DOG owners in the county are being warned to be aware of deadly disease Alabama Rot after a vet confirmed a case.

Girling and Bowditch veterinary practice has confirmed a case of the disease - also known as CRGV - in West Charlborough.

According to Vets4Pets, the condition causes sores and lesions not caused by any known injury.

These are usually found below the elbow, knee or around the muzzle and appear as swelling, a patch of red skin or are open and ulcer-like.

The disease can go on to cause fatal kidney failure and signs include vomiting, reduced hunger and tiredness. 

It is not known what causes the disease but it is thought that dogs pick it up on their paws - and so owners are encouraged to wash their pet's belly and paws after muddy walks.

Dog owners are urged to seek advice if they have any concerns. 

Bridgwater Mercury:

Girling and Bowditch issued the following warning online: "We have had a confirmed case of cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy, otherwise known as Alabama Rot.

"This is a relatively new disease with confirmed cases throughout the country.

"This disease often manifests as skin lesions. Often there will be a scrape or ulcer to an area, often feet. There could be red areas with black centres often found on the legs and muzzle.

"This disease process can go on to affect the kidneys and cause kidney failure with a high probability of fatality. There is no telling which dogs will be affected and whether if they develop skin lesions they will go on to develop kidney failure.

"Unfortunately we do not know the cause but the advice is to wash off legs and tummies of dogs after a muddy walk. As far as we are aware it cannot be passed from one dog to another."