DOG owners are being warned to be vigilant against a potentially deadly dog disease.

A number of new cases of Alabama Rot, also known as CRVG, have been reported across the country in recent weeks - which is an unknown cause that can affect any dog and if not spotted early, can lead to sudden and potentially fatal kidney failure.

To help owners keep their pets safe, the website Vets4Pets.com has created a useful map to reveal where cases of Alabama Rot have been confirmed.

On the map, no confirmed cases have been reported recently in the North Wales area, but dog owners are being urged to remain vigilant as it can happen anywhere.

The disease damages dogs’ blood vessels, cutting off blood supply to areas of the skin and sometimes the internal organs, which causes skin sores and can lead to kidney failure.

It is believed the illness is picked up in muddy areas, and can rot the flesh of a dog very quickly.

How to spot Alabama Rot?

The website says that the first sign of the disease that is normally seen is a skin sore or lesion that isn’t caused by a known injury.

Most commonly these sores are found on the lower half of the leg, below the elbow or knee and appear as a distinct swelling, a patch of red skin or are open and ulcer-like.

Within two to seven days there will be outward signs of kidney failure including vomiting, reduced hunger and unusual tiredness.

There is currently no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease but knowing the signs can help save your dogs life.

What can you do to prevent Alabama Rot?

Knowing the warning signs is key to treating the disease. If caught early your vet can evaluate if your dog has contracted CRGV.

It’s thought that the disease is picked up on the paws and legs on muddy walks, so always:

  • Wash off woodland mud
  • Check for signs of CRGV
  • If in doubt, call the vet for advice

Research undertaken by the Royal Veterinary College and Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists revealed almost 95% of confirmed cases of Alabama Rot, clinically known as CRGV (Cutaneous Renal and Glomerular Vasculopathy), have occurred between November and May.

This research, which was funded by the New Forest Dog Owners Group and the charity Alabama Rot Research Fund, was designed to look for geographical patterns, as well as environmental and climatic risk factors. A distinct seasonal pattern is suggested.