Alabama Rot confirmed in Southsea as Hampshire experiences highest number of cases

Winchester based veterinary specialist, Anderson Moores, confirmed the case of the potentially deadly Alabama Rot, which can cause ulcers on a dog's skin and ultimately can often lead to kidney failure.

The Southsea case was one of 38 recorded in the UK so far this year. The diagnosis is part of a worrying escalation in cases which stood at just five in the whole of 2013. While recent years have seen a rise in the number annual incidents of the disease, this year’s cases are already nine more than experienced in the whole of last year.

With a total of 242 confirmed cases of the disease across the UK since 2012, the New Forest in Hampshire has the highest total during this period.

Winchester vet, David Walker, the UK’s leading expert on the condition who works at the Anderson Moores practice, said: ‘We are sad to announce more cases from this year, as we are now in the time of year when cases are most common.

‘Further confirmed cases mean it is understandably very worrying for dog owners. However, this disease is still very rare, so we’re advising dog owners to remain calm but vigilant and seek advice from their local vet if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.’

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Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, has been supporting research on the condition for a number of years and has reassured dog owners that they should not be deterred from exercising their pets.

He said: ‘While it is understandable that dog owners will be worried by Alabama Rot, it is still a very rare disease and we’d encourage owners to continue exercising their pet.

‘If a dog becomes affected, the best chance of recovery is with early and intensive veterinary care at a specialist facility such as Anderson Moores.

‘Treatment is only successful in around 20 percent of cases, which is why we’re encouraging all dog owners to use the online interactive guide to help them understand the clinical signs and confirmed locations of the condition and to visit a vet if they have any concerns.’

To find out more about the condition go to http://www.vets4pets.com/pet-health-advice/alabama-rot/

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