Our dogs are threatened by a new disease, which is not epidemic but also affects humans, necrotizing fasciitis, known in English as “flesh-eating disease”. The Sun newspaper raises the alarm. Hundreds of dogs have already died in Great Britain, exactly 300, due to this disease, also known as Alabama Rot, which kills 4 out of 5 affected animals.
“Although the bacteria involved do not actually devour the tissues, explains the Valori normali.com website, they release toxins capable of gradually damaging an ever-increasing portion of cells, giving the visual impression of a terrible disease capable of consuming skin and muscles (self fasciitis it is indicative of the affected tissue, the fascia, the term necrotizing instead it refers to the process of necrosis it undergoes, i.e. cell death)”.
The cause is not yet known, which makes treatment difficult, explains Jon Rogers of the Sun, who adds. Pet owners have been warned of a ‘carnage’ disease which has killed hundreds of dogs. Alabama Rot is “very rare” but can be fatal as it blocks and damages blood vessels in a dog’s skin and kidneys, according to the Kennel Club. Owners are advised to take their dog to the vet immediately if they suspect the Alabama Rot.
This incurable and life-threatening disease, also known as CRGV (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy), sees dogs develop painful sores on their paws and legs and can often lead to kidney failure. The disease first came to light in the United States in the 1980s.
Although it was initially thought to only affect greyhounds, any breed, age or size can contract the disease. However, Alabama Rot is not contagious, so one dog cannot spread it to another, although multiple dogs from the same family can contract the disease at the same time. Because the cause of the disease is not yet known, it is difficult to diagnose and treat, but it has been linked to wet and muddy conditions and there tends to be an increase in cases during the winter and spring months.
Experts say:
* keep your dog away from very muddy areas
* wash and dry your dog after a walk if he gets wet or muddy.
It is also advisable to check your dog’s body every day for any signs of ulcers or sores.
Symptoms include skin sores, visible swelling, red spots or skin blemishes not caused by a known injury, and decreased appetite, eating more, vomiting, and lethargy. Signs of Alabama Rot can appear on a dog’s body between one and 10 days after infection. Kidney failure can occur soon after the ulcers appear, so it is crucial to seek treatment urgently.