A dog has died from the deadly Alabama Rot disease after a walk at a popular beauty spot.
The pet was believed to have been walked in Rivington Pike in Lancashire before falling ill.
This is the second time this year a dog in the North West has died from the fatal disease which causes damage to the blood vessels of the skin and kidneys.
Dogs with the disease can suffer from skin ulcers, acute kidney failure and even death.
Vets4Pets confirmed the death on their Facebook page and warned all dog users to be vigilant of the disease.
The post said: "Unfortunately, we have to confirm a further case of Alabama Rot; known as CRGV (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy).
"The case has been confirmed by Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, in Bolton (Greater Manchester).
"In total, the UK has now seen 186 confirmed cases across 38 counties since 2012, with 52 cases in 2018 and 11 in 2019.
"This disease is still very rare, so we’re advising dog owners to remain calm but vigilant, and seek advice from their local vet if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions."
In the comments of the post, Vets4Pets confirmed that one of the areas the dog was walked was Rivington Pike, although it is not known exactly where the pet picked up the disease.
On Facebook , the company said: "We do know that the dog was from Horwich and that one of the areas the dog was walked was Rivington Pike."
Rivington Pike is a beauty spot in Lancashire popular with dog walkers from across the North West.
There have been nine confirmed cases of Alabama Rot within a 20 miles radius of Liverpool and while nobody knows what causes the disease, this is what to look out for according to Vets4Pets.
HOW TO SPOT ALABAMA ROT
The first sign that is normally seen is a skin sore not caused by any known injury.
Most commonly, these sores are found below the elbow or knee and appear as a distinct swelling, a patch of red skin, or are open and ulcer-like.
Within approximately two to seven days, the affected dogs develop outward signs of sudden kidney failure which can include vomiting, reduced hunger,and an unusual tiredness.
Skin sores and sudden kidney failure are not unique to this disease alone, and are actually more likely to be caused by some other disease.
Your vet will run a number of tests to determine the underlying cause.
