City Vets Exeter have confirmed that a case of Alabama Rot has caused the death of a dog in Budleigh Salterton.

They announced the news on social media: "We are saddened to announce that we have had a confirmed case of Alabama Rot or CRGV (Cutaneous Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy).

"The dog was from the Budleigh Salterton area and had been walked locally in various locations, making it impossible to pin point one area.

"At this sad time all our thoughts are with the family who have tragically lost their loved pet.

"Alabama Rot is fatal in 90% of cases.

"The disease often starts with areas of unexplained redness, swelling or sore patches, most commonly on feet, legs or muzzle.

"There are many other more common causes of these signs, such as bites, stings and injuries, but if your dog shows any of these signs, please contact us.

"The disease process can go on to affect the kidneys and cause kidney failure with a high probability of fatality. The disease affects all breeds, age and weight dogs.

"We still don't know what causes Alabama Rot and extensive investigations are ongoing.

"90% of confirmed cases have been during Winter and Spring.

"Cases of Alabama Rot have been confirmed in 43 different counties in the UK and we are not currently advising dog owners to avoid any particular locations.

"The majority of affected dogs have been walked in woodland, an environmental trigger is strongly suspected but has not been confirmed.

"Washing any area of your dog which becomes wet or muddy after a walk is a sensible precaution but it is unknown if this is necessary or of any benefit.

"Alabama Rot has not been seen in animals other than dogs and owners of dogs affected have not been affected by this illness."

If you suspect Alabama Rot contact a Veterinary Surgery immediately.