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DOG owners are on high alert after an "unexplained" disease has killed a number of canines across the country in the past year.
DEATHS: The disease has been spotted in several cases over the past year
Vets have been baffled by the mystery illness that has struck dogs all over the UK.
An investigation has been launched into the deaths after the Forestry Commission were alerted to several cases in the New Forest area between December 2012 and April 2013 last year.
Owners have been told to tend to any open wounds their pet may have with due care - with infection being one means of spreading disease quickly.
Experts have warned owners to be aware of symptoms such as vomiting, a loss of appetite and severe depression.
The cases have sparked belief that the dogs may have come down with Alabama Rot, a disease first seen in the US in the 1980s.
The condition can cause kidney failure through high levels of toxin brought on by bacteria.
As many as 16 dogs have been affected in the UK, of which 13 have died.
WOUNDS: Any cuts or grazes should be looked after carefully
Pets have been affected in Hampshire, Dorset, Worcestershire, Cornwall, County Durham and Surrey.
And vets are still unsure about the exact cause of the disease.
David Walker, head of medicine at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Winchester, Hampshire, has looked at some of the cases.
He told Sky News: "We have a much better understanding of what is going on, but we don't know what the underlying trigger is.
"The message we are trying to get out there is for dog owners to remain vigilant."
KILLER: Most cases have been found in the New Forest area
Local councils and other organisations ahem been working together for the last year to find a cure.
Experts have said it is likely that the syndrome is extremely rare and will only affect a small proportion of pets.
But others are still asking owners to take precautions.
British Veterinary Association President Robin Hargreaves said: "Dog owners in these regions will feel understandably anxious about the recent cases but it seems that only a very small proportion of the dogs walked in these areas each day have been affected.
"Owners should make sure they are aware of the signs and symptoms and contact their vet immediately if they have any concerns. We are keeping our members informed about the ongoing situation."
DEATHS: The disease has been spotted in several cases over the past yearAn investigation has been launched into the deaths after the Forestry Commission were alerted to several cases in the New Forest area between December 2012 and April 2013 last year.
Owners have been told to tend to any open wounds their pet may have with due care - with infection being one means of spreading disease quickly.
Experts have warned owners to be aware of symptoms such as vomiting, a loss of appetite and severe depression.
The cases have sparked belief that the dogs may have come down with Alabama Rot, a disease first seen in the US in the 1980s.
The condition can cause kidney failure through high levels of toxin brought on by bacteria.
As many as 16 dogs have been affected in the UK, of which 13 have died.
WOUNDS: Any cuts or grazes should be looked after carefully Pets have been affected in Hampshire, Dorset, Worcestershire, Cornwall, County Durham and Surrey.
And vets are still unsure about the exact cause of the disease.
David Walker, head of medicine at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Winchester, Hampshire, has looked at some of the cases.
He told Sky News: "We have a much better understanding of what is going on, but we don't know what the underlying trigger is.
"The message we are trying to get out there is for dog owners to remain vigilant."
KILLER: Most cases have been found in the New Forest areaExperts have said it is likely that the syndrome is extremely rare and will only affect a small proportion of pets.
But others are still asking owners to take precautions.
British Veterinary Association President Robin Hargreaves said: "Dog owners in these regions will feel understandably anxious about the recent cases but it seems that only a very small proportion of the dogs walked in these areas each day have been affected.
"Owners should make sure they are aware of the signs and symptoms and contact their vet immediately if they have any concerns. We are keeping our members informed about the ongoing situation."
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