Dog Owners Warned Over Rapid Spread Of Killer Disease

A dog owner in Gloucester is warning others to be in high alert for a disease spreading across the country.

Jasmine Smith's two-year-old mutt Boe is currently facing a battle with 'Alabama Rot'.

Smith believes her beloved dog picked up the disease during a walk Drybook.

Boe is now suffering from acute kidney failure.

In a Facebook post, Smith says: "My dog is currently being treated for Alabama rot which has caused acute kidney failure and is very poorly.

"We walk our princess up the woods in Drybrook - please take care and be aware that Alabama rot is in the Forest of Dean.

Image: Vets4Pets

"It's unlikely to catch it but my dog has and it could be your dog."

Sores are the first symptom of Alabama Rot, which then leads to kidney failure within as little as three days.

"The toxins in her blood have come down a tiny touch but they need to come down drastically tomorrow otherwise we need to think about what's best," Smith added.

"She's my world and I am petrified of losing her."

According to Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, four cases of Alabama Rot were confirmed within 50 miles of Gloucestershire in the last month.

Overall, the disease has cropped up in Warwickshire, Monmouthshire, Dorset, Devon, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Worcestershire and now Gloucestershire.

The disease has even spread across seas to Dublin, Ireland.

Altogether, 15 dogs have died so far this year, fast approaching the 19 figure in 2016 and 21 in 2015.

Image: Vets4Pets

Vets 4 Pets write on their website: "The first sign that is normally seen is a skin sore not caused by any known injury. Most commonly, these sores are found below the elbow or knee and appears as a distinct swelling, a patch of red skin, or are open and ulcer-like.

"Within approximately two to seven days, the affected dogs develop outward signs of sudden kidney failure which can include vomiting, reduced hunger, and an unusual tiredness.

"Skin sores and sudden kidney failure are not unique to this disease alone, and are actually more likely to be caused by some other disease, Your vet will run a number of tests to determine the underlying cause."

They add: "As the cause of CRGV is still unknown, there is no known way to prevent your dog from contracting the disease."

Source: The Mirror

Topics: Dogs

Josh Teal

Josh Teal is a journalist at LADbible. He has contributed to the 'Knowing Me, Knowing EU' and 'UOKM8?' campaigns interviewing everyone from student drug dealers to climate change activists.

@tealioni