After dog’s death
comes from and why. A lot of people say it can be found in wooded areas, but it could also be in muddy, dirty water.”
Rachel is now trying to raise awareness of the symptoms, in the hope of helping other dog owners spot the signs of the disease.
Andrew O’Donnell, the vet who dealt with Bilbo and his lab reports at Treforest and Tonypandy Veterinary Clinics, said: “From the lab reports we have and our discussion with the specialists who are handling cases of Alabama rot in the UK, we are treating this as a confirmed case.
“Bilbo had all the characteristic signs of the disease – skin ulcers on his legs followed by lethargy and kidney failure, as well as a history of walking in woodland which often is a risk factor. As far as we are aware, this is the first confirmed case in the Welsh Valleys area and the first confirmed case this far west.”
He added: “Alabama rot is a rare disease and we advise people not to panic, but to try and spread awareness. We don’t know what causes it, which is what makes treatment so difficult. Affected animals usually have a history of walking in muddy woodland, followed by ulcerations on their legs or muzzle.
“The best prevention we know of so far is avoiding wooded areas where confirmed cases have been seen and washing/rinsing mud off dogs after walking in any area like this.
“Any owners concerned about their animals showing ulcers on their legs, paws or muzzle should seek veterinary advice.”