A DOG in Monmouthshire has been diagnosed with Alabama Rot after falling ill from the disease.

Alabama Rot, known officially as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), is a flesh-eating bug that affects dogs and is fatal in nine out of 10 cases.

The first symptoms of Alabama Rot include skin lesions, ulcers or sores. These appear on the animal’s legs, body, mouth or tongue.

Days later the dog will display signs of acute kidney damage including vomiting, loss of appetite and unusual tiredness.

The cause of Alabama Rot is unknown meaning there is no known cure for the disease.

The disease is called Alabama Rot as it was first seen in Alabama, USA in the 1980s.

It is thought the disease is picked up on the paws and legs on muddy walks so owners are advised to wash off woodland mud and check for symptoms of Alabama Rot. If there is any doubt, owners should call the vet.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “If dog owners are concerned their pet may be affected by this condition we would urge them to contact their vet immediately for advice”.

Professor Christianne Glossop, chief veterinary officer for Wales, said: “Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy is a severe but rare new disease and your vet can offer good advice on how to identify it and what action to take.

“There are three key things for dog owners to remember: remove mud from dogs after woodland walks, be aware of the signs of the disease and consult your vet immediately if you are concerned.

“The initial sign is one or more patches of redness or ulceration of the skin, usually on the legs below the elbow or knee.

“This is followed by kidney failure which may be fatal.

“There are other diseases which cause these signs more commonly, which is why it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately if you are concerned.

“The disease is often associated with walking dogs in muddy woodland, so always wash off mud from dogs after a woodland walk”.

Steve Morgan, operations manager at Natural Resources Wales, said: “We have fantastic woodlands in Wales and they are a great place to take your dog for a walk and keep yourself fit at the same time.

“There have been several confirmed cases of Alabama Rot throughout the UK, including Monmouthshire, over the past few weeks.

“This is a rare disease and is believed to be picked up following muddy walks, however, the cause is unknown.

“Should your dog become ill or display any symptoms such as skin lesions below the knee or elbow, we would advise that you contact your vet immediately”.