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An Eastbourne dog owner said she wants to raise awareness about a ‘life-threatening’ illness which could kill your pet in hours if left untreated.

Laura Hutchins and Jonathan Kirby said they had to pay £6,000 after their dog, Marcus Barcus, was treated for bloat.

The couple said five-year-old Marcus, who is a rescue dog, is insured but only for accidents as he's not the sort of breed you'd expect to see bloat in.

A Blue Cross spokesperson said: “The life-threatening condition can kill a dog within hours without treatment

“It causes the stomach to distend and twist, cutting off the blood supply and filling it with air.

“It is rare, though, especially among breeds without a genetic predisposition to bloat.”

Blue Cross said the causes of bloat are still not really understood.

Eastbourne dog owner warns residents about ‘life-threatening’ illness which could kill in hours