VETS are sharing clinical notes of more dogs they suspect might have been killed by a mystery toxin in the Forest.

Specialists Anderson Moores in Winchester has appealed for anyone with information on similar cases to get in touch after a cluster of dogs died from acute kidney failure after being walked at Latchmore Brook, and one died after being walked at Moors Valley. Just two are known to have survived.

No more dogs have died since the outbreak, but vets are sending in historic cases where symptoms have been similar.

A renal expert from Texas is studying the blood of six dogs which are known to have been affected to try to track down what is suspected to be a soil – or water-borne toxin.

Dogs affected have developed tender and swollen paws or legs, which has turned to blisters and then, within about a week to ten days, kidney failure.

Many of the dogs have been taken to Anderson Moores after vets in Ringwood and Verwood recognised the symptoms.

David Walker from the clinic, a specialist in small animal internal medicine, said: “We have been contacted by a small number of vets with other possible cases and these vets are sending across clinical notes for us to review to see if they fit the same clinical picture.

“I am working with an epidemiologist at the Animal Health Trust to develop a questionnaire for local dog owners to fill in to get more information on walking habits of dogs in Hampshire. There will be a link to this questionnaire from our website by the middle of next week.

“I have contacted Texas today to see how they are getting on with the samples and would anticipate some news early next week. The likelihood is that the act of looking at the tissue under the microscope will unfortunately not provide the exact cause.

“There is lots of testing going on and everybody is working as quickly as possible but these tests take time.

“We are continuing to liaise with the forestry commission and environment agency.”