Dog owners urged to clean pets thoroughly after walks, after Alabama Rot claims the life of a family pet
The deadly disease is known as 'Dog's Black Death'
Last updated 27th Mar 2018
A deadly disease which has claimed the lives of dozens of dogs this year has struck again, leaving the owner of a Shih Tzu in Bolton heartbroken.
The case of the potentially fatal Alabama Rot, also known as "Dog's Black Death'', has led to further calls for owners to be cautious on muddy walks.
The disease damages dogs' blood vessels, cutting off blood supply to areas of the skin and sometimes the internal organs, which causes skin sores and can lead to kidney failure.
It is believed the illness is picked up in muddy areas, and can rot the flesh of a dog very quickly.
Shannon Wilson, 23, took her Shih Tzu Paris for a walk in Moses Gate in Fanworth and noticed a wound on the dog's paw a few days later.
Within a week, the wound had become inflamed and swollen, and Paris became sick.
Blood tests taken by the veterinary charity PDSA revealed kidney failure.
Paris was put to sleep just two weeks after first showing symptoms of the disease.
Ms Wilson said: "We are bereft after losing Paris. We couldn't have had a more loving dog.
"She deteriorated so quickly, it was incredibly frightening to see.
"We had no idea what the symptoms were and I'd never even heard of Alabama Rot so it's been a complete shock to all the family.
"I want to warn other pet owners of the dangers of this disease and to take extra care when out walking. Paris was only four and has gone far too soon.''
Alabama Rot was first identified in greyhounds in the United States in the 1980s and has only surfaced in the UK in the last six years.
There have been reports of the disease across the country.
In 2012, just six cases were reported in the UK. The number grew to 40 in 2017, and there have already been 29 reports of the disease in the first three months of this year.
PDSA vet Emma Deards said: "Despite extensive research in this area, vets are still not sure what causes the disease and how to prevent it.
"Following this confirmed diagnosis of Alabama Rot in Manchester, vets and owners are understandably concerned.
"Washing any mud off your dog after a wet or muddy walk may be of benefit but this has yet to be proven as an effective method of prevention.
"The important thing for owners to do is check their dogs after every walk for any unexplained redness or sores on the skin, particularly on their paws, legs, face, mouth or tongue.
"In many cases, the cause of these sores will not be Alabama Rot, but it's important for a vet to examine your dog and rule it out."