lesions or ulcers – in the mouth, on the tongue and lower limbs including feet are commonplace.

    “However, the lesions are not always present and in the case we have just dealt with, there were no sign of any lesions at all. It affects all types of dogs of all ages which therefore makes it a matter of concern for all owners.”