Dog walkers in Milton Keynes have received an urgent warning regarding the rise in cases of the "flesh-eating" disease, Alabama rot.

There is a growing concern as the disease spikes, without any indication of slowing down.

Petsure's veterinarian, Dr Corinne Wigfall, offers her expert advice to prevent the disease and how to quickly identify its symptoms.

Dr Corinne Wigfall has said: "Alabama rot causes clots to form in small blood vessels.

"It starts as skin lesions and can tragically lead to kidney failure for some dogs.

"With cases of Alabama rot increasing in the UK, it’s crucial to be aware of the tell-tale signs.

"The disease can affect any dog, regardless of age or breed."

The spread of Alabama rot is not yet fully understood.

Some researchers suggest it could be bacteria like E.coli while others link it to dogs frequenting muddy woodland areas.

Dr Wigfall advises dog walkers to be aware of their environment and try to avoid wet, humid, muddy areas.

Post-walk, ensure that your dogs are thoroughly cleaned and dried, particularly if they have been in the woods.

Because of the incomplete understanding of the disease, specific prevention advice is difficult to provide, and there is currently no available vaccination against Alabama rot.

However, monitoring your dog for skin lesions or bumps, especially around the face, legs, and paws, is recommended.

Unusual dark centres, bruises, or raised, circular sores could indicate the presence of the disease.

Observing any changes in your dog's behaviour can be another early indicator of Alabama rot.

Lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, increased urination, and bodily stiffness can all signal disease presence.

Canine guardians are advised to have their dogs examined by a vet if changes in behaviour are noticed.

If Alabama rot is suspected or any of the described symptoms are observed, it's crucial to seek immediate veterinary care.

If left untreated, the disease could affect the dog's kidneys within days of the skin lesions appearing.

The vet will likely ask about observed symptoms, examine the wounds, and perform blood or urine tests.

Antibiotics may be given to treat possible infections in the wounds, and if there's concern about potential damage to the kidneys, they may start intravenous fluids straight away to help protect them.

This would require your dog to stay at the veterinary clinic for treatment.

In the face of this significant health concern, it's critical for dog owners to remain vigilant, monitor environments and behaviours, and not hesitate to seek veterinary advice.