A HAMPSHIRE veterinary surgery saved a dog’s life after it contracted a deadly disease from a muddy woodland walk.

Anderson Moores Vet Specialists in Winchester treated Labrador Molly after she fell seriously ill, they are now issuing a warning to other pet owners after three cases of CRGV, also know as Alabama Rot, have been recorded in 2021.

The disease which has an unknown cause can affect all breeds no matter their age or weight.

If not spotted early, it can lead to sudden and potentially fatal kidney failure.

David Walker leads the team at Anderson Moores Vet Specialists in Winchester and is the UK’s foremost authority on the disease.

He said: “We’re very sad to confirm three new cases of CRGV already in 2021. Unfortunately, we find ourselves in the time of year when cases are most commonly identified.

“It is understandably worrying for dog owners; however, I must stress that this disease is still very rare.

“We’re advising dog owners across the country to remain calm but vigilant and seek advice from their local vets if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.”

The three confirmed new cases come off the back of 47 during 2020, 19 cases in 2019 and 18 in 2018.

Mr Walker added: “If a dog is suspected to be suffering from CRGV, the best chance of recovery probably lies with early and intensive veterinary care at a specialist facility such as Anderson Moores.

“Treatment largely revolves around management of the sudden onset kidney failure and, sadly, with our current understanding of the disease, is only successful in around 10 per cent of cases.

“However, the team here at Anderson Moores recently enjoyed success after treating a suspected case of CRGV in a Labrador Retriever. Molly was referred to our internal medicine team just before Christmas due to limb swelling and a deep and painful ulcer on one of her legs.

Basingstoke Gazette:

“Following four days’ intensive treatment, things started to improve and we began to cautiously hope Molly would survive the disease.

“She continued to slowly improve, and, after two nerve-wracking weeks, Molly was discharged to continue her recovery at home.

“Recovery for patients such as Molly is often prolonged, but she has continued to do well.

“Sadly, stories such as Molly’s are relatively rare, with CRGV remaining a devastating disease, without a known cause or treatment, and which has taken away many beloved dogs from their families.” 

To find out more about CRGV, please visit www.andersonmoores.com and the Alabama Rot Research Fund at www.arrf.co.uk.