A live map which tracks Alabama rot has shown the locations of the potentially lethal dog disease across Nottinghamshire since 2015. As defined by the RSPCA, Alabama rot, otherwise known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), damages the blood vessels in the skin and kidneys of dogs, which causes visible sores on the skin and can lead to severe organ dysfunction and ultimately kidney failure.
According to vet specialist, Anderson Moores, some dogs develop skin sores only, while others develop skin sores and kidney failure. Recovery is expected in the former group; however, many dogs that develop kidney failure do not survive because of this disease.
Unfortunately, it is not known exactly what causes Alabama Rot, but the disease is known to be more prevalent in spring and winter. Dogs who are walked in muddy or woodland areas also tend to be more affected.
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Though Alabama Rot can affect any breed of dog, those most commonly affected seem to be Labradors, spaniels and Hungarian vizslas. Dogs of any age can also catch the disease, so keep an eye on your dogs skin regardless of how old they are.
There have so far been 290 confirmed cases of Alabama Rot in the UK, with 11 confirmed last year (2022). Anderson Moores have been tracking every live case of the disease in the country over the last few years, with an interactive map that shows you which areas of the country are or have been affected.
In Nottinghamshire, four cases of the disease have been recorded. The most recent is Nuthall in January 2021, with a case in Newark in February 2015 being the earliest.
Cases were also present in Blidworth in February 2018 and Kirkby-in-Ashfield in 2020. A case was also detected in Long Eaton, which borders Nottinghamshire, in 2018.
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