Dog owners are being warned to avoid taking their pets into woodland after five dogs fall ill from Alabama Rot.
The flesh-eating Alabama Rot disease can be deadly, causing fatal kidney failure
A dog in Monmouthshire was among those affected by the flesh-eating bug and the other cases, one which led to the dog having to be put to sleep, have all been in surrounding areas.
Alabama Rot affects all breeds and doesn’t target any specific age, gender or weight.
There is no known cause for the condition, meaning there is no direct treatment available.
The first sign is usually a skin sore, commonly found below the elbow or the knee and is a distinct swelling which looks like a patch of red skin or an open sore similar to an ulcer.
If it isn’t detected early it could lead to sudden and potentially fatal kidney failure.
Within seven days the dog usually shows signs of kidney failure, including vomiting, reduced hunger and unusual tiredness.
Anyone suspecting their dog may have caught the disease should consult a vet, who will examine the skin sores to determine how they could have been caught.
Blood and urine test could be carried out to examine the dog’s kidney function and the tests may need to be repeated over several days.
Due to the unknown cause of Alabama Rot there is no prevention but most cases tend to appear between November and June and some say it can be caused by a rare form of E.coli.
It is believed the disease is picked up on dogs’ paws and legs during muddy walks and it is important woodland mud is washed immediately.
Alabama Rot can lead to the dog starting to fester and rot, resulting in kidney failure, loss of appetite, tiredness and vomiting and without urgent treatment they develop a raging fever before they die.
Three of the latest victims were all cocker spaniels and one had to be put to sleep due to a deteriorating kidney condition.
SEE-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/dog-owners-warned-not-take-10661679
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