Further cases of Alabama rot are confirmed
A DEADLY dog disease has spread further into Wales after two new cases were confirmed.
Vets are warning dog owners to be aware of the symptoms after two new cases of Alabama Rot were reported in Powys.
It comes after an 11-year-old Jack Russell from Penrhiwfer in the Rhondda died last month from complications related to the disease.
Bilbo, also known as Mr B, was put to sleep on January 23 after a sore on his paw eventually led to kidney failure.
In the same month a separate case of Alabama Rot was found in Brecon after a dog was walked around the Brecon showground and on the Mynydd Illtud walking route.
In December a case was also confirmed in Presteigne in Powys after a dog was walked in areas including New Radnor, Whimble Forest and Smatcher Hill.
Across the UK a further eight cases were confirmed in January, taking the total up to 12 cases in 2018 in areas including Devon, Somerset, Greater Manchester and Gloucestershire.
First recorded in 2012, the initial signs of Alabama rot include a sore on the skin commonly under the knee not caused by a known injury. According to Vets4Pets, the skin can become red and the sore can look like an open ulcer.
Within one week pets can start to show physical signs of sudden kidney failure including vomiting, loss of appetite and unusual tiredness.Other symptoms include discolouration in their eyes, gums or nostrils.
While there is no known cause of the condition it is thought that it can be picked up on the dog’s paws and legs during muddy walks. To prevent it spreading vets say pet owners should clean any wet areas on dogs after a walk and to check for any signs of Alabama rot.
Currently the only way to test for the deadly disease is from tissue obtained after death.
David Walker, from veterinary specialist Anderson Moores, said: “Unfortunately Alabama rot cannot currently be diagnosed on the basis of blood tests. A higher level of suspicion for the disease may arise following analysis of a skin lesion sample; however, at the moment we can only provide 100% confirmation of the disease following analysis of kidney tissue.
“This tissue is usually obtained after an animal has died, due to the risks associated with kidney sampling in unwell dogs suspected of having the condition.”