A mysterious yet deadly disease is threatening the lives of beloved dogs across London and Kent.

Cases of Alabama Rot - a skin disease causing fatal kidney failure - have quadrupled in the UK in just two years.

Now vets are warning pet owners to keep a close eye on their pets for early signs of the illness in a bid to offer potentially life-saving surgery to infected pooches.

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Alabama Rot affects all breeds of dog

The first symptom of the rot appears as a skin lesion or sore that isn’t caused by a known injury.

Huw Stacey, head of clinical services at Vets4Pets said: "Most commonly these sores are found below the elbow or knee and appear as a distinct swelling, a patch of red skin or are open and ulcer-like.

"If a dog becomes infected the best outcome will come from early and intensive veterinary care, which has resulted in some dogs successfully recovering."

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A lesion caused by Alabama Rot

The first cases of Alabama Rot appeared in greyhounds in America in the 1980s but the mysterious ailment - which has no known cause - has spread to at least 16 counties in England, including Kent and Greater London.

Vets have confirmed 46 cases in the UK since December 2013.

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An interactive guide to provide dog owners with information on the disease, including confirmed locations and tips on how to reduce the risk of dogs becoming infected has been launched by Vets4Pets in a bid to halt the spread to the illness.

Mr Stacey, added: "The concern among vets in the UK is that unlike the Alabama Rot that affected greyhounds in America, the disease in the UK does not seem to target any specific breed, age, sex or weight of dog.

"While there is currently no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease, our preventative methods might help put a stop to it in the UK.

"Any dog owners who think their pet has Alabama Rot symptoms should contact their nearest vet immediately."

For more information on Alabama Rot visit: vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot