Dog's death definitely down to flesh-eating disease

Mother Nicky Cornford had her worst fears confirmed yesterday when she received a call from specialists Anderson Moores to confirm her dog’s cause of death as the flesh-eating disease. She said: “Anderson Moores phoned and confirmed positive result from the post-mortem.” Nicky of Winter Knoll, Littlehampton, took her dog, Dash, for a walk in Patching Wood, but three days later she noticed a sore had developed on his stomach. After consulting Pets at Home in Rustington and specialists Anderson Moores, Nicky was given a verbal diagnosis of Alabama Rot, a rare disease which was first detected in the US in the 1980s. There are more than 60 confirmed cases in the UK since 2012, and Dash is the first to have died from the disease in West Sussex. Nicky said: “I just really want awareness to be out there and for his death not to be in vain, so other people can try and avoid it.” Symptoms of Alabama Rot include skin lesions on the stomach and paws, lack of appetite, tiredness and vomiting. Internal medical clinician at Anderson Moores, Laura Holm, said dog owners have been washing their dog’s paws after a walk, but there is no research to support that this is an effective prevention. In fact, it is still unknown what causes the horrific disease, which leads to kidney failure. When Nicky’s story broke yesterday, Wednesday February 25, there was an outpour of kind words from fellow dog owners. On Facebook, Sam Truscott, said: “Well done for being so brave Nicky Cornford and spreading the word. Lots of love to you all.” Melanie Stubbs said: “Such a sad story Nicky Cornford, still can’t believe you’ve all had to go through that! Well done for sharing! Hope by highlighting this awful disease, it will prevent it happening to anyone else’s poor dog! Lots of love.” You can see where cases of the disease have been reported on this map here Research into Alabama Rot is being carried out by the New Forest Dog Owners Group, but donations are needed. To help, click here To read the original story, click here Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage 2) Like our Facebook page 3) Follow us on Twitter 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! Always the first with your local news. Be part of it.