A six-year-old cross breed dog from Oakham had to be euthanised after contracting the deadly disease Alabama Rot - the first confirmed case in Rutland.

Oakham Veterinary Hospital treated the dog which had been walked in the Braunston area before falling ill.

The dog was admitted with a lesion on his paw, a few days later another appeared on his tongue, followed by vomiting, lack of appetite and lethargy - which progressed to renal failure.

A spokesman for Oakham Veterinary Hospital confirmed today (Thurs): "Sadly, the dog was euthanised shortly after."

The dog was confirmed as the first case of Alabama Rot in Rutland in December last year.

Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) - also known as Alabama Rot - first appeared in the UK eight years ago and has since been a cause of concern for vets across the country.

The exact cause is not known, but proves fatal for nine out of ten dogs who contract the disease.

CRGV appears to only affect dogs, the disease damages the lining of blood vessels in the skin and kidneys, resulting in ulceration of the skin and kidney damage.

The condition can affect any breed or age of dog and the majority go on to develop severe, acute kidney failure.

Oakham Veterinary Hospital vet Chris Booth said: "The total number of confirmed UK cases since 2012 is 204 and this is the first one to be seen in Rutland.

"While it remains a very rare disease, we urge all owners to carefully monitor their dogs for the signs and contact us as soon as possible if concerned.

"Symptoms to look out for are unexplained skin lesions which look like sores, ulcers, or red, swollen, bruised areas.

"Lesions are usually found on paws or lower legs, but may also appear on their head, or lower body.

"Dogs who have contracted the disease may also become tired, inappetent or may have vomiting or diarrhoea."

It is still not known what causes the disease and therefore how to prevent it.

There is speculation that it is related to mud or water, due to its higher prevalence in winter and spring.

To reduce the risk of your dog contracting Alabama Rot Oakham Veterinary Hospital advises keeping your dog away from very muddy areas, wash wet or muddy dogs straight after a walk and regularly check your dog's body for anything that's unusual.

Oakham Veterinary Hospital thanked Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, experts on the disease, for their support and more information about Alabama Rot can be found on Anderson Moores' website by clicking the red button below.