Mystery disease affecting Shropshire dogs confuses vets
A mystery disease which affected some Shropshire dogs continues to perplex veterinary experts.
About 30 dogs died over 18 months, and while the cause is suspected to be Alabama Rot, the origin of the disease remains unknown.
Cases were reported from County Durham to Cornwall, and 10 dogs were said to have been in the New Forest before becoming ill. A small number of dogs in Shropshire were affected, but the disease has not been reported in the county for several months.
Local vets have speculated that the disease may be linked to woodland areas. Most cases saw symptoms including skin lesions, tiredness, loss of appetite and fever. Researchers have said that kidney damage in these dogs was the result of damage to small blood vessels in the organs.
A spokesman for Wrekin View Vets, which has surgeries in Wellington and Shifnal, said: "It is important to note that this problem has only affected a small number of dogs."
Other vets said they had heard nothing of the disease for 18 months.
