Dog-owners are being warned to be vigilant following a widespread outbreak of the deadly disease Alabama Rot.
Vets4Pets has revealed Crewe is home to one of the latest confirmed cases and there are 11 within a 50 mile radius of the CH1 area.
In total the UK and Ireland has seen 94 confirmed cases since 2012.
The exact cause of Alabama Rot remains a mystery, but it affects all breeds and ages of dogs and can lead to sudden and potentially fatal kidney failure.
Warning signs
Symptoms include lesions - which can appear as a swelling or ulcer-like - skin sores commonly found below the elbow or knee.
Then within two to three days, the outward signs of kidney failure like vomiting, reduced hunger and unusual tiredness begin to show.
It's thought that dogs pick it up on their paws and legs on muddy walks, so it is advised to wash any woodland mud from your dogs.
Veterinary healthcare provider Vets4Pets is on a mission to spread the word among dog-owners so they're able to spot it early in their beloved pooches.
It has created an online tool so worried dog-owners can see how many confirmed cases of the illness there are in their area.
A spokesperson for Vets4Pets said: "We would advise owners to be vigilant and to seek advice from their local vet, if a dog develops unexplained skin lesions."
For help recognising some of the warning signs of Alabama Rot, and to check if there have been any cases in your local area, click here .
