Dog walkers should be on high alert after a vet confirmed an "Alabama Rot" case in a pet who had been in the Wimbledon and Putney Commons area.

In a statement posted on the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators website, dog owners are urged to be aware of the signs of the disease, Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), known as Alabama Rot.

The disease causes tiny blood clots to form in the blood vessels, which blocks them and can ultimately lead to damage of the affected tissue.

A case has been confirmed in a dog that had been out walking in Wimbledon and Putney Commons, though the vet on the case said the dog had been to other parks in the area.

It is not known if the Alabama Rot originated from the commons. 

A spokesman from Anderson Moores, the vet practice looking after the dog, said: "The cause at this time remains unknown but investigations are ongoing.

"Unfortunately, as the cause is currently unknown, it is very difficult to give specific advice about prevention. You may wish to consider bathing any area of your dog which becomes wet or muddy on a walk, however, at this stage we do not know if this is necessary or of any benefit."

Dog owners should look out for:

  • unexplained redness, sores or swellings anywhere on the body
  • unexplained lesions or wounds, particularly on lower limbs but also on the chest or in the mouth.
  • severe depression, loss of appetite and vomiting.