Alabama rot

[Bryan Williams]

Just a heads up.
We lost one of our dogs yesterday to the above.
We are in the Leesbrook ares of Oldham.
Not much you can do once they have it but staying away from muddy areas and washing the dogs feet may help avoid catching it.
Bit difficult really, means walking them on paths etc but it's not a nice thing to see so please be aware.

 

[Ton-up]

Sorry to hear that Bryan, Its a horrible thing and so quick. There was a case near here a month or so ago too.

I lost one of my dogs 3 weeks ago after 14 years, so I know how you must be feeling.

 

[Tangledfeet]

So sorry to hear, @Bryan Williams - my condolences.

 

[Shox Dr]

Vey sorry to hear that @Bryan Williams

What is it? A fungus?

 

[Bryan Williams]

Vey sorry to hear that @Bryan Williams

What is it? A fungus?

Thanks.
It seems to be a pathogen/bacterial infection (?) present in muddy areas..
Talking to the vet that treated our dog, she said they think the damage is caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria but they are in the dark with this one really.
They Asked on behalf of the A R research fund if they could do an autopsy free of charge as they need info on it.
It hit quickly, Tuesday she developed a limp on the front right foot and kept licking it. We had a look but there was no sign of injury, cuts, thorns ect. Later that night she threw up a couple of times, now we had that day changed some painkiller meds she was on for hip displacia to different ones and we thought she was just throwing up her new meds which she had done before.
But the next morning we checked her foot and it was swollen and had an open sore on the pad.
Took her to the vet, the vet was very concerned straight away, suspected AR, took bloods which showed bad signs, kidney not working properly.
Stayed in for more tests, that evening she had to go to Bury animal hospital.
They said her kidneys and pancreas was not working properly.
Wednesday morning she had developed lesions on her tongue and upper leg.
Although they cannot give a positive diagnosis until a post mortem is performed, they were of the opinion that it was AR.
We had to let her go as it would just get worse, it's like a flesh eating ecoli type desease.
Best googling it and taking whatever precautions you can manage.
Our other dog is fine touch wood.
Glad we have insurance though.

 

[Shox Dr]

Thank you for the heads up. We have 5 dogs in the family, who are all walked in the local park, they come back blathered so have their feet and wotnnot washed when they come home.

I'll let my sister and Mum know

 

[Tangledfeet]

Its something we first became aware of a few years ago, fortunately there has (so far) been very few recorded cases up here.

There's an online map showing recorded cases - scroll down: https://www.vets4pets.com/pet-health-advice/alabama-rot/

 

[Shox Dr]

Its something we first became aware of a few years ago, fortunately there has (so far) been very few recorded cases up here.

There's an online map showing recorded cases - scroll down: https://www.vets4pets.com/pet-health-advice/alabama-rot/

Thankfully none around us. Is it contagious

 

[awemawson]

Very sorry to hear this sad new Bryan. We are constantly aware of the danger with our two Viszla's and are frequently washing feet.

Green algae in some of the reservoirs round here are another danger to dogs

None dog owners don't usually appreciate the devastation of loosing a dog.

 

[Bryan Williams]

Thankfully none around us. Is it contagious

Apparently not contagious, I asked the vet if it was caught through cuts, scratches ect on the feet, she said they think it can just be absorbed through the pad, although I think they're in the wind with it really.
It seems dogs that get walked on paths, round estates ect don't get it, just muddy woodland areas, the best thing about our area is we back on the only bit of green belt in Oldham and now we can't use it for our Ralph.

 

[Craig-SM]

Sorry to hear the bad news. It was around here last year and had me worried as we walk our dog in these muddy areas. We ended up getting a Mudbuster paw cleaner that you fill with a mild disinfectant and push their paw into to clean it. A bit of a fight to begin with but the dog soon got used to it.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N0EDVXO/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_P610VFGJ7PS9471Q3W96

 

[Migmac]

Not nice

 

[Barking Mat]

Sorry to hear that, condolences.

 

[minimutly]

Sorry to hear that. Checked the map - few to no occurrences in Wales, not many places wetter or muddier. Strange one.

 

[fizzy]

So sorry to hear about this. Horrible disease.
I have been paranoid about it for a few years. Fortunately very rare.
And no they really don't have much of clue what causes it. Very rare in the summer even though you can still have loads of mud.

 

[Melvyn Best]

Sorry for your loss, losing a loved dog is as bad a losing a family member

 

[frank horton]

so sorry for u......
on a lighter note thanks for letting them do an autopsy......every bit of info will help.....
we not so long ago lost 2 border collies to cancer......fair breaks ur heart......

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I'd never heard of this, not being a dog owner but you and your family have my condolences, Bryan.

 

[Bryan Williams]

Sorry to hear the bad news. It was around here last year and had me worried as we walk our dog in these muddy areas. We ended up getting a Mudbuster paw cleaner that you fill with a mild disinfectant and push their paw into to clean it. A bit of a fight to begin with but the dog soon got used to it.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N0EDVXO/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_P610VFGJ7PS9471Q3W96

Good idea.

 

[qwakers]

sorry for your loss.

just a thought..

Amazon.co.uk : dog booties

might this help? saves on the cleaning too.