Cumbrian dog dies from rare disease

Alabama Rot is is characterised by unpleasant painful sores Credit: Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists

A pet dog in Cumbria has died from the rare Alabama Rot condition, it has been confirmed.

The black Labrador from the Longtown area was first seen by vets at the end of last month displaying various symptoms connected with the disease.

After several days' treatment the dog was put down. A post mortem of samples sent to specialists confirmed the rare condition first discovered in America in 1985.

Three cases have now been confirmed in the last week in the UK - in Cumbria, Cornwall and Wales.

Vets are keen to emphasise it is an extremely rare condition with fewer than a hundred cases ever confirmed in Britain.

However the disease is almost always fatal. There are eight million dogs in the UK.

ALABAMA ROT- THE FACTS:

  • Alabama Rot, a deadly disease affecting dogs is spreading across the UK

  • The cause is still unknown, treatment is at best 30% successful and dog owners need to be wary of the risks to their pets

  • The first sign that is normally seen is a skin sore that isn’t caused by a known injury. Animals are also unusually tired.

  • Any dog owners who are worried that their pet might have Alabama Rot should contact their veterinary practice immediately.