DOG OWNERS are being urged to watch out for Alabama Rot following reports of the deadly disease in Bishop’s Waltham.

The condition, which causes acute kidney failure and can kill dogs usually strikes between November and May.

Now, dog lovers are being warned to be extra vigilant when taking their pets out after a report of Alabama rot in Bishop’s Waltham.

The recent case brings the total number of UK cases this year to 33, and was confirmed on Thursday by veterinary specialists, Anderson Moores.

Alabama Rot is also known as CRGV (Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy).

According to the RSPCA the cause of the disease is unknown however research is ongoing.

Symptoms of Alabama Rot include skin sores without a known injury. The animal welfare charity says that in typical cases, skin legions usually appear below the knee or elbow and occasionally on the face or at the bottom of the chest or abdomen. There may be visible swelling, a red patch or a defect in the skin.

Other symptoms include reduced appetite, drinking more, vomiting and lethargy which are signs of acute kidney injury.

Dog owners worried their dog may be suffering are urged to contact their vet immediately.

David Walker is a specialist on the condition at Anderson Moores.

He said: “We are sad to announce more cases from this year, as we are now in the time of year when cases are most common.

“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 visit www.vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot/ for advice and a map of confirmed cases.”

The highest number of confirmed cases have been in Greater Manchester, Dorset, Surrey, Devon and the New Forest.

Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, has been supporting research on the condition for a number of years, and is advising 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 such as Anderson Moores.

“Treatment is supportive, but is only successful in around 20 per cent 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.”