Alabama rot case suspected after dog walk in Delamere Forest

Victoria Eaton took her 12-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Noah, to the vet on Thursday, February 22, after he developed a limp following a woodland walk.

The 52-year-old, from Heswall, started her walk with Noah at Delamere train station and stuck to public footpaths just to the east of the B5152.

Not much is known about the cause of Alabama rot, but if left untreated, it can severely damage the blood vessels in dogs’ kidneys and skin.

Blood clots can form which block blood vessels and cause lesions, which can lead to organ failure.

Symptoms include unexplained ulceration, redness, sores or swelling to the skin, followed by appetite loss, vomiting, and lethargy.

Noah's vet, Richard Sanderson, was worried after learning where he'd been walking, as at least one other dog has died from the disease after visiting the forest.  

Noah's owner, Victoria Eaton, took him to the vet after he developed a limp (Image: Victoria Eaton)

Richard did some tests, including kidney function, but the results weren’t good.

Victoria, who's a midwife, said: “I’m devastated. Noah’s my absolute world. I only took him in with a limp.  

Noah is quite shy, and rarely wanders far from Victoria on their walks (Image: Victoria Eaton)

“He’s still in hospital and he’s not doing great. Alabama rot causes kidney failure, so they’re trying to get on top of that as a priority.

“He’s on fluids and antibiotics, which seems to be doing something. His white blood cell count is still very high, as is his blood pressure. He doesn’t cope well with separation.

“Richard’s ears pricked up a lot with regards to the Delamere side of things.

Alabama Rot can't be diagnosed until after a dog's death, but there is at least one confirmed case in a pet which spent time in Delamere Forest in 2021 (Image: Victoria Eaton)

“We weren’t even out very long, and Noah stayed quite close to me the whole time, but it was a wet day. There were lots of puddles.

“It’s very worrying as there has already been a confirmed cases of Alabama rot in a dog which spent time in Delamere Forest. Sadly, she died. 

“It seems to be more common in the south, but my vet on the Wirral has seen one or two cases.

“I just wish Forest England had put signs up. Delamere is very dog focused, and they know there have been cases in the past.

Victoria Eaton, Noah's owner, would like to see warning signs put up in Delamere Forest (Image: Victoria Eaton)

“With things like blue green algae, which is also dangerous for dogs, local authorities inform people, so they can take appropriate precautions.”

Leicester estate agent, Rebecca Fox, was heartbroken when she lost her lost her Cocker Spaniel, Millie, to Alabama rot after holidaying in Delamere Forest in May 2021.

Rebecca told Manchester Evening News Millie also developed a limp caused by lesions on her feet, which is a typical early symptom of the disease.

Mille then became very lethargic, and when Rebecca took her to the vet when they got home, tests confirmed her kidneys were failing.

She deteriorated severely over a number of days, and Rebecca took her vet’s advice to put Millie down on May 28.

A Forest England spokesman said: "We have been notified of a couple of cases of Alabama rot occurring in animals who have visited Delamere Forest as part of their exercise.

"Not much is known about the causes of this illness, so we aren't able to confirm whether it is due to something at Delamere Forest or take any specific action.

"We are sorry to hear about the pets affected. Many hundreds of dogs regularly come and enjoy the nation’s forests. 

"We recommend that owners take their dogs to a qualified local vet for examination and treatment if they are concerned about their health.

"And we would encourage all dog owners to check our webpage with helpful tips on how to have a safe and healthy visit with your dog."