THE majority of cases of the deadly dog disease Alabama Rot occur in the first three months of the year, research has found.

The disease, which has claimed the lives of 10 dogs in Dorset since 2012, is more prevalent in the winter months, with around 60 per cent of cases occurring between January and March, according to research by London’s Royal Veterinary College.

The cause of Alabama Rot – known as idiopathic cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) – is currently unknown, however research into the disease is being funded by the New Forest Dog Owners Group and charity Stop Alabama Rot.

Two dogs in Dorset have died from the disease this year alone.

Cocker Spaniel Maggie, from Bearwood, contracted Alabama Rot in March after being walked in Bearwood and the Canford Heath area.

Her owner, Cathy Moss, said she was “utterly heartbroken” and warned other dog owners to be vigilant.

Later that month, another dog died from the disease in Bournemouth. The dog had been walked in the Slades Farm and Talbot Woods area before it died.

David Walker, head of medicine at Hampshire vets Anderson Moores, told the Daily Echo at the time that an environmental trigger behind the disease was strongly suspected.

Alabama Rot causes damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidney. An early sign of the disease is unexplained redness, sores or swelling of the skin - particularly on the paws or legs - but they can also be found on the body, face, tongue or mouth.

The disease can go on to cause fatal kidney failure and signs include vomiting, reduced hunger and tiredness.

The fatality rate is high, with only 15-20 per cent of dogs surviving the disease.

The breeds which have been affected most include Labradors, English Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Whippets, Flatcoated Retrievers, Hungarian Vizlas, and Border Collies.

However, Mr Walker stressed any breed could be at risk.

Most cases of Alabama Rot have occurred in Hampshire, Dorset, and Greater Manchester.

Dr Kim Stevens, of the Royal Veterinary College, said current research, expected to be completed by the end of this year, would not identify the specific cause of the disease.

It will instead look for geographical patterns, as well as environmental and climatic risk factors.