​Dog Owners Warned Over Deadly Disease Found In England

Dog owners around the country are being warned after a suspected case of Alabama Rot in Shropshire.

Although it's not yet been confirmed if the disease - which can cause severe damage to dogs' kidneys and blood vessels - is actually Alabama Rot, precautions are being taken after the incident in Telford.

Credit: PA

First identified among greyhounds in Alabama in the 1980s - hence the name - the cause of Alabama Rot is unknown, which means there is no known way to prevent dogs from contracting the disease.

Dog walkers are therefore being advised to be aware of, and avoid, areas where confirmed cases of the illness have been found.

According to Countryfile magazine, in the UK, there have been 98 confirmed, 22 unconfirmed and 35 suspected cases of Alabama rot in dogs since 2012, and while the case in Telford is unconfirmed, it's probably better to err on the side of caution.

Credit: PA

A statement issued by the Shropshire Wildlife Trust said: "We have been contacted by a regular walker to say their dog has contracted Alabama Rot, a serious dog disease that is spreading in the UK. They have said they only walk their dogs at Granville, so wanted to warn other owners."

Haygate Veterinary Centre, which has sites across Telford, also put out a warning that included tips on what owners should be looking out for.

In a post on social media, it said: "Many of these dogs only develop skin ulcers and do not progress to kidney failure so recover fully.

Credit: PA

"Symptoms include skin ulcers or red patches typically on the lower legs, belly or mouth/muzzle. This can develop into kidney failure with signs of vomiting, inappetence, lethargy and increased thirst.

"It may help to make sure that your dog's feet and legs are washed after muddy woodland walks. Certainly owners should be aware of the signs and symptoms and contact us if you have any concerns - early recognition and treatment is key in this potentially fatal disease."

Although nobody knows exactly how the disease is contracted, it's thought that it's picked up on paws and legs on muddy walks.

Make sure you're taking care of your dog with all of the above to be on the safe side. They are LAD's best friend after all.

Words: Mischa Pearlman

Featured Image Credit: PA. The dogs pictured do not feature in this story

Topics: Dog, uk news, Animals

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie