Berkshire dog owners are being urged to be vigilant after two cases of Alabama Rot confirm the presence of the deadly disease in the area.
In the last six weeks, two dogs have sadly died from Alabama Rot, a disease which is widely unknown - with specialist vets looking into causes and treatments.
It is understood that the bacteria which causes Alabama Rot is picked up when dogs are out on a walk.
Three-year-old Labrador Grace and six-year-old Hungarian Vizsla Marnie both sadly passed from the disease this year and were both walked regularly in West Berkshire.
Grace had come from Lambourn whereas Marnie walked regularly in the village of Stanford Dingley.
These two incidents aren't the first time Alabama Rot has been seen in the area, with a dog dying from the disease in Maidenhead in January 2021 and an earlier incident in July 2016 was seen in Wokingham.
Further cases have also been seen in Reading in January and February 2021.
Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Winchester, Hampshire, has been leading research into the devastating disease since 2012 and confirmed the latest Berkshire cases.
The disease, also known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), is an extremely rare disease which claims the lives of 90 per cent of infected dogs.
Anderson Moores has reported that the disease often starts as sores on the dog's paws, which spread up the body before the dog begins to fall very ill and their kidneys begin to fail.
Vet at Anderson Moores, Josh Walker, said: "I must emphasise this is a very rare disease and we’re advising dog owners to remain calm but vigilant and seek advice from their vet if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.
“Treatment largely revolves around management of the sudden onset kidney failure and is only successful in around 10 per cent of cases."
Vets4Pets have now shared their advice with dog owners in the area.
A spokesperson from Vets4Pets said: "Check your dog regularly for wounds, and contact your vet for an appointment if you are concerned – it’s easier to treat Alabama rot if the signs are spotted early.
"Wash your dog’s feet after they come home from walking, especially if they have been in a very muddy area - it’s been suggested that cases of Alabama rot are more common after a dog has walked in wet, muddy places.
"Avoid walking in areas known for Alabama rot."
To view more information on Alabama Rot, visit vets4pets.com/pet-health-advice/alabama-rot and alabama-rot.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here