A veterinary surgery in Bridgwater has seen its first case of Alabama Rot claiming the life of a beloved pet dog, writes Steven Salter.
Alabama Rot or Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV) is a disease caused by damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidney. It causes tiny blood clots to form in the blood vessels that blocks them and can ultimately lead to damage of the affected tissue. In the skin, this causes ulceration; however, in the kidney it can lead to kidney failure.
Although CRGV can be very serious, the number of dogs affected still remains low with 204 confirmed cases since 2012, when it first occurred, up to the end of 2019.
Five confirmed cases have been reported so far this year.
A spokesman for the Quantock Veterinary Hospital based in Bridgwater said: "We are all deeply saddened by our first case at the Hospital of CRGV commonly known as Alabama Rot.
"This diagnosis has been confirmed by tests performed, on submitted samples, at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, who are leading and coordinating research and investigation into this disease.
"At this sad time all our thoughts are with the owners of our lovely patient who have tragically lost a loved pet."
Unfortunately, despite current research efforts, the cause of CRGV remains unknown.
Symptoms include unexplained redness, sores or swelling of the skin - particularly on the paws or legs but also the body, face, tongue or mouth.
If your dog develops a skin lesion your vet will be able to advise you on the most appropriate management.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here