BLOOD transfusions and dialysis couldn’t save Jess Worthington’s cocker spaniel Pippa.

Now, she's raising cash to understand more about the disease that killed her dog.

Pup Pippa died in December 2015 after a battle with Alabama rot, a dog disease currently sweeping across the country and about which vets know relatively little.

“She was lovely,” said Jess of Pippa. “Full of life. The disease started off with skin lesions, eventually resulting in acute kidney failure. She had extensive treatment.”

The Haydon Wick veterinary nurse, 28, said: “My other dog, Molly, also contracted the disease, but she survived. She’s fighting fit today.”

She hosted a dog fun day in Purton Stoke in aid of charity Alabama Rot Research. Under blue skies, more than 100 dogs competed for prizes including most handsome dog, pettiest bitch and waggiest tail.

Jess said: “I want to raise funds and also awareness, get people talking about it. If they hadn’t before, they’ll have heard of it by the end of today.”

Alabama rot is a growing problem in the British countryside. Vets believe the disease could be carried in mud picked up on woodland walks.

Debbie Leonard, head nurse at Purton Vets, said Alabama rot was a particular concern for vets: “It’s a disease we know very little about. It is spreading around the country.

“We as a practice are raising money to help with research into Alabama rot. The scariest thing about it is that we know very little about this disease and what causes it. The more research we do the more likely it is that we can help prevent it.

“Alabama rot generally seems to affect the skin and the kidneys of dogs and really sadly it can result in loss of life.

“We are suggesting that dog owners if they’ve been walking anywhere that’s wet and muddy that they rinse off their dogs’ paws and undercarriage to rinse off any excess dirt.

“We don’t know if this 100 per cent does help, but it is something we are recommending, especially through the winter months when it is a bit wetter.”

Earlier this year a dog understood to be from Foxham died after contracting the disease. The animal was walked near RAF Lyneham and Crudwell. It was the second confirmed case of Alabama rot in north Wiltshire, according to firm Vets4Pets, who are monitoring the spread of the disease.

Vet David Walker of Anderson Moores said: "The first sign of the disease that is normally seen is 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."