THE BRITISH ISLES — Alabama rot, a fatal flesh gnawing skin disease, is claiming the lives of dogs all across the British Isles. <br /><br />According to Vets4Pets.com, many cases of Alabama Rot have been reported across the British Isles over the last several years. The disease is fatal to 9 out of 10 infected dogs.<br /><br />The cause remains unknown, but one commonality is that most reports come from dog owners who walk their pets in the countryside.<br /><br />British government information says the disease can present itself as skin lesions, ulcers and red patches of skin. In most cases, it eventually progresses to kidney failure.<br /><br />Dog owners are advised to avoid muddy forest areas and to clean their pet's paws and legs thoroughly after a walk.<br /><br />Thousands of UK dog owners walk their pets regularly in forests and only a small number of dogs are afflicted with Alabama Rot.
