MORE warnings have been issued to dog owners as a map shows where deadly Alabama Rot has been reported in the region.
Several cases of the horrendous disease have been recorded in the North East and North Yorkshire in recent months.
The disease, which causes clots to form in blood vessels, can cause fatal damage to the skin and kidneys.
Read more: Map reveals deadly lungworm hotspots in the North East and North Yorkshire
Only affecting dogs, the disease is often reported after they have been walked in affected muddy or woodland areas.
Vets4Pets have published the map to help dog owners track cases as it has said there is currently "no known" way to prevent the disease.
In the North East, County Durham and Darlington areas including Sacriston, Seaham, Crook and near South Park have seen such cases reported.
Read more: The urgent warning this Saltburn vets has for dog owners in the North East
Meanwhile in North Yorkshire, areas in Ripon and Easingwold, near York, have also been identified as potential trouble spots.
Vets4Pets said: "As the cause of Alabama Rot is still unknown, there is no known way to prevent your dog from contracting the disease, although there have been cases of closely associated dogs becoming affected."
What is Alabama Rot?
As Vets4Pets has mentioned, there is no way to prevent a dog from catching Alabama Rot other than to look out and avoid problem areas.
The PDSA describes the disease as a disorder that allows tiny clots to form in blood vessels that in turn damage the skin and kidneys.
It explains that this can cause skin sores and sometimes kidney failure, meaning the dog's kidneys stop working and cannot clean blood properly.
What are the symptoms
The disease is treated as a serious illness by vets across the country and thankfully there have been enough cases to determine some of the key symptoms.
According to the PDSA, common symptoms generally include:
- Ulcers and sores on paws, legs, face or mouth
- being sick
- not wanting to eat
- lethargy (sleepiness and having much less energy than usual)
Is there anyway it can be avoided?
The Vets4Pets map has been created to help dog owners warn others over potential problem areas.
The PDSA says that if Alabama Rot has been reported near you, avoid walking your dog in muddy woodland areas.
It goes on to say that washing any mud off your dog after a walk can help, although warns that this has not been proven.
It says: "It won’t harm your dog and might help keep your mind at ease if you’re worried about the disease."
It goes on to say that owners should check their dog for signs of redness or sores, especially on their paws, legs and face regularly.
Anyone who notices these symptoms or changes in health should then contact their local vet for assistance.
To view the map click here
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