Vets confirm case of Alabama Rot after dog becomes sick in Leyland

Vets 4 Pets, which maintains a UK-wide record of confirmed cases, said a dog had been infected in Leyland in March.

It is one of 10 new cases confirmed in the UK so far this year.

Vets 4 Pets has not said exactly where in Leyland the dog was infected, but based on its Alabama Rot map it appears to be in fields behind Chandler Business Park and close to the River Lostock.

There have been a total of 27 confirmed cases within a 20 mile radius of Leyland since record-keeping began.

But the disease remains rare and it is only the fifth case to be confirmed in Lancashire since 2014.

The other four Lancashire dogs to be struck with the disease had been on walks in Chorley (January 2019), Heath Charnock (November 2017), Fulwood (January 2016) and Garstang (June 2014).

Further cases have been reported in the Bolton and Wigan areas, including a dog from Horwich which died in April 2019 after walks around Lower Rivington Reservoir and Liverpool Castle.

Aso known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), it is a rare condition which can cause unexplained skin lesions on dogs of all breeds.

There is currently no known way of preventing a dog from catching the disease and experts say treatment is only effective in around 20 per cent of cases.

In total, the UK has now seen more than 220 confirmed cases of Alabama Rot across 44 counties since 2012.

David Walker, a veterinary specialist on the condition, said: "Further confirmed cases mean it is understandably very worrying for dog owners.

"However, this disease is still very rare, so we’re advising dog owners to remain calm but vigilant, and seek advice from their local vet if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.

"While there is currently no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease, any concerned dog owners should seek online guidance for advice and a map of confirmed cases."

What should I do if my dog is showing symptoms?

Speaking to the Post earlier this year, Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, advised dog owners to contact their vet if they have any concerns.

He said: "While it is understandable that dog owners will be worried by Alabama Rot, it is still a very rare disease and we’d encourage owners to continue exercising their pet.

"If a dog becomes affected, the best chance of recovery lies with early and intensive veterinary care at a specialist facility.

"Treatment is supportive, but is only successful in around 20 percent of cases, which is why we’re encouraging all dog owners to use the online interactive guide to help them understand the clinical signs and confirmed locations of the condition, and visit a vet if they have any concerns."