At least two cases of the Alabama Rot disease that can be fatal to dogs have been reported in Lower Kingswood.

The latest case of the disease in Surrey, also known as CRGV (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy), was confirmed on Thursday (February 27) by veterinary specialist referral centre Anderson Moores.

In total three new cases were confirmed in the UK last week, including one in Lower Kingswood, bringing the total number of new cases in the UK up to 15 for 2020 so far.

Alabama Rot affects dogs by causing damage to blood vessels in the skin and kidneys.

Official RSPCA advice says this can cause "small blood clots to form resulting in blockages that can lead to damage of the affected tissue".

"Visible ulceration on the skin" can be visible in dogs that contract the disease, while the kidneys can also be impacted.

If the latter is the case, resulting kidney damage can lead to severe organ dysfunction and ultimately kidney failure and death in the affected dog.

David Walker, the UK’s leading expert on the condition, from Anderson Moores, said: “We are sad to announce more cases from this year, as we are now in the time of year when cases are most common.

“Further confirmed cases mean it is understandably very worrying for dog owners; however, 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."

The mysterious disease was first reported in the UK in 2012, and there have been dozens of new cases year on year since then.

The Vets4Pets company are currently running a map of confirmed cases to help inform dog owners of higher-risk areas, though Walker pointed out that "there is currently no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease".

The rarity and its relatively unknown status means that treatment for dogs that get Alabama Rot is typically supportive only, with only 20 per cent of cases treated "successfully" according to Vets4Pets.