A DOG has been put down in Malmesbury after contracting what vets believe to be Alabama Rot.

Vets at The George Veterinary Hospital, together with the owners, took the decision to put the dog down, after it failed to respond to treatment over the last couple of days.

Michael Hollywood of the veterinary group said: "The owners took the hard decision to put the dog down. 

"A post-mortem will be carried out to see what the cause was, but we believe it to be Alabama Rot.

"It is a rare disease but from what we know, this dog unfortunately ticked all the boxes."

Not much is known about the disease, but it is believed to be picked up on dogs' paws and legs during muddy walks. 

The owners are unsure as to where the dog could have picked up the disease, but all walkers have been warned to remain vigilant for signs of the disease in their pets including skin sores, lesions, vomiting, loss of appetite and exhaustion. 

Dog owners can reduce the risk of the disease by washing their dogs' paws after walks, checking for symptoms and ringing the vets with any concerns. 

Dr Huw Stacey of Vets4Pets said: “If a dog becomes affected, the best chance of recovery lies with early and intensive veterinary care at a specialist facility such as Anderson Moores.

Any dog owners who are worried that their pet might have Alabama Rot should contact their veterinary practice immediately.”

For more information about the disease visit www.vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot.