Fears of a potential outbreak of a rare and deadly disease affecting dogs have spread following social media posts.

Posts shared on Facebook, including by professional dog walkers, suggest that a dog took ill with Alabama rot after walking in Eglinton Country Park, Kilwinning and Irvine.

A dog training and walking business posted to warn members of its group on Friday (February 21).

The group posted: "Eglinton country park has been causing [chaos] with dogs' skin the past two weeks, no one seems to know what it is, some vets have said it's a skin infection others allergies.

"It could be the dreaded Alabama rot."

An update added: "I have just got the text to confirm that it is sadly Alabama rot."

The disease, otherwise known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), affects dogs by causing damage to the skin and kidney's blood vessels.

This can result in small blood clots forming causing blockages leading to damage of the affected tissue and visible ulceration on the skin.

When the kidney is affected this can lead to severe organ dysfunction and kidney failure.

The dog's owner wrote: "Totally devastated, I don’t want to panic people just wanted to warn.

"My heart is broke he’s only 8 months.

"Just wish I was more careful."

The dog has tragically passed away today.

Eglinton Country Park posted a notice today, acknowledging the warnings on social media but stating that the case has not been confirmed.

The statement read: "We are aware that there have been several posts, on a variety of social media sites, relating to a dog that has recently been walked in Eglinton Country Park which has sadly become unwell.

"The posts suggest that the dog may potentially have contracted a rare condition called Alabama Rot.

"At present, this has not been confirmed nor has Eglinton Country Park been listed as a site where a case has happened.

"We are in contact with the owner of the dog and will continue to liaise with them."

The park authorities urge dog owners to be vigilant and to contact your local vet if you are concerned.

Two cases of CRGV have been reported recently in Scotland, according to the The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh.