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Dog Owners Warned About Killer Disease Which Could Be Picked Up From Mud

Dog Owners Warned About Killer Disease Which Could Be Picked Up From Mud

Alabama Rot is believed to thrive in cold, wet soil

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Dog owners have been warned about a potentially deadly disease that their pets could pick up from walking in mud.

Alabama Rot, also known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy or CRVG, is fatal to dogs in around 80 percent of cases, the Daily Mail reports.

Dogs who have contracted the disease will start to vomit as well as developing lesions on the skin - they may also be more tired than usual and lose their appetites.

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Vets are now urging dog owners to ensure their pooches are thoroughly cleaned after walking in mud, after fears that Alabama Rot could be contracted from it.

The Dog's Trust told the Mail: "Where possible, stick to dry paths and keep dogs out of muddy or wet areas.

"Wash off any mud after your walk so you can check for any lesions or wounds and if you spot any, go to your vet."

There have been 135 recorded cases of Alabama Rot since 2012, but experts have said the recent bad weather could make this year the worst yet - with 29 confirmed cases this year already, this is compared to the whole of 2017 which saw 37.

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Despite the new warnings over mud, the exact cause of the illness isn't known. But experts reckon it thrives in cold, wet soil because 60 percent of cases happen in the first quarter of the year, when the weather is generally coldest.

If the illness is caught early enough a vet can provide treatment to the kidneys, but, sadly, four out of five sick pets arrive too late to be saved. So vets are urging owners to be vigilant and, if concerned, taking their dog to see a vet.

Animal Health Trust spokeswoman Farrah Owens said: "The best thing dog owners can do is be aware of the symptoms and access their vets as soon as they see signs of sickness, diarrhoea and lethargy. Dogs that visit their vet quickly tend to recover."

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A spokesperson from the Forestry Commission said: "Owners should always keep their dogs under close control and be aware of anything they may pick up, chew or eat in a woodland area."

Source: The Daily Mail

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Animals, Dogs