When newlywed Kristen Dupree imagined her dream wedding to her love of five years, Duncan Dupree, she didn't know that their dog, Zeke, would be part of their big day in such a memorable way.

Dogs showing tell-tale skin sore signs of Alabama Rot (Image: Solent)Specialist vets confirmed the death was the 185th fatality since the disease was first record in the UK seven years ago.

Although an environmental trigger for this disease is possible, this has not been proven.” Map shows the east-west divide of Alabama Rot incidence (Image: Vets4Pets) Tell-tale skin lesion that is the first sign of Alabama Rot (Image: : Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists) Scientists believe the way the disease is evident during the winter months and centred on certain areas of the country will produce the vital evidence to help them establish its cause and also provide an eventual cure.

“As we come into the time of year when historically we have identified more cases of CRGV, we continue to advise owners to be vigilant and to seek advice from their local vet if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions/sores.

Dog owners have been warned to avoid walking their pets in muddy areas amid a rise in cases of a disease called Alabama rot. Alabama rot, otherwise known as CRBV, is a disease caused by damage to the blood vessels of the skin and kidneys, according to Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists.