LATER NEWS – December 16: Marlborough News Online can now confirm that one of the first three dogs suspected of having Alabama Rot has had to be put to sleep. The other two suspected cases are currently doing well. There is no further news about the fourth dog.
A fourth dog being monitored for deadly disease Alabama Rot after walking in West Woods near Marlborough.
As reported yesterday by Marlborough News Online, three cocker spaniels are being monitored after developing lesions – the first symptom of the disease – after being walked at the popular spot last week.
Now a fourth dog – a labrador called Mabel – is being monitored at Drove Vets in Wroughton for the rare disease.
Mabel’s owner, Helen Kelly, took to local Facebook forums to warn fellow dog owners.
Linking to Marlborough News Online’s original article, she wrote: “My gorgeous Mabel is currently in the veterinary hospital in Wroughton with suspected Alabama Rot.
“There is no clear test for this disease, but the timeline of us walking at West Woods (Tuesday, December 8) and symptoms appearing make it ‘almost certain’ in the words of the vet.
“In terms of symptoms to look out for; she has been increasingly lethargic since Saturday and drinking more. Yesterday a lesion appeared on her lower leg/paw.
“She has been given a 50/50 chance which is I suppose something to be positive about.
“She will remain on an IV for at least 5 days to monitor her kidney function but frighteningly if her kidney function does start to deteriorate there is nothing they can do for her.
“I’ve tried to tell everyone who has walked there recently but I’ve made this post public so feel free to share it to spread the word.
“Mabel is a young fit and healthy dog so we have to remain hopeful that she will be OK. But I only added up the symptoms by being vigilant – thanks to all the warnings I had read on Facebook.
“Please check your dogs and please talk to your Vet. Early intervention might make the difference.”
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