DEADLY dog disease Alabama Rot has been confirmed as the cause of the death of a springer spaniel from Lydney.

The Chepstow vet who treated him says he would be “very, very surprised” if postmortem results prove negative for another dog under his care.

With two confirmed cases in the Forest so far this year, from a total of 10 across the UK, and at least two more suspected, the message from local vets is still to carry on as normal.

Glen Marlow, one of the owners of Marlow vets in Chepstow told the Review: “We cared for the spaniel from Lydney here in Chepstow, and postmortem results confirm that the dog, which died on January 19, did have Alabama Rot.

“We’re waiting for test results for another dog from near Wentwood, but I’d be very, very surprised if that isn’t also confirmed.”

This follows the death in January of Hungarian Viszla Rosie from Longhope from Alabama Rot and the death of another dog from May Hill, believed to have been caused by the disease.

“Advice hasn’t chang­ed,” said Mr Marlow. “If you walk your dog in muddy places, wash their feet and legs in cold water, as this is believed to have a mild disinfectant effect.”

Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), commonly known as Alabama Rot, is a disease caused by damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidneys and is fatal in up to 80 per cent of suspected cases. Latest evidence suggests a link to an organism called Aero­monas hydrophila which also affects fish.

Mr Marlow added: “This disease is ubiquitous and is present throughout the country. The causal agent is even carried by earthworms. But at the same time it is still incredibly rare. We’re seeing a real overreaction to the problem given the number of dogs being walked every day. To decide not to walk your dog anywhere where mud could be found is like deciding not to go on a plane because one crashed last week.”

Mark Hinds, from Severnside Veterinary Group agreed, adding: “Most dogs are completely unaffected and there’s a broad spread of cases across the country. We can’t say there’s no risk, but the benefits of exercise for your dog outweigh the risk and it’s important to keep walking them.”

David Walker, the UK’s leading expert on the condition, from veterinary specialist referral centre Anderson Moores, said: “This is understandably very worrying for dog owners, but we hope the increase in cases is partially due to a higher awareness and understanding of the disease.

“Although the figures have almost doubled since 2016, it is important that dog owners remain calm, but vigilant for signs of the disease, particularly over the coming months, as we are now in the peak season for cases of the disease.

“The first sign is normally a skin sore that isn’t caused by a known injury. Most commonly, these sores are found on the lower half of the leg and appear as a distinct swelling, a patch of red skin or are open and ulcer-like.

“While there is currently no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease, any concerned dog owners should visit www.

vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot/ for advice and a map of confirmed cases.”