The deadly disease Alabama Rot could be present in mud and grass, exactly the spots in which your much-loved dog likes to play.

It is an alarming ailment that can be hard to treat - and now vets are urging owners to be alert to the symptoms.

Dog owners in Swadlincote are being warned to keep their pets safe after a case of Alabama Rot was confirmed by a vet.

The first case in our area came to light when staff at Hartshorne Veterinary Surgery treated a dog which has been walked at Gorse Lane Fields towards Boothorpe shortly before the owner realised it had become poorly.

The dog was brought in to the surgery in Repton Road, where a vet confirmed it was suffering with Alabama rot. The dog's condition is not known.

First reported in the UK five years ago, Alabama Rot is thought to have originated in American and has sadly killed dozens of dogs since making it to our shores.

Manchester and Cannock Chase so far have been hospots for the infection.

Alabama Rot - dog owners should wash their dog's paws and legs after a muddy walk
The advice is for dog owners to wash their dog's paws and legs after a muddy walk

Check with this handy online tool from Vets4Pets to see if there have been any recent cases in your area, and read on for everything you need to know about the horrifying condition.

What is Alabama Rot?

The deadly condition, also known as CRGV, can lead to your dog's flesh rotting away, lethargy, loss of appetite, or even kidney failure - and without urgent treatment dogs can develop a raging fever and eventually die.

The cause is as yet unknown but it is believed to be more easily contracted during wet weather conditions.

All breeds can be affected and in total there have been 92 confirmed cases in the UK and Ireland - that's 92 cases too many for us.

How can I stop my dog getting Alabama rot?



Where did Alabama rot come from and what causes it?




A dog infected with Alabama rot
A dog infected with Alabama Rot

What are the symptoms of Alabama rot?




Kidney failure occurs in a minority of cases, however if it does occur, it usually proves fatal.

Are there any early warning signs?





Can Alabama rot be treated?



This article first appeared in the Daily Record.