

What is Alabama Rot
Alabama rot, also known as CRGV (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy), is a very rare, potentially life-threatening disease that blocks and damages the blood vessels in a dog’s skin and kidneys. Affected dogs often develop ulcers or sores (usually on the bottom part of their legs) and generally go on to develop kidney failure, which is often fatal.
Not clear yet, but wet and muddy conditions may somehow be linked to what causes this condition. Many of the dogs that died from Alabama rot had been walking in muddy woodland areas during winter and spring months just before becoming ill.
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published January 2025 | This advice is for UK pets only


What are the symptoms of Alabama Rot
Marks, sores or ulcers on the skin: appearing as an area of redness, usually on the legs or paws, or could look like a cut, bruise, sting or open sore. These signs could be caused by many different things, but in a small number of cases, this could be the first sign of Alabama rot. Kidney failure (vomiting, being hungry or tired): signs of kidney failure around three days after the marks on the skin, but can appear more quickly, or may sometimes take up to 10 days. Dogs usually become off their food, drink more, vomit, do not wee as much and are tired.
When to contact your vet
Alabama Rot is a rare disease, but it is always best to get your vet to check any sores or wounds especially if dogs have been walking in muddy areas where the disease is suspected and if your dog is very sick and showing signs of kidney failure.
Diagnosis
Your vet will examine the marks on your dog’s skin and may run some general blood and urine tests to see how well your dog’s kidneys are working. Also, may need to take a skin or kidney biopsy.
Treatment of Alabama Rot
Skin treatment: anti-inflammatory, painkillers and antibiotics if the wounds appear infected. Kidney disease: your dog will need to stay in the hospital as soon as possible for fluid drip and supportive medications.
Prevention of Alabama Rot
It is hard to give any preventative advice that has any scientific research to support it. Some people have suggested washing dogs after a walk, particularly their feet, and this seems like a reasonable precaution.
Outlook
If only the skin is affected and the symptoms are mild, the recovery should be good, but if the kidneys are involved, then the outlook is much poorer, with more chances of the disease sadly being fatal.
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