The deadly Alabama Rot virus is sweeping the UK, and dog owners have been warned to keep their pets away from the mud.
The flesh-eating disease could be contracted via mud picked up on paws and legs during walks. Owners are advised to wash mud off dogs when they return home, and watch out for signs of the illness known as CRGV.
Alabama Rot (also known as "dog's black death") has unknown causes, and can affect all breeds. If not spotted early enough, it could lead to fatal kidney failure and death within a week, as the diagnosis often comes too late.
As reported by The Mirror, a number of deaths have been reported in the UK and dog owners have been urged to keep a close watch over their pets.
More than 135 cases have been reported since 2012, but there are fears that 2018 could see a record number of cases due to recent bad weather. There have been at least 29 deaths this year after a record 37 were reported in 2017.
The disease first appeared in the UK six years ago, and can affect dogs of any age, sex or breed. Alabama Rot is believed to thrive in cold, wet soil. It can be fatal for nine out of 10 dogs who catch it. The sudden spike in cases has led to warnings to keep pets away from muddy or wet areas, and go to a vet immediately if any symptoms, including lesions, develop.
The Dogs Trust said: "Where possible, stick to dry paths and keep dogs out of muddy or wet areas."
The first sign of Alabama Rot is usually a skin sore or lesion not caused by any known injury, said Vets4Pets.
It said: "Most commonly, these sores are found below the elbow or knee and appear as a distinct swelling, a patch of red skin, or are open and ulcer-like.
"Within approximately two to seven days, the affected dogs develop outward signs of sudden kidney failure which can include vomiting, reduced hunger, and an unusual tiredness.
"Skin sores and sudden kidney failure are not unique to this disease alone, and are actually more likely to be caused by some other disease. Your vet will run a number of tests to determine the underlying cause."
What is Alabama Rot?
- The devastating condition, officially called CRGV, can lead to a dog's flesh rotting away.
- It's thought it originated in America among Greyhounds in the 1980s, but UK cases have only been reported in the last six years.
- The disease results in kidney failure, loss of appetite, tiredness and vomiting - but it can only be diagnosed post-mortem.
- Symptoms include skin lesions, sore skin and kidney failure.