Shropshire dog's death sparks warning on disease
A deadly disease that has killed dozens of dogs across the country has had its first reported case in Shropshire.
Owners are being warned to keep a close eye on their pets, after a Shrewsbury vet could not save a dog diagnosed with Alabama rot.
The disease, which causes kidney failure and skin lesions, has struck across the country and experts still do not know what causes it.
Stewart Bedford, of Shrewsbury Pet Hospital, said that the onset of the disease is so rapid that owners must be on their guard for symptoms.
Mr Bedford said: "Unfortunately we were unable to save the dog that had the disease.
"It had reached the stage of kidney failure and although we tried dialysis it was just too late.
"The problem with this disease is that once skin wounds appear on the lower legs it's only days before kidney failure begins.
"People shouldn't panic because the disease usually strikes over winter and we're coming into spring now but dog owners still need to be vigilant."
The Forestry Commission confirmed that the 13th dog has died from Alabama rot in the UK since December. The case was in Northamptonshire. Other dogs have died after walks in the New Forest.
Alabama rot, or cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), was first identified in the United States in the 1980s. Initial symptoms include lesions or wounds on legs, paws and faces.
Over the following two to seven days, dogs develop signs of kidney failure alongside vomiting, reduced appetite and tiredness.
Mr Bedford, whose surgery is in Harlescott Lane, said: "It's important that you get your dog treated immediately if you do notice skin wounds and if it's only that then at least we know it's nothing more sinister.
"There is no cure so we just have to give the best possible treatment we can, but very rarely do dogs recover from it."
Cases have also been reported in Surrey, Cornwall, Worcestershire and County Durham.
Mr Bedford said: "I don't want to scaremonger and it is incredibly rare, but once dogs get this disease the outlook isn't good."
