Potential cases of the condition known as Alabama Rot have affected dogs in Dorset.

The rare but serious flesh-eating bug develops after muddy walks, and with the temperatures dropping to below zero in many parts of the country, cases of the disease are expected to rise.

There have been 10 confirmed cases of Alabama Rot in Dorset.

These occurred in locations including West Chelborough near Dorchester, Shillingstone near Blandford, Shaftesbury in north Dorset and Upton, Poole.

Dorset Echo:

A dog suffering from Alabama Rot

Alabama Rot was first detected in the UK in 2012.

There were 47 confirmed cases in 2020, 19 cases in 2019 and 18 in 2019.

Dog owners in Hampshire, Nottinghamshire and Greater London have all reported suspected cases in the last month.

You can access a map detailing all the confirmed cases since 2012 on the Vet4Pets website here.

What are the symptoms?

The flesh-eating condition, scientifically known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), can affect any age or breed of dog, although breeds which have been most affected include:

Labradors

English springer spaniels

Cocker spaniels

Whippets

Flat-coated Retrievers

Hungarian vizslas

Border collies

The first sign of the disease is often a sore on the skin. This is usually found under a dog’s elbow or knee. The skin can become red and the sore makes it look like an open ulcer.

Other symptoms can include fatigue, bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite and drooling.

After a few days, the dog will start showing signs of kidney failure.

According to Vets4Pets, which is tracking the spread of the disease, only around 30 per cent of dogs survive once diagnosed with the condition.

Dorset Echo:

What causes Alabama rot?

Currently, the cause of the disease is unknown. Since December 2012, a small number of cases have been seen throughout the UK.

Unfortunately, there are currently no known causes for the disease, although research is ongoing.

We do know that most reports come from pet owners who walk their dogs in the countryside, and that most cases are reported during winter and spring, but the specific cause is unknown. Generally cases are rare in the summer months, compared to the colder months.

The exact cause of contracting the disease is unknown, although many vets believe that dogs can get infected from mud on their paws and legs.

Vet Fiona MacDonald told The Sunday Times: “Walking dogs on muddy ground seems to be the common factor.

“Owners who have been in such areas should hose their dogs down with cold water after every such walk.

“They won’t like it, but it might save them.”

There is no known cure for Alabama Rot, but the best chance for survival is if the condition is diagnosed early. Vets will first treat skin sores and kidney failure, but could refer your pet to a specialist hospital.

Can I do anything to avoid Alabama rot?

While it is extremely difficult to give advice about how to avoid Alabama rot, it is advisable to wash off all mud following a wet and muddy walk, especially through woodland.

At this stage however, there is no proof that this is necessary or indeed helpful.