Pet experts have warned of a disease within dogs that has been found across the UK that could prove to be fatal, with six cases confirmed in the North East.

According to vet specialist, Anderson Moores,  one disease that is currently worrying dog owners across the country is CRGV (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy), also known as 'Alabama Rot'.

Alabama Rot can be a potentially life-threatening disease for your dog so it is worth knowing the signs and symptoms so that you can take swift action if your pet is impacted.

Read more: Seaham couple receive over 200 cards on 70th anniversary

With the weather getting more rainy and muddy, Alabama Rot cases could increase, according to pet experts.

What is Alabama Rot?

The disease can cause damage to the blood vessels in the skin and sometimes the kidneys.

The way that it affects dogs is by causing tiny blood clots in the vessels, which block them and, in the skin, cause ulceration.

However, if the kidney or kidneys are affected, then the disease can lead to kidney failure and death.

What causes Alabama Rot?

Unfortunately, it is not known exactly what causes Alabama Rot, but the disease is known to be more prevalent in spring and winter. Dogs who are walked in muddy or woodland areas also tend to be more affected.

Are some dogs more affected than others?

Though Alabama Rot can affect any breed of dog, those most commonly affected seem to be Labradors, spaniels and Hungarian vizslas.

Dogs of any age can also catch the disease, so keep an eye on your dog's skin regardless of how old they are.

Alabama Rot in the UK

There have so far been 290 confirmed cases of Alabama Rot in the UK, with eight confirmed last year (2022).

Anderson Moores has been tracking every live case of the disease in the country over the last few years, with an interactive map that shows you which areas of the country are or have been affected.

Alabama Rot in the North East

In the North East, there are six locations that have had confirmed cases of Alabama Rot since 2012.

The most recent cases were seen in Sunderland and Newcastle in 2020.

The first case in 2012 came in the Durham Dales, with cases in Darlington (2015), Sacriston (2017), Crook (2018), Sunderland (2020) and Newcastle (2020) that followed.

According to the live data, there have been no confirmed cases in the North East since 2020, however, this does not mean that dog owners should be complacent if they find an unexpected lesion on their dog's skin.

If you suspect that your dog has Alabama Rot, then you should contact a vet immediately.