A HALESOWEN vets is warning dog owners to take extra precautions when out walking their pets after a 460 per cent increase in cases of the deadly disease Alabama Rot.

The mysterious illness, which first appeared in the late 1980s affecting greyhounds in America has spread to England, with 46 cases confirmed since December 2013.

Now Vets4Pets, Stourbridge Road, has launched an interactive guide to provide dog owners with information on the disease, including confirmed locations and tips on how to reduce the risk of dogs becoming infected.

Huw Stacey, head of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: “The cause of Alabama Rot, clinically known as idiopathic cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), is still unknown and while there is currently no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease."

“This is why we have produced an interactive guide, which follows on from the feature on Alabama Rot in our 2014 Vets Report, that helps dog owners understand where in the UK confirmed cases have occurred, how to spot symptoms and tips on reducing the risk of infection.

“The concern among vets in the UK is that unlike the Alabama Rot that affected greyhounds in America, the disease in the UK does not seem to target any specific breed, age, sex or weight of dog.

Vets4Pets, which has over 300 practices across the UK, is currently supporting the research work carried out by Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists and the Animal Health Trust to help understand the disease, how it can be treated and prevented.

Huw added: “The first sign that is normally seen is a skin lesion or sore that isn’t caused by a known injury. Most commonly these sores are found below the elbow or knee and appear as a distinct swelling, a patch of red skin or are open and ulcer-like."

For further information on Alabama Rot read the 2014 Vets Report www.vets4pets.com/thevetreport.