A DOG owner from Whitchurch has spoken of the dangers of ‘Alabama Rot’ after suspicions that her dog died of the disease.

Sheri Sim believes her dog Doris died of the disease after visiting Whixall Moss Nature Reserve.

Despite the efforts of vets BM Partnership, Doris had a slim chance of survival and Sheri suspects she contracted the disease after pricking her leg on a thorn.

“Doris had had a thorny stick stuck in her fur near her rear leg so and I saw her licking at the area a couple of days after her walk in the Mosses,” explained Sheri.

“The area became red and sore looking and myself and the vet thought she had an abscess so we started treating her with antibiotics. When it didn’t clear I returned her to the vets where they prescribed a longer dose of antibiotics.

“She seemed to perk up and her leg seemed less sore so we took her for a little walk.

“The following day she started vomiting and refused food, I returned to the vets where they did a blood test which revealed kidney failure.

“At this point the vet mentioned a small possibility of Alabama Rot.

“They kept Doris for IV fluids but her renal failure had worsened. We had her put to sleep the following morning.

“The vets shared photographs and blood results with the specialist for Alabama Rot in Hampshire, they were pretty confident that that is what it was and said even if we took her to Hampshire for dialysis they gave her less than five per cent chance of survival.”

Meanwhile Peter Bowyer, senior reserve manager at Fenn’s, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses, says Natural England are aware of the reports and has issued advice to dog owners.

“Natural England has been made aware of a report of a suspected, but not confirmed, case of cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (Alabama Foot Rot) in a dog which had recently visited the Fenn’s, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses NNR,” said Peter.

“This can be a serious condition if it is not treated.

“There is no evidence linking the suspected case to the NNR, however it is advised that dog owners who wish to use the reserve keep to the marked Trails, keep their dogs on a lead, and wash their dog’s feet thoroughly following any muddy walks.

“Dog owners should also monitor their dogs for skin lesions and, if your dog becomes unwell or shows symptoms, seek veterinary advice.”