Police Scotland have announced a case of Alabama Rot in the Cumbernauld area, near Hawick.
A spokesperson from Police Scotland Dogs said: "Please do not panic. Contact your vet if you are worried about your furry friend."
What is Alabama Rot?
It first appeared in the UK in 2012 in southern England, but since then it has spread around the country, edging further north all the time.
Alabama rot is a disease that damages blood vessels in the skin and kidney. It causes blood to clot in the vessels which damages the lining and the delicate tissues of the kidneys.
Some veterinary experts theorize the disease is caused by a parasite, while others believe it is bacterial. It is more widely believed that Alabama rot is caused by toxins produced by E. coli but, as there has been no presence of E. coli in histological examination in UK cases, the disease is described there as suspected CRGV rather than Alabama rot per se.
The disease is characterized by cutaneous and sometimes renal changes with the latter frequently being ultimately fatal. Common symptoms of CRGV include, but are not limited to: Cutaneous lesions involving erythema; Fever; Lethargy or malaise; Anorexia; Vomiting or retching.
