A CHORLEY vet is warning dog owners after a second ‘suspected’ case of Alabama Rot in the town.

Sonia Green, director of Chorley Vets on Market Street said staff were sad after seven-year-old collie cross Labrador Indiana had to be put down last weekend.

But she said that the condition is rare and it should not stop dog owners walking their dogs, adding: “It is important to recognise there are approx 8.5million dogs in the UK and since 2012 only 120 dogs have been affected by Alabama Rot, 29 in 2018.

“We see more road traffic accident cases than this disease but would not expect people not to take out their dogs due to the risk of being hit by a car.

“Alabama Rot has lesions, generally ulcerated, with variable bruising to the distal limbs (legs), and tongue. Furthermore, some dogs develop acute kidney disease, although some do present without renal changes.

She said: “Indiana was well known and loved in the area and we are thinking about the family at this very sad time.

“We are very grateful that they have allowed us to share their pain in the hope it can help others.”

“If anyone has any concerns about their dogs then we can run tests. Unfortunately there is no cure for it but we can try to help the dog.”

It comes after the Chorley Citizen reported that according to the online animal advice website Vets4Pets, 20 cases of Alabama rot have been recorded within a 20-mile radius of Blackburn over recent months, resulting in the death of one dog in Chorley.

Vets4Pets was able to confirm that prior to contracting the disease, the Chorley dog had been walked along Lower Rivington, along the canal from the White Bay Marina and around King George Playing Fields If you want to find out more visit Chorley Vets on 01257 274767 or email chorleyvets@gmail.com