There have been some disturbing reports in newspapers about a deadly flesh-eating bug that has been affecting dogs up and down the country. Naturally some pet owners have been quite anxious about what exactly is the cause and if their four-legged companion is at risk.

The condition was first recognised in Alabama in the US (hence the name) and seemed to affect mostly greyhounds. It is thought that a toxin produced by certain strains of bacteria caused ulcerative skin lesions, but that then progressed to cause irreversible kidney damage. Many dogs that contracted the disease died. It was first reported in the UK in 2012 and sporadic cases have occurred the length and breadth of the country, although there has been a concentration of cases in the New Forrest. To date about 100 dogs have died from the disease.

Associated with wintery walks in woods or the countryside
Efforts to determine the exact bacteria or toxin that causes the condition in the UK have so far been unrewarding, so as a result there is no vaccine available and treatment is aimed at resolving the skin lesions and monitoring and supporting kidney function. Diagnosis is difficult also and often only possible on post mortem.

Nearly all cases are diagnosed in the colder, damper months of November through to May. Often it is thought to be associated with wintery walks in woods or the countryside but the exact triggers are still to be established.

If your dog does develop unexplainable skin ulcers or sores then you should take it to your vet, but be reassured that to date there have been no cases in Gloucestershire and it is still an extremely rare condition.