Further to intense media interest, and with full permission of the owners, Capontree can confirm that a case of Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), or "Alabama Rot", has been diagnosed in a dog living in private land just north of Longtown within the last week.
The 4-year old male Labrador was seen at our practice with lameness and skin lesions over the muzzle and limbs, that had failed to improve with treatment prescribed at another veterinary clinic. The dog subsequently developed vomiting, then acute renal (kidney) failure and despite our best efforts at treatment sadly had to be euthanased due to continuing deterioration. CRGV was later confirmed by post mortem at Anderson Moores specialists in Winchester.
We understand that 3 such cases have been confirmed across the country in this last week. However, it is extremely important to remember that cases of this awful disease remain extremely rare, with just 81 confirmed cases since the first in late 2012.
Although an environmental cause for this disease is considered possible it has not been proven with testing to date. CRGV has not been seen in animals other than dogs. Owners of dogs affected by CRGV have not been affected by this illness. There does not appear to be a breed, body weight, sex or age predilection. Cases have been identified across the whole of UK and there may be a seasonal distribution with cases being identified between November and June.
The best information is available at these sites:-
http://www.andersonmoores.com/about/article.php?u=RGK33G6A7DDBSJDV6F65
We would urge you all to read this information and share it amongst your friends.
Please remember that this is an extremely rare disease but if you are worried about your dog, particularly if it has any unexplained skin lesions, please make an appointment to see your vet.