Alabama Rot

[Josie]

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I keep hearing scary things about Alabama rot - does anyone know a dog who’s suffered?

Would people find it helpful if I wrote a piece on where it's found, what signs to look out for, what to do?

 

[arealhuman]

I've read various reports too and it worries me. There's an online checker here to see locations where confirmed reports have taken place. There are some very near me Let's hope the veterinary and scientific professions can make progress soon on tackling this disease.

 

[JudyN]

All info is good! Someone told me the other day that they thought it was linked to raw feeding, but that idea was dismissed quite a while ago as there was no evidence for it.

Call me pragmatic, but I'm not too worried on a personal level. I look at how many dogs have fallen ill and/or died in various locations compared to the number of dogs walked there and your dog would have to be really unlucky to contract it. Obviously it's devastating for those who are unlucky though

 

[Josie]

All info is good! Someone told me the other day that they thought it was linked to raw feeding, but that idea was dismissed quite a while ago as there was no evidence for it.

Call me pragmatic, but I'm not too worried on a personal level. I look at how many dogs have fallen ill and/or died in various locations compared to the number of dogs walked there and your dog would have to be really unlucky to contract it. Obviously it's devastating for those who are unlucky though

It's one of those scary things that keep being talked about but I personally haven't had any dealings with anyone that's be unfortunate enough to have it.

 

[Mi_chelle]

Have you seen there has been a break through recently in Alabama Rot - 'Breakthrough' in identifying cause of Alabama rot deadly to dogs | Metro News

 

[JudyN]

It looks more like a hypothesis than a breakthrough at this stage but thank you for posting that - it's a step in the right direction.

 

[arealhuman]

Hmmm, makes alarm bells ring about all the fish based treat I bought recently

 

[JoanneF]

Hmmm, makes alarm bells ring about all the fish based treat I bought recently

While the cause of AR isn't known or understood, I don't think she believes there is a risk from eating fish; rather she suggests it's from a bacteria that affects both fish and dogs. So Jimmy can still enjoy his fish skins!

 

[Violet Turner]

This is really bad!

 

[JoanneF]

It seems Bolton in Greater Manchester has become a bit of a hot spot. While it is dreadful for the poor dogs and their owners, I wonder if it might help in identifying a common denominator for the disease?

Single UK town records 23 cases of flesh-eating Alabama Rot

 

[Mad Murphy]

I have no idea what causes this but the report about raw feeding cant be right ..Theres never been a case of A.R here in Netherlands and loads of people raw feed here so?

Is there any clue from the connections and patterens of dog victim zero in the UK when compared to the victims in the US?
Yet again I think the media are hyping it a bit. I know vets here are more worried about the rise of parvo and canine distemper due to non uptake of vaccinations by numpties who dont titre test either. (a bit like measels after the MMR scare)

 

[JudyN]

I have no idea what causes this but the report about raw feeding cant be right ..Theres never been a case of A.R here in Netherlands and loads of people raw feed here so?

The connection with raw feeding was only ever a conjecture and has now bee discounted by scientists (though sadly not by social media).

I do think it's important to look at the number of cases in a particular area compared with the total number of dogs walked in the area. Of course, it doesn't do to be complacent, but it needs to be put into perspective with all the other things that could happen to our dogs if we don't wrap them up in cotton wool.

 

[JoanneF]

Is there any clue from the connections and patterens of dog victim zero in the UK when compared to the victims in the US?

I'm sure I have read somewhere that the UK and US strains are different.

 

[Mad Murphy]

@JoanneF... well thats info I hadn't read so maybe a dedicated thread with the latest info would be helpful..

 

[arealhuman]

There's certainly a lot more cases on that checker I linked to earlier

 

[Caro Perry]

I cam across this link the other day. It seems more sensible and less scarmongering than others I've seen

News on the Cause of Alabama Rot

 

[arealhuman]

I still find it hugely worrying though.

 

[Caro Perry]

I still find it hugely worrying though.

I do too. I use paw wax on him when we go out and he gets his paws and tummy washed after every muddy walk. I'm not going to stop him walking in the woods and fields as it is still a very rare disease.

 

[JoanneF]

I cam across this link the other day. It seems more sensible and less scarmongering than others I've seen

News on the Cause of Alabama Rot

Good article, thank you @Caro Perry

 

[Mad Murphy]

As I mentioned we have never had a case here and I hope we never do but we still wash Murphy down when we come back from muddy walks. A simple garden watering can (clean) filled with warm water before we leave is enough to get rid of all the mud.