A ‘heartbroken’ dog owner has warned to look out for signs of deadly Alabama rot after losing her beloved pet.
Hannah Povey, from Farringdon, Hampshire believes her cocker spaniel Betsy contracted the disease during a walk in Chawton Park Wood, within the South Downs National Park.
She told the BBC her two-year-old dog, who was usually highly energetic, started limping days before her death.
Hannah also noticed a sore on her paws as well as her pup going off her food.
After she took her to the vets, her blood tests didn’t come back with any results and despite taking antibiotics and painkillers, Betsy still wasn’t eating.
“We took her back to the vets but on Sunday we were told there was nothing more they could do and we were called in to say goodbye to her,” she told the BBC.
“I had heard of it but I had no idea what it could do and how quickly it could happen – that's the scary thing.”
Betsy was put down by vets on Sunday and Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Winchester confirmed Alabama Rot as the cause of death.
Hannah has shared her story to warn other dog owners of the dangers and symptoms of Alabama Rot, also known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV).
Alabama Rot is a disease which damages the blood vessels in the skin and kidneys.
It causes blood clots that can block blood vessels, leading to ulceration and severe organ dysfunction.
In an emotional post on Facebook, Hannah said: “My darling Betsy, you really were a little bundle of joy!
“Absolutely heartbroken to write that we had to say goodbye to my beautiful girl after an extremely short battle with Alabama Rot, the most horrific disease with very little known about it.
“Still totally in shock and I can’t even begin to think of life without her. Two and half years with Betsy was certainly not enough but she sure did make a big impact on all our lives in that short time.”
According to the RSPCA, symptoms of Alabama rot include skin sores, visible swelling, red patch or skin defects not caused by a known injury and changes in appetite.
Betsy's body will now be used for research by Anderson Moores Vets.
