Vet chiefs assure dog owners after new case of Alabama Rot: What to do if you think your pet is infected

Telltale reddening around the back leg of a dog with Alabama Rot

Veterinary chiefs have issued assurances for dog owners after a new case of the potentially fatal disease, Alabama Rot, was reported in the UK.

The British Veterinary Association issued the assurances after Dorchester based vet, Girling & Bowditch Vets, reported a confirmed case of the potentially deadly disease on 30 January.

In a statement to their Facebook page the vets said: "We have had a confirmed case of cutaneous & renal glomerular vasculopathy, otherwise known as Alabama Rot in the Ryme Intrisica /West Chelborough area.

"This disease often manifests as "skin lesions". Often there will be a scrape or ulcer to an area, often feet. There could be red areas with black centres often found on the legs and muzzle.

"This disease process can go on to affect the kidneys and cause kidney failure with a high probability of fatality. There is no telling which dogs will be affected and whether if they develop skin lesions they will go on to develop kidney failure."

The British Veterinary Association have attempted to calm dog owners in the North West by explaining that only a small proportion of dogs have been affected.

Gudrun Ravetz, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: “Although there have been reported cases of Alabama Rot found in the North West in the last few years, and dog owners may understandably feel anxious, the risk is low with only a small proportion of dogs having been affected.