Warning to dog owners about symptoms of deadly illness on the rise in UK
Dog owners in the UK have been asked to remain on high alert about a disease that is on the increase among the nation's canines.
The deadly disease can prove fatal to dogs, as it causes blood clots to form inside the infected animal.
Although the disease may start as skin lesions, it can lead to kidney failure in some cases.
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The disease, Alabama Rot, originally came from the USA, but has made its way over to Britain.
So what should dog owners keep an eye out for?
Veterinarian Dr Corinne Wigfall at Petsure has some advice for how to prevent the disease.
Her first bit of advice - owners should be mindful of where they go for walks.
Dr Wigfall said: "There is currently no confirmed research as to how Alabama rot picked up.
"Some researchers suggest it may be caused by bacteria like E.coli. Others report a link between dogs getting the disease and having recently been out in muddy woodland areas.
"Try to avoid walking your dog in wet, humid and muddy environments. If your dog has been rolling around in the woods, make sure you thoroughly clean and dry their coat.
"You can check recent reports and avoid the areas suffering the most from Alabama rot."
Staying on top of your dog's health is a day-to-day task, and with Alabama rot, it's no different.
Dr Wigfall explained: "A lack of confirmed knowledge of the disease makes it tricky to give specific prevention advice.
"Sadly, there’s no vaccination available for Alabama rot.
"Make sure to check your pup daily for any lesions or bumps. Look for raised, circular sores and ulcers on the skin, as these are the main symptoms.
"Your dog’s face, legs, and paws are the most commonly affected body parts, so give those a thorough check.
"They might have a dark centre and bruises, so watch out for these too."
Should your dog catch Alabama rot, it's better to notice the warning signs early on.
"The earlier you catch wind of symptoms, the better," Dr Wigfall said.
"Other signs to watch out for are lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, increased urination, and, rarely, bodily stiffness.
"Get your dog checked by your vet if they’re acting differently or you spot something unusual."
And when you're certain that your pooch has Alabama rot, get treatment straight away, Dr Wigfall urges.
"If Alabama rot isn’t treated as soon as possible, it could reach the kidneys within a few days of skin lesions appearing.
"The vet will ask questions about the symptoms you’ve noticed, inspect the wounds, and take blood or urine samples. They may give your dog antibiotics to stop or treat an infection in the wounds.
"If the vet is concerned about possible kidney damage, intravenous fluids will be started straight away to help protect the kidneys.
"This means your pooch will need to stay at the veterinary clinic for treatment."
Ben Thompson