It is said that there is no stronger bond than between an owner and their dog.
However after a small outbreak of a mysterious disease, Manchester pooch lovers are scared for furry loved ones.
The mystery disease, which has plagued the woods and forests of the country, has finally been identified as Alabama rot.
Alabama rot, which has killed 17 dogs in British woodland, leaves animals vomiting, suffering painful lesions and can even result in fatal kidney failure.
The disease was thought only to affect grey-hounds but since a small outbreak this year other breeds of dog are being affected and killed.
Joe Maxwell, a vet from Woodcroft Veterinary Group, told MM that there have been a only a small number of minor cases and that owners should not worry about taking their dogs for walks.
“People shouldn’t blow this out of proportion, but we don’t know what is causing it. Dogs are developing lesions after being in a rural environment,” she added.
“Not all of the dogs that have contracted these lesions have then gone on to develop kidney disease after.”
So far Alabama rot has plagued the woods and forests of southern England, but there are no signs as of yet that the disease will be found in Manchester.
It has struck in the New Forest, Hampshire as well as wooded areas in Cornwall, Surrey, Nottinghamshire, Worcestershire, Co Durham and Norfolk.
Currently there is no cure for Alabama rot which was first reported in the US in the 1980s.
Another Manchester Vet, who preferred to remain unnamed, said: “People shouldn’t worry too much about Alabama rot it is still very rare. We shouldn’t panic.
“Owners should still check their dog after they have walked through wood land to see if their pet has any lesions on their legs, chest or abdomen.
“At the moment there is no known cure for the disease but early detection can be vital in saving the dog’s life. A vet will be able to treat the symptoms that dogs get when they have the disease like kidney failure for instance.
“It is quite unlikely the disease will be found in Manchester as it has only been cases have only been found in a few specific forests.”
The disease is believed to be caused by a rare form of ecoli which then leads to kidney failure.
The Greyhound Racing Association of America claims that infection with the disease comes from the dogs being fed meat from dead, diseased, dying or disabled cattle.
MM took to the street to find out Manchester dog owners opinions on the disease.
Dog owner, Sally Holmes, 25, Marketing Manager, from Withington said, “The disease sounds really bad, I am glad there haven’t been any cases in the Manchester area or I would be really worried for my little [dog] Charlie.”
Pooch lover, Charlie Steyn, 44, a retail manager, from Wilmslow, added: “Pet owners shouldn’t be scared by this outbreak. There haven’t been many deaths and there have been no cases anywhere near Manchester. I am sure it will just blow over.”
Grey-hound owner, Tommy Finden, a butcher from Chalton, 51, said: “Someone needs to find a cure for the Alabama rot, it’s awful that someone could lose their loved one instantly and not be able to do anything about it.”
Image courtesy of rv3IIcls, with thanks
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