Information about Alabama Rot - please read, you may be able to help

Absolutely awful, so sorry about the poor Spaniel Lochan We clean our dogs every day during the winter, fill up a large watering can with hot water and by the time we return from walks it's just right. We do it to clean the mud off but if helps wash toxins away all the better.

Really hope something can be done about this and fast.

 

Forgot to say, thank you for listing the symptoms too, this is really very helpful as a case was reported about 25 miles from us it's all so very worrying. x

 

Such a worry! I have googled it but I can't see that there have been any cases in Canada yet...which is kinda weird seeing there is so much travel between the US and here. Horrible disease, I hope the researchers get a better understanding of what exactly is going on soon.

 

Amazon were excellent with their delivery and the portashower arrived this morning. I filled it with 5l hot water from the tap and set off for the usual 5 mile hike with the girls. By the time I got back to the car the water was lukewarm, fine for a shower. I sprayed both dogs from top to toe and my boots with the 5l of water. The pressure is not great, and I wouldn't use it to rinse off shampoo as I don't think it would work well for that but it took all the mud off both dogs quite easily and is really quite good for doing their undercarriage - Lochan in particular hates a cold water hosing on her undercarriage! So overall a success and as it is no hassle to fill it with water from the tap and take it with me every day I can see I will continue to use it. And it made me feel better about the Alabama Rot too!

 

Horrible to hear about the Alabama Rot, and the poor spaniel too, Lochan.

I am very interested about the portashower and will have a look on Amazon.

 

There's been a case of Alabama Rot in the Battle, East Sussex. Local vets are warning owners to be alert and watch out for symptoms.

 

Keep safe everyone xx

 

Alabama Rot in Lancashire - 65th case of Alabama Rot confirmed at Preston. They also claim it is believed to be caused by a rare form of E coli.

 

There are currently 2 unconfirmed cases of Alabama rot in the Newbury Berkshire area . Frilsham and Basildon. Locals appear to be confirming a young lab died. The Tadley & Basingstoke vets are warning of it and raising awareness in the area incase it is confirmed.

Was also sent out on a Dogswatch email circular

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1788278304546332&id=783591498348356

 

Oh god that is one mile away from us

 

Stay safe x

 

@Lara - don't panic. We have a big cluster here (four cases), just a mile or two from our front door. But what do you do? Stop taking your dog on the walks he loves? No, especially because no-one can tell me how it is transmitted or what the real risk factors are (because no-one knows). I keep reminding myself that it is still extremely rare - lots and lots and lots of dogs walk in these woods, and a tiny number are affected.
Don't let it spoil your enjoyment of your local walks. Use that hose, wipe off mud, and keep on playing.

Hugs
Rosie

 

I have had a case 2 miles from me, so understand how you feel

 

Thank you Rosie I read that last night just after a terrible walk with Indie training-wise so was miserable already about undoing our progress and then the worry of hearing about the disease so close nearly tipped me over the edge of worry! You are right, we can't do anything other than rinse paws and be vigilant. The Pig absolutely hates the hose and won't go into the back garden with me if she thinks I will try to rinse her. I'll have to use a bowl of water. I am not sure I can ask the dog walker to rinse her though, as she has other dogs with her and I am already the 'difficult' customer asking her to walk the Pig on lead on a harness. Oh I sometimes wonder if there is a limit to how many worries my dog causes me, but it seems like we keep finding more things to worry about...

 

Thanks Rosie for your optimism, must be scary to have four cases.

PS I wrote this post before I read your reply Lara. I have just had my older Lab put to sleep and feel I couldn't cope if I lost Rourke as well, it is so scary.

 

Is the only advice to rinse paws? Did I read that it might be linked to walks in woodland when wet/after rain?

 

Stay safe everyone

There's a case not too far from us - I've just been avoiding taking Stanley to that walk, even though I know it would be lovely for him. Such a scary disease.

 

Use a watering can its easier

 

It's awful, Newbury is not far from us. Nothing we can do but remain vigilant. I use a watering can for paw washing too but with nice warm water for my pooches much better than a hose if your dog isn't sure x

 

I am not sure how effective rinsing paws would be. I would be tempted to take along some disinfectant as well for after the walk, and maybe a barrier ointment for paws before hand. My understanding is that whilst there is an understanding of disease progression, the actual infective process is unknown. Saying that there is obviously some environmental element judging by the locations where the infection has been identified, wet, woodland walks, and a cluster of infected dogs in those areas.